With a largely female audience, we do love talking about women’s fashion. However, from time to time, we like to turn the spotlight back to the guys, shedding some much needed light on what they should (and shouldn’t) be wearing. With Steeplechase, Mother’s Day and the bevy of May events coming up, we thought it was high time to call in the experts for some scoop on exactly what digs guys need to pick up for the season. Today, Chris Levy of Oak Hall Nashville, Eric Viars at The Oxford Shop, Klane Mapels of Flip Men’s and Wardrobe Consultant Rebecca Thompson are here to help you help him get spring style ready.
What is the most important thing a guy can have on hand for his spring wardrobe?
Sport coat
Expert: Chris Levy, Oak Hall Nashville
“You’ve got to have a lightweight, unstructured and unlined sport coat for spring. Brands like Eleventy and LBM do this the best. Be bold, and choose a subtle pattern in this style! Also, a great lightweight five-pocket pant like an AG Graduate fit will keep you cool and comfortable all season long.”
Expert: Eric Viars, The Oxford Shop
“Spring calls for lightening up on fabrics all around but especially in a sport coat or suit. Pick jackets that are softer in the shoulder, not fully lined and contain some linen in the blend. A 50% wool, 30% silk, 20% linen blend, for instance, is perfect for breathability and give any guy a lighter, less winter-weary look.”
Expert: Klane Mapels, Flip Men’s
“A great cotton or linen deconstructed sport coat in a neutral or blue tone color goes a long way during the spring months.”
Chino pants
Expert: Rebecca Thompson, Wardrobe Consultant
“If I had to choose one thing to suggest for a guy to have on hand for his spring wardrobe it would be a nice-fitting pair of chino pants. Fit is everything! A slimmer fit has been trending for men for several years, and the new fabrics that are used in many jeans and chinos give a man the slim, trim look while still being comfortable. The right pants can be dressed up or worn with leather sandals.”
What are your spring staples for 2017?
Something blue
Expert: Chris Levy, Oak Hall Nashville
“THE must-have item is anything in a high blue — such as a suit or sport coat.”
Expert: Eric Viars, The Oxford Shop
“Pinks and blues are big this spring. And every guy should have a really good pair of white jeans. Wear them with a lighter, casual Friday shoe, like the Peter Millar Summertime Sneaker.” Also, we’re excited to carry the new Peter Millar sunglasses that are 100% handmade in Italy. Our first order sold out in days, and we’re getting more in stat.”
Expert: Rebecca Thompson, Wardrobe Consultant
“A spring staple is a nice fitting sports jacket. Bright blue jackets rather than the traditional navy sports jackets are a nice spring look. There are also a lot of checked sports jackets that can be paired with multiple pants or jeans and a tee or dress shirt.”
Smart shoes
Expert: Klane Mapels, Flip Men’s
“A smart casual shoe for sure. We’ve seen the return of the canvas lace up and like it in white, grey or navy. Also, white, trim-fit jeans are popping up everywhere this year.”
How can men add a springy touch to everyday attire?
Lighten up your bottoms
Expert: Chris Levy, Oak Hall
“We recommend adding a lighter color or weight bottom. The heat regulating Brax pant, made of kapok and Pima is a favorite of ours to spring up a wardrobe.”
Wear linen
Expert: Eric Viars, The Oxford Shop
“Anything in linen, but especially a long-sleeved linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, is a great look. A linen pocket square trimmed in a spring color is always a great way to add pizzazz and spring flair. Lighter, brighter and even loud socks are a dynamic way to show you’re not a cookie-cutter sort of guy. We’re encouraging men to wear socks that make a statement. Lavender or red with blue pinstripes? Go for it.”
Expert: Klane Mapels, Flip Men’s
“A fantastic linen shirt in rich colors by Gianetto or Bruli, depending on body type.”
Add color
Expert: Rebecca Thompson, Wardrobe Consultant
“A great way to add a spring touch to everyday men’s attire is to add color. The color should look good on his complexion. It can be aubergine if that works with his skin tone. If you like brighter colors and that works with his complexion and personality, go for it.”
What is the most common mistake men make when dressing for spring?
Short sleeves and a tie
Expert: Chris Levy, Oak Hall
“Two common mistakes really stand out: a short sleeve dress shirt with suit and tie is a no-no. That look is only meant for casual sportswear. The other is wearing a fall heavy weight sport coat with spring shirt and pant.”
Tucking, when you should go untucked
Expert: Eric Viars, The Oxford Shop
“Tucking in shirts that are meant to be untucked is a sure way to put on 20 pounds. Just make sure the shirt is not too full cut or too long, and be sure to take any tags off around the edge.”
Wearing the wrong size
Expert: Rebecca Thompson, Wardrobe Consultant
“The most common mistake men make when dressing for spring is wearing ill-fitting clothes. Remember guys, you can have a trim look and comfort. Sizes are different from manufacturer to manufacturer and from different pants within the same line, so be willing to try different sizes rather than purchasing the same one you’ve always worn. If a man is purchasing a suit, it’s important to be measured to ensure the right fit.”
Expert: Klane Mapels, Flip Men’s
“Fit, fit fit. Too lose looks sloppy and adds weight. And please, no flip flops. They don’t belong in public!”