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If you've cracked open an issue of GQ or read this website once or twice before today, you know that we're on board with the Breton or mariner-stripe shirt; a French classic that dates back to the 1800s. It comes in various forms—short- and long-sleeve, with or without drop shoulders, rendered in heavy or light cotton—that are unified by a standard navy-and-white stripe motif that looks sharp with just about anything in your closet. That includes not only dark jeans and smart trousers, but full-on suits too. This summer alone we've seen a host of celebrities pairing their Breton shirts with bright blue suits, and the effect is undeniably sharp. Danish-American actor Viggo Mortensen was the latest style legend to give the combo a test run, and before him Danel Radcliffe and Rami Malek both gave the look a spin.
In 2016, there are fewer and fewer reasons to go super-formal with your look, so knowing a few casual ways to wear a suit is key. You can continue to dress this particular combo down with a pair of streamlined sneakers, like Malek, or keep things polished with hard-bottom shoes like the other guys. Point is: Whether you're headed to the office or an al fresco dinner party, this look will do you so many favors. Just be sure to take full advantage now. While it wouldn't be a crime to wear this outfit on a chillier day, the nautical vibe is much more at home in warm weather.
Boglioli Stretch-Cotton Suit, $1,295, available at mrporter.com
Alex Mill Ocean T-Shirt, $75, available at mrporter.com
Suitsupply Washington Suit, $499, available at us.suitsupply.com
Nanamica Coolmax Jersey Tee, $85, available at endclothing.com
Canali Drop Line 8 Suit, $629 (Was $1,258), available at farfetch.com
MKI Long-Sleeve Striped Tee, $45, available at endclothing.com