As seasons go, spring is a tricky one to navigate when it comes to men’s style. Whereas winter (cold, damp) and summer (usually dry) have some degree of certainty, trying to second-guess the next day’s weather during the spring months is akin to a lottery, which makes it something of a minefield.
But, whether it’s warm or cold, damp or dry, there are a number of spring style essentials that every well-dressed man should consider adding to his wardrobe. From inexpensive basics to the odd investment piece, the following 20 items will see you stylishly through the spring months and beyond.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - DENIM SHIRT
A denim shirt is a men’s style staple, whatever the season, but it really comes into its own in spring. It’s light enough to prevent you from feeling hot and stuffy, yet heavy enough to provide some handy insulation.
The trusty denim is also superbly versatile – ideal for a ‘Dress-down Friday’ but, when teamed with a tie, can also provide a contemporary take on smart-casual.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - CLASSIC OVERCOAT
Smart spring dressing invariably involves a classic overcoat. It’s not just resolutely stylish, but it’s also incredibly versatile, looking as good worn over a suit and it is teamed with a T-shirt, crew neck and jeans.
Whether worn buttoned closed or open, an overcoat is brilliantly functional, too. It’s light enough for the warmer weather yet will keep you warm and dry should the temperatures dip, making it the go-to outerwear for the contemporary man.
Colour-wise, you’ll not go far wrong with a grey, beige or navy overcoat, any of which will complement just about any outfit.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - NAVY BLAZER
Whether it’s autumn, winter, summer or spring, no seasonal wardrobe is complete without the navy blazer – the perfect piece of transitional clothing.
What is so refreshing and even enthralling about the traditional navy blazer is that it is so adaptable. For a garment so intrinsically old-fashioned, it comes up looking fresh in wool, cashmere, linen and all sorts of mixes.
Pick yours well and you’ll have a blazer that will bring you anywhere. It is, quite simply, a jacket that you can throw on with almost anything and immediately feel dressed – without being overdressed.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - GREY CREWNECK JUMPER
Versatile, timeless and relatively inexpensive, a classic cotton crewneck is the perfect item to have during all seasons. It’s also an indisputable menswear classic: as macho and essential as a pea coat and as reliable as a favourite pair of Chelsea boots.
The crewneck’s versatility makes it particularly suitable for the temperamental spring weather – thicker than a more costly cashmere jumper, but not as heavy as one in wool, it’s the ideal seasonal garment.
Look for a fine gauge sweater that will serve as the perfect in-between layer for when it’s not cold enough for a jacket but not warm enough for a solitary layer.
Grey might not sound the most enticing of colours, but it’s a brilliant bet for anyone looking for a crewneck that will complement just about every piece of clothing in your wardrobe.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - OXFORD SHIRT
Not strictly a spring style staple, but the trusty Oxford shirt makes it onto our list thanks to its timeless versatility. There are, truly, few pieces of clothing that will not work with a well-fitted Oxford.
While the soft cotton and the relaxed construction of the garment gives it a slightly casual feel, the addition of the collar ensures it’s not lacking in smartness. The result? It straddles the line between formal and informal perfectly.
Whether worn with jeans and under your new grey crewneck, or with a pressed suit for a sharp yet dressed-down business vibe, the Oxford is a sure-fire style winner.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - FLANNEL TROUSERS
The perfect bridge between casual and formal, flannel trousers are a stylish alternative to chinos and denims.
Working equally well with a crisp white shirt and a navy blazer as with your newly acquired crewneck sweater, or even a knitted polo T-shirt, flannel trousers are brilliantly adaptable.
While a heavier flannel fabric (19-24oz) is possibly too warm for spring, mid-range fabrics between 12-15oz are ideal for spring, providing a degree of insulation without feeling too warm.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - COTTON CHINOS
Perfect whatever the season, slim-fitting cotton chinos are a great trouser style for spring, thanks to their sturdy yet light construction.
A smart (yet not too smart) alternative to denim, chinos strike a stylish note between formal and casual and are one of the most versatile styles of trouser on the market.
Roll them up or cuff them for a preppy look to be worn with a fitted polo shirt or crewneck, pair them with your new cotton tee and bomber jacket for a trendy casual look, or team them with a smart shirt and tie for a relaxed yet formal office outfit. Navy or beige are the failsafe options, but feel free to experiment with punchier colours, such as olive green, burgundy or, for a really dapper look, rich red.
A suit is a menswear staple, regardless of the season. But if you’re going to treat yourself to a new suit this spring, it’s hard to beat a single-breasted, notch lapel, navy number.
The beauty of a navy suit is, as with many items on our list, its versatility: it’s dark enough for evening wear, yet still suitable for daytime, making it a brilliant all-rounder.
Its navy colouring is also hugely adaptable – it can look different in various lights, and will work well with a vast array of ties, whether bold or sober, knitted or silk. Rather handily, it also works well with Irish complexions, avoiding any risk of making the wearer appear washed-out.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - BLACK DERBY SHOES
For some sophisticated spring footwear, the classic Derby is your go-to style. Equally sharp at the base of a suit or a flannel trouser, it’s a timeless shoe that merits pride of place in any stylish man’s collection.
Although it may have a relatively hunky profile, the lack of visual bells and whistles gives the minimalist Derby a sleek contemporary look, while its unembellished front makes it more versatile than, say, a wingtip or Oxford. At a push, its elegant shape even means that it can even be worn with black-tie - so long as it’s polished to perfection.
SPRING STYLE ITEM - BOMBER JACKET
A timeless classic that has been sported by some of the best-dressed men over the decades — from Steve McQueen to, more recently, Mark Ronson and Drake, the bomber jacket makes a brilliant addition to any man’s wardrobe, whatever the season.
While it’s light enough to function as outerwear in summer (and on the warmer days in spring), a bomber is wonderfully versatile and can be used as a stylish layering piece during the spring – simply slip it under a heavier coat when the temperatures drop. It’s also flattering for just about every size and shape and comes in numerous options at all manner of price points.
For maximum versatility, look for a simple, slim-fit design, whether in cotton or a technical fabric, in a dark colour such as navy, grey or black.
