Theory

Summer's still in full swing, but work, alas, carries on. The silver lining? Our brand-new fall suits and office-approved separates, perfect for mixing and matching. Get a sneak peak of our fall styles above (the official launch is next week) and plot out a week's worth of style domination at your place of business. It may not be a bikini, but we think leather shorts and a stretch canvas blazer make for a pretty sweet two-piece.

Last week we spotted Jennifer Garner not once, not twice, but four times in just-released looks from our Pre-Fall collection. The striped Maria and Eamon tops are part of our jersey capsule, and the lightweight safari-inspired Marandel shirt is a holdover from our Spring line. Garner was in NYC shooting scenes for her upcoming film Arthur (with Katy Perry's betrothed, the hilarious Russell Brand) but spent a lot of face time with her beautiful brood.

It's downright sultry outside the Theory headquarters in NYC (94° today!), and we're pretty much solely focused on staying cool -- no small feat when just mentioning the humidity makes us break a sweat. Luckily our keep-cool plan is basically foolproof.

Step One: Slip into shorts, preferably teeny (guys, please use your discretion). Six of our favorite styles are above, many of which are part of our sweet summer sale.

Step Two: Treat yourself to a People's Pop. If you're not lucky enough to be neighbors with a high-end homemade popsicle stand, ice-cream will do in a pinch.

We're calling it now: Jersey is the new cotton. It's our favorite T-shirt material -- we love the subtle heft and satisfyingly crinkly feel -- and it has a sweet drape when used for a dress. We also like that it instantly makes everything a little bit more elegant, unlike those other Jersey girls (sorry Snooki).

Shop our Pre-Fall Jersey Capsule collection here.

...Dani Stahl! Congratulations to Nylon's Style Director for winning Theory's first-ever Style-Off. Stahl (she's in the hat, with fellow competitors Annabel Tollman and J. Errico) had stiff competition, but her summer-lovin' looks were the crowd (and Facebook favorite). The real winner, of course, is Stahl's, ahem, pet charity, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) of the Hamptons, to whom Theory is donating $2,500.

Thank you to everyone who voted and came out to the Hamptons for the big night. Go Team Stahl!

Show your favorite stylist some love. We pitted Fashion Insiders Annabel Tollman, Dani Stahl, and J. Errico against each other in an epic fashion battle for charity. The winner will be announced this weekend at Theory East Hampton, but you can vote now for your favorite tastemaker. Check out our facebook page to cast your vote and enter to win a $750 Theory shopping spree. May the best stylist win!

Our hands down most popular pant is the Ibbey C. Made from lightweight stretch cotton, it's cooler than a pair of jeans and just as versatile. Dress them up (white on white), take them out (add heels), or head upstate (pack gingham). Pair with a blazer while weather permits and -- voilà! -- your summer suit is ready to be put into heavy rotation. Can't decide which color to get? We recommend buying multiples.

Colorful tees, button-downs (in BBQ or boardroom varieties), and a skinny tie. Our understated menswear collection -- save for the occasional pair of statement-making lawn green pants -- is the ideal place to shop for any of the influential men in your life. Of course, this weekend would be a good time to focus on one in particular.

Oft maligned for their role in augmenting waistlines, horizontal stripes have long been a staple of "what not to wear" lists. We beg to differ. Breton stripe fever is high, and the lined look is primed to keep popping up to flattering effect all summer long. Above, we've got a few suggestions for making stripes work without adding extra inches...or making you look like a pirate.

Beach style does not stop and start with bikinis. In honor of the upcoming long weekend, we picked out our favorite beach cover-ups, for seashore babes from Montauk to Santa Monica. Happy Memorial Day!

1. Our cotton Maydie dress is like a super-lux, oversize sweatshirt. Perfect for sunsets and bonfires.

2. Slip in and slip out of a romper for an easy shopping-to-surfing segue. Try not to distract the lifeguards.

3. The classic cover-up: Buttoned-up or unbuttoned, nothing beats a thigh-skimming shirtdress.

4. Wear with flip-flops for day and heels (or grunge-glam boots) for night. A tee-shirt dress -- we like these cheeky stripes -- is perfect 24-7.

5. The ultimate steal? Something from his closet. Scoop up this relaxed henley; it's the perfect weight in breathable linen. Just be sure to share the suntan lotion.