IN SEASON: THE WHITE ALBUM

Every year I wonder when to break out the white bucks the first time. Something that declaratory doesn’t want to be marched out on the first nice day and then be re-stowed if winter returns for its cruel last gasp (as it usually does).

That’s why seasonal dressing is a delicate matter. It’s nice to wear something that suggests that you feel the same optimism as everybody else enjoying warmer, longer days. Of course, some people express this love so strongly it feels a little desperate. Others offer a challenge and wear white bucks year round which is a high-wire act few can pull off.

I still struggle with dressing for the calendar as opposed to dressing for conditions. At this point the seasons seem to stagger are all over the place, they don’t proceed in any logical way. So, yes, by all means, wear what makes sense for the day.

The only caution I’d offer is that you want to keep your beloved summer clothes on the near side of costume. That’s to say: beware the premature seersucker suit. You don't want to dress like you’re trying to change the weather. I have a cream linen sport coat that I am very much looking forward to wearing. But that doesn’t come out of hibernation until we’re well into the gelato season.

And that’s all right. Not everything has to happen the first day—it’s good to let things ripen on the vine. Then you can ease into summer well-armed with madras, linen, bucks and the rest on your own terms. That makes sense, because in the end summer is about ease and inevitability and taking a vacation from trying too hard.

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