John Mayer Channeled Young Eric Clapton in a Breezy Summer Blazer

Two stylish guitar gods for the price of one.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 22: John Mayer attends the Third Annual Social Impact Summit at DGA Theatre on July 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)Axelle/Bauer-GriffinJohn Mayer has long been one of the most stylish musicians on the planet, with a singular eye for freaky graphic hoodies, sublime Japanese workwear, and outrageously rare timepieces. But when he stepped out earlier this week in Los Angeles, the 48-year-old seemed to be channeling the distinctive style of a different guitar god: Eric Clapton.Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesWhile attending The Hollywood Reporter’s Social Impact Summit, where he was honored with the Philanthropist of the Year award for his work with the Heart and Armor Foundation, Mayer sported a lightweight cream blazer. While ivory tailoring is about as prototypically summery as it gets, the “Gravity” singer’s version was especially elite: it was a spin on Loro Piana’s signature Sweater Jacket, with a soft, knitwear-like silhouette cut from a blend of breezy linen and ultrafine wool. Pulled over a dark taupe button-up with a narrow spread collar, it called to mind the rakishness of ’80s-era Clapton, who favored louche jackets and contrasting shirts while shredding on stage.Clapton shredding in a breezy blazer in 1986… Michael Putland/Getty Images…and again in 1990. Suzie Gibbons/Getty ImagesThe outfit’s lower half grounded the laidback jacket in familiar Western staples: Mayer paired his faded light-wash jeans with some standout boots from Ralph Lauren’s rugged RRL label. With their stacked leather heels and almond-shaped toes, they split the difference between a traditional cowboy boot and a sleek Chelsea. As always, strong accessories finished the look: retro-inspired Lemtosh frames from Moscot and, because no Mayer outfit is complete without a big-time watch, a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time on his wrist.Mayer knows how to read the room. It would’ve been a showy swerve to roll up in one of his richly dyed kimonos and Visvim sandals, but he instead chose something more formal without sacrificing any of his personality. That’s what made this outfit sing. It respected the occasion without abandoning the style he’s spent years refining—and paid a sly nod to a fellow fashion-obsessed music legend in the process.RRLPlainview Roughout Suede BootTyler Watamanuk is a contributing writer for GQ. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, and Highsnobiety, among other publications. His first book, Bigger Than Fashion, is forthcoming from Simon & Schuster. ... Read More