Seersucker Accompaniments

As a reader reminded me, it may still be cold in much of the country but in just a couple of weeks Easter will mark the start of seersucker suit season in the southern United States. It's a uniquely American suit, and one that lends itself to pairings with other items that tend to be more common in the States than elsewhere, from white bucks to madras neckties. And, since it's spring, don't forget to wear color.

Around the foot, color can come from a pair of hoop striped hose, or even some polka dots. Accompany the socks with a pair of white bucks, or brown and white spectators if the occasion is a weekend or the race track. In a business setting, turn down the volume with a pair of light tan oxfords like the ones in the photo.

At the neck, seersucker is often seen with a bowtie, in either silk or madras. Madras four in hands work well, as do silk knits and polka dotted silks with spots just a bit smaller than a dime - this is no time for too much discretion.

I believe that a man's shirt should be lighter than his suit, so I pair my seersucker with white shirts, or pale pastels. Depending on the color of the suit, cream, pale blue, gray, pink, and peach shirts can all play very satisfactory roles.

And then there's trouser support, which should be striped in my opinion. Whether barathea braces or surcingle belt, a little more color never hurt seersucker.

Unfortunately, for most of us it will be several more weeks before the weather warrants seersucker accompaniments.