Spring isn’t always the easiest season to dress for. It’s that in-between time of the year, when the weather isn’t quite consistently hot enough to commit to a full summer wardrobe, but also not cold enough to layer up like you would in the middle of fall. In short, it can be frustrating – but there are a few staple pieces that make things a whole lot easier.
These are garments you can just throw on and forget about, such is their classic, timeless appeal. And best of all, most of them are interchangeable as they complement each other – think of them as your go-to spring capsule wardrobe. From overshirts to desert boots and button-down shirts to denim jackets, these are the spring style essentials every man needs.
Breton Top
More versatile than you might first imagine, a Breton top is no doubt a key spring piece. Ideal for channelling a slice of relaxed Riviera cool, they’ve been sported by numerous style icons throughout the decades, including the likes of James Dean and Cary Grant.
Originally designed for sailors, allegedly so they could be spotted easily if they fell overboard, the Breton tee is incredibly easy to wear and complements a range of looks, from casual through to something more tailored.
For a simple spring outfit, try combining one with a pair of navy chinos and canvas low tops for a look that is sharp yet relaxed.
Button-Through Polo
A button-through polo shirt is an ideal in-between piece, perfect for smartening up jeans or finishing off a pair of tailored trousers.
Popular in the 50s and 60s, button-through knits channel that vintage feel today, and can complete a throwback look consisting of selvedge denim and penny loafers.
They come available in a range of colours and patterns too, so if you are looking for a sophisticated way to spice up a look or make a subtle statement, they should go straight to the top of your list.
Overshirt
Once you start wearing overshirts there really is no going back. Not quite a shirt or jacket, they’re perfect for layering, wearing above a tee or polo or below something heavier if the weather takes a turn.
One of the overshirt’s best features though is its pockets, which, if you have an aversion to carrying a bag, will mean you never run out of space to store your everyday essentials.
With its utilitarian look, practical qualities and relative light weight, an overshirt is the spring staple you didn’t know you needed.
Suede Jacket
Unlike an overshirt, a suede jacket isn’t particularly practical. But, with its unique texture and the soft, tactile nature of suede, it’s arguably among the best spring jacket choices out there. Pick a suede bomber jacket in tan or navy and there is no style that better complements denim jeans and minimal trainers.
Combine the three and you’ve got a staple warm-weather outfit that’ll look as good now as it will in 20 years’ time. Just don’t wear the jacket when it’s raining.
Sweatshirt
A modern classic that first started out as a sporting garment, the sweatshirt is the ideal spring mid layer, being that it’s neither too light nor heavy.
Originating on the American football field, sweatshirts today are available in a myriad of colours, although the most versatile are navy, black and classic grey marl, which can give outfits a certain vintage appeal.
Try wearing one with black jeans and an olive green chore jacket or overshirt, and finish with vintage-style running shoes.
Denim Jacket
Few pieces say ‘spring’ as much as the denim jacket. The style was practically made for this transitional season, when it’s getting warmer but still isn’t quite full-on summer.
Jean jackets come in many forms, but the classic trucker is hard to beat with its cropped shape and twin chest pockets. They may have originated in the American west, but denim jackets have global appeal today, beloved as much for their classic preppy look as their durable fabric.
Wear it with chinos or drawstring trousers, a simple T-shirt and Derbies and you can’t go wrong.
Desert Boots
Perfectly bordering the smart casual divide, Desert boots are at once relaxed yet sharp. With their simple suede or leather uppers, mid-ankle cut and distinctive crepe soles, they wear well with jeans or chinos, but can even be dressed up with tailoring if required.
A brown pair might be the most versatile and easiest to wear, but don’t sleep on lighter colours such as stone, which add a welcome contrast to navy or green tones.
Carpenter Pants
Half way between combat trousers and smarter styles, carpenter pants were originally designed for those who worked with tools. Featuring small pockets at the thigh and a fabric loop on one side, they’re ideal for storing keys, wallets and day-to-day goods, regardless of whether your office is a workshop or not.
Wear them in the same way you would a pair of slim cargos pants: with similar pieces such as polos, denim shirts and chore jackets.
Button-Down Shirt
A smart casual wardrobe staple, the button-down shirt has long been the ideal choice for those wanting to dress well without being stuffy.
One of the more laid-back shirt styles around thanks to its soft Oxford cotton and distinctive button-down collar, this is a garment that works well open over a T-shirt and shorts, or untucked over jeans and loafers.
Light Wash Jeans
Speaking of jeans, a spring wardrobe isn’t really complete without them. We’d usually advise sticking to dark denim but the warmer months mean lighter washes are more seasonally appropriate.
Easy to wear with pastel shades as well as white and neutrals, pale jeans are perfect weekend accompaniments to bomber jackets, knitted polos, roll necks, canvas slip-ons… and virtually anything else you throw at them.
