Summer suits

With the mercury rising, you have a sartorial choice: do you stick with that black wool suit and slow cook to death, or break out into something lighter and brighter?

Let's face it, hot weather calls for suits made from light fabrics, such as cotton, linen or silk (or a mix of these). Pick a colour other than black. Opt for standard navy or go lighter like feather grey or khaki.

Ermenegildo Zegna has silk and cotton suits in refreshing light shades (right, HK$23,000), and while the colours are subtle, the cut says you mean business.

When it comes to the construction of the suit, go for unlined jackets. Men's suiting fabrics have become so technologically advanced that you no longer need padding and lining to retain the shape and fit. True, they may wrinkle a bit as the day progresses, but that's part of their appeal.

If Ermenegildo Zegna is a little bit out of your price range, Tcny, Ascot Chang's more affordable extension of its custom-made service, has several summer suits in wonderful light fabrics such as this khaki suit (far right, HK$4,800). It also gives you the option to choose a single or double-breasted jacket.

Since your clothes are lightening up, your shoes need to follow suit. For that you might consider Versace's beige leather loafers (HK$7,000). And, of course, no summer is complete without a pair of stylish sunnies like Tod's with woven leather arms (HK$4,900).