Easy Style Upgrades
It’s safe to say that spring has well and truly sprung here in the UK. And, in typical fashion, it happened without any of us really noticing, like the sneaky ninja season that it is. This sudden temperature change has left many sartorially-inclined men (myself included) underprepared. And, as is the case with most creative endeavours, timing is everything. Sure, you can always have a dig around in that suitcase you stored away labelled ‘Spring Stuff’ for those reliable classics: white jeans, Breton striped top, short sleeve madras shirts and cotton shorts. But is that enough? What’s a new season without a few new, key on trend pieces to spice up your warm-weather looks? Because, at the very heart of it, that’s exactly how a truly stylish man dresses. Yes, they follow emerging trends and styles. Yes, they keep track of the best and up-and-coming brands. But what they constantly have at their disposal is a wardrobe full of classic, simple and versatile staples that they know they can pair with all these seasonal additions. This allows them to pick and choose the trends that suit their personality and style best, incorporating them as much or as little as they like. For example, a lot of the current trend-based patterns don’t suit me when applied to larger items like tees, shirts or trousers. Instead, what I prefer to do is nod to these influences by using accessories such as pocket squares, ties and hats. Yet this is only possible due to the solid foundation of basics I already have. If my wardrobe only consisted of other trend-led pieces, it would be extremely hard to pull together any cohesive looks. So, that’s what I’d like you to bear in mind when reading through the list that follows. The obvious, timeless choices for spring/summer aren’t included because I’m assuming you already own them. If not, browse through FashionBeans‘ extensive archives and you’ll find all the pieces that should be in any capsule wardrobe. With that said, let’s break down five easy ways you can instantly boost your SS14 style…
1. Pay Attention To The Fine Print
This season, patterned shirts are going to be appearing everywhere and at every price point. My personal favourite will always be floral print but Hawaiian, stripes and other geometric patterns are having a moment too. Yet what makes SS14’s print selection so appealing is that they all come in a slightly reduced size/scale, adding a sense of texture and subtle point of interest to your look rather than an in your face brashness. Pair them with your solid suits and ties to add depth to your office attire and then simply lose the tie and the jacket, roll up the sleeves and you’re ready for the evening. Alternatively, if you are looking to upgrade your casual wardrobe, consider a short sleeve version, which looks just as good under unstructured tailoring or a bomber jacket as it does on its own with tailored shorts.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- Allsaints Aster Shirt
- He By Mango Slim-fit Floral Linen-blend Shirt
- Ted Baker Endurance Onshir Geo Printed Shirt
- Topman Selected Homme Print Long Sleeve Shirt
- Mp Di Massimo Piombo Slim-fit Printed Cotton Shirt
- Incotex Glanshirt Slim-fit Flower-print Cotton Shirt
- River Island Brown Holloway Road Geometric Print Shirt
- Reiss Sunset Relaxed-fit Trousers Mint
- He By Mango Slim-fit Textured Chinos
- Brioni Slim-fit Lightweight Jeans
- Patrizia Pepe Slim Fit Jeans – Yellow
- Topman Ice Wash Stretch Skinny Jeans
- Asos Skinny Fit Smart Trousers In Cotton Sateen
- He By Mango Slim-fit Premium Cotton Chinos
- Thom Sweeney Brook Slim-fit Cotton-twill Trousers
5. Perfect Plaid
Plaid is always big during the colder months of the year, but for so many different reasons. For example, it looks great on a thick flannel shirt or casual jacket and makes the perfect lining for any winter coat. However, in spring/summer a different kind of plaid takes over – it’s subtler and comes in cooler palettes like matte blue and grey. This season, much like last, is all about checked tailoring. Whether you opt for trousers, a waistcoat or blazer, if you don’t have a piece of formal plaid in your wardrobe then you’re missing out. This new lighter plaid is extremely versatile and looks just as good in the office as it does at a summer wedding. Just remember to keep the underpinnings as simple and straightforward as possible: navy chinos, white/blue Oxford shirts, grey sport coats, etc.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- Next Taupe Check Italian Linen Jacket
- Asos Slim Fit Waistcoat In Blue Dogstooth
- Topman Black And White Checked Waistcoat
- Topman Premium Grey Checked Skinny Suit Trousers
- Selected Suit Trousers In Check
- Topman Selected Homme Check Trousers
- Paul Smith London Slim-fit Slub Woven-silk Blazer
- Ted Baker Chekfin Checked Jacket
- River Island Blue Check Slim Suit Trousers
Final Word
So there you have it, my top five picks for boosting your warm-weather style this year. As always, I’m more interested in hearing what you have to say – is there anything that I’ve missed? What are your planned additions this season? Are pastel chinos just one preppy move too far on my part? Let me know in the comments section… Matt Allinson
