Capsule Wardrobe Additions: SS14

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Introduction

A few months backs, FashionBeans hand-picked a selection of pieces for autumn/winter 2013 that would make a great addition to any capsule wardrobe, keeping the total cost under three distinct price points. The idea was to demonstrate how easy it is to reinvent and revitalise your style for a new season with just a few key items. It also proved that you don’t need to have a celebrity’s bank balance to be considered stylish. As with most things in life, we all have to work within a budget. Of course, some budgets are bigger than others but no matter how much money you have to spend, it’s all about making sure you buy the best that you can afford while considering quality, construction and, above all else, fit. Today we turn our attention to the upcoming spring/summer season and identify some pieces that would make a superb addition to your warm-weather capsule wardrobe. We’ll start with items that every guy should consider adding for SS14, working our way through to ‘non-essentials’ such as statement garments, trend-led styles or accessories that will help individualise your look. However, the following advice assumes that you already have a good foundation to build on – i.e. a nice collection of classic, simple and versatile basics that can be relied on all year round. If not, then check out our article on The Ultimate Streamlined Capsule Wardrobe. It lists all the pieces a guy should own and – thanks largely to great brands like Uniqlo, ASOS and HE by Mango – building a respectable wardrobe has never been as simple or as cheap. So let’s get to it then…

The £300 Budget

A typical budget for most students or young professionals, as well as those who have other priorities that come first: rent, bills, children etc. When confined to a modest budget such as this, it’s important to prioritise value for money and concentrate on versatility and practicality.

Suede Shoes

Now that the weather is beginning to pick up and the chance of rain is becoming less and less, it’s time to start breaking out the suede footwear. It doesn’t matter what design you end up adding to your wardrobe this season, just make sure it’s suede. Penny loafers, double monk-straps, Derbies, brogues, Chelsea boots – they’re all fair game. Choose the silhouette that best represents your personal style and matches your current wardrobe. Opt for a pair in a rich chocolate brown hue and they can be combined easily with everything you already own, from grey suit trousers to khaki tailored shorts.

Our Pick

Selected Homme Melvin Suede Chelsea Boots, priced £95:

Selected Homme Melvin Suede Chelsea Boots

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Brown Suede Shoes Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

he by mango spring 2013 gant ss14 jaeger ss13 digel ss13 h&m casual sundays he by mango ss13
Key Styles (<£100)
  • John Lewis Lloyd Suede Penny LoafersJohn Lewis Lloyd Suede Penny Loafers
  • Dune Belsit Suede Derby Shoes TaupeDune Belsit Suede Derby Shoes Taupe
  • Selected Homme Suede Driving ShoesSelected Homme Suede Driving Shoes
  • River Island Brown Suede Wingtip BroguesRiver Island Brown Suede Wingtip Brogues
  • Asos Chelsea Boots In SuedeAsos Chelsea Boots In Suede
  • Topman Brown Suede Tassle LoafersTopman Brown Suede Tassle Loafers
A Pair Of Grey Jeans

Nothing says summer is around the corner quite like a pair of medium grey jeans. It’s time to say goodbye to shades of indigo and black – these will become your new go-to wash this spring. Not only does grey go with every colour under the sun, allowing them to seamlessly slot into your existing wardrobe, but they will also give any of your current looks a twist and edge. Whether you pair them with an Oxford shirt and blazer or a t-shirt and leather jacket, these jeans can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.

Our Pick

Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Jeans, priced £80:

511™ Slim Fit Jeans

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Grey Jeans Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

boomerang aw12 he by mango spring 2013 reiss he by mango ss14 he by mango winter 2013 allsaints ss13
Key Styles (<£80)
  • Farah Vintage Slim JeanFarah Vintage Slim Jean
  • 55dsl Pyrons Jeans Skinny Fit Grey Wash55dsl Pyrons Jeans Skinny Fit Grey Wash
  • Levis Line 8 511 Slim Jeans In GreyLevis Line 8 511 Slim Jeans In Grey
  • Ss14 Tapered Leg Rinse Washed Grey JeanSs14 Tapered Leg Rinse Washed Grey Jean
  • He By Mango Super Slim-fit Grey Patrick JeansHe By Mango Super Slim-fit Grey Patrick Jeans
  • Uniqlo Men Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans+aUniqlo Men Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans+a
A Breton Stripe Top/Jumper

Stripes will always be associated with spring and warm weather, and a long sleeve Breton top is the epitome of Riviera chic. Worn by everyone from James Dean to Picasso, a traditional white and navy striped version is a timeless classic that works just as well on its own with jeans and a jacket as it does layered over a shirt with some tailored trousers. Arguably more versatile than its popular t-shirt counterpart, this is a year-round piece that you will continue to layer with well into autumn.

Our Pick

Hammond & Co Designer Off White Jansen Breton Crew, priced £30:

Hammond & Co Designer Off White Jansen Breton Crew

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Long Sleeve Breton Tops Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

jigsaw ss14 debenhams hammond & co ss14 j crew ss14 jaeger ss13 hartford ss14 Armand Basi ss13
Key Styles (<£40)
  • River Island Ecru Breton Stripe Crew Neck JumperRiver Island Ecru Breton Stripe Crew Neck Jumper
  • Breton Stripe JumperBreton Stripe Jumper
  • He By Mango Striped Cotton-blend SweaterHe By Mango Striped Cotton-blend Sweater
  • John Lewis Cotton Breton Stripe Crew Neck Jumper NavyJohn Lewis Cotton Breton Stripe Crew Neck Jumper Navy
  • River Island Navy Breton Stripe Crew Neck JumperRiver Island Navy Breton Stripe Crew Neck Jumper
  • Joules The Breton Striped Jersey Top cream/navyJoules The Breton Striped Jersey Top cream/navy
Indigo Chambray Shirt

Spring/summer is all about smart layering, especially here in the UK. One minute it can be cold and raining, the next it’s bright and sunny – this is where lightweight, removable layers come in handy. A chambray shirt is a versatile piece that will replace your heavyweight denim versions during the warmer months of the year. It can be dressed up with a tie and blazer to bring a bit more texture and warmth to a formal look, or used as a standalone top layer that remains breathable when the temperature rises. Try using it under your striped Breton jumper and with a pair of slim-cut chinos/shorts this season.

Our Pick

J Crew Indigo Japanese Chambray Shirt, priced £90:

J Crew Indigo Japanese Chambray Shirt

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Chambray Shirt Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

pepe jeans ss14 he by mango september 2012 he by mango November 2012 j crew pre aw13 minimum express 2012 todd snyder ss14
Key Styles (<£90)
  • Ymc Chambray ShirtYmc Chambray Shirt
  • Gant Rugger Chambray ShirtGant Rugger Chambray Shirt
  • Topman Blue Chambray ShirtTopman Blue Chambray Shirt
  • Uniqlo Men Chambray Long Sleeve ShirtUniqlo Men Chambray Long Sleeve Shirt
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Chambray ShirtHe By Mango Slim-fit Chambray Shirt
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Chambray ShirtHe By Mango Slim-fit Chambray Shirt
The £500 Budget

Another couple of hundred to spend? Well, now we can start to look at more luxurious statement pieces that will become a signature of your personal style – yet still retain a sense of timelessness.

A Beige Sports Coat/Blazer

It’s important to have one jacket each season that you can rely on to get you through even the most difficult of sartorial situations. Sure, you could always turn to your trusty navy blazer, but that’s likely to have done some serious miles already and it’s always nice to mix things up a bit. Why not invest in a beige blazer? It looks great when paired with navy chinos and a crisp white dress shirt and will instantly breathe new life into any tried and tested jeans and t-shirt combination.

Our Pick

Massimo Dutti Dyed Ramie Cotton Blazer, priced £99.95:

Massimo Dutti Dyed Ramie Cotton Blazer

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's BEige Sports Coats/Blazers Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

lbm 1911 ss12 massimo dutti march 2014 massimo dutti nyc 5th avenue ss13 unknown asos ss14 gant ss13
Key Styles (<£100)
  • Asos Slim Fit Blazer In CottonAsos Slim Fit Blazer In Cotton
  • Zara Double Sided PiquÉ Blazer With Elbow PatchesZara Double Sided PiquÉ Blazer With Elbow Patches
  • Pull & Bear Basic BlazerPull & Bear Basic Blazer
  • Asos Slim Fit Blazer In DonegalAsos Slim Fit Blazer In Donegal
  • Austin Reed Taupe Patch Pocket Washed Canvas BlazerAustin Reed Taupe Patch Pocket Washed Canvas Blazer
  • Cotton JacketCotton Jacket
Pink Chinos

Or a new pair of chinos in any appropriately fresh summer colour such as yellow, mint green or French blue. We’ve suggest pink because it’s a key colour trend for SS14 and really pops against navy and grey, which should already play a major role in your wardrobe.

Our Pick

J.Crew Broken In Regular-Fit Cotton Chinos, priced £75:

J.Crew Broken In Regular-Fit Cotton Chinos

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Pink Chinos Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

he by mango summer 2013 el burgues ss13 avva ss14 m&s ss13 paul & joe ss13 ted baker ss13
Key Styles (<£75)
  • Gap Lived-in Slim KhakiGap Lived-in Slim Khaki
  • Asos Skinny ChinosAsos Skinny Chinos
  • Pull & Bear Chinos Style TrousersPull & Bear Chinos Style Trousers
  • Teddy Smith Chinos – PinkTeddy Smith Chinos - Pink
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Textured ChinosHe By Mango Slim-fit Textured Chinos
  • Mens Pleat Front Trouser Soft PinkMens Pleat Front Trouser Soft Pink
The £750 budget

Once you move up into this bracket, it’s time to start investing in items that will help to individualise your looks. And the most effective way of doing this is with accessories. This really is where the fun begins. Don’t be afraid to go for more trend-led pieces as they can be used to subtly reference the SS14 runway influences you like without having to go all out and buy a camo three-piece suit. Start with a pair of well-made sunglasses in preparation for when the sun finally peaks its head out from behind the clouds. I personally prefer all-black Persols, à la Steve McQueen, but so long as you bear in mind your face shape there’s no reason you can’t opt for one of SS14’s five key frame styles. Next, look for a good lightweight scarf that can be used to add a little warmth and texture when required. You can get some really beautiful cotton-silk blends that pair well with everything from t-shirts to suits. As this is an accent, consider an on trend floral pattern – not only does it mark you out as a confident man who is comfortable in his own skin, it’s a motif that goes hand-in-hand with the summer months. Why not add a paisley tie to your collection while you’re at it? A subtle lavender number looks great with a navy suit and light blue dress shirt. Finally, pick up some invisible socks and talcum powder. Trust us on the talcum powder – it will prolong your footwear’s life tenfold. Wear the invisible socks with your heavier shoes such as leather brogues, derbies and loafers, and keep the talcum powder ready for when you are wearing lightweight silhouettes like boat shoes, Jack Purcells or suede loafers. The powder helps prevent sweating once you have the shoes on, which will stop the material from absorbing the sweat, losing its shape and starting to stink:

  • Ted Baker Dotme Dot Pattern ScarfTed Baker Dotme Dot Pattern Scarf
  • Missoni Patterned Lightweight Cotton-blend ScarfMissoni Patterned Lightweight Cotton-blend Scarf
  • Dries Van Noten Floral Print ScarfDries Van Noten Floral Print Scarf
  • Persol Steve Mcqueen Folding Acetate SunglassesPersol Steve Mcqueen Folding Acetate Sunglasses
  • Ray-ban Original Wayfarer SunglassesRay-ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
  • Ray-ban Aviator SunglassesRay-ban Aviator Sunglasses
  • Falke Invisible Step Black SocksFalke Invisible Step Black Socks
  • Topman Grey Invisible SocksTopman Grey Invisible Socks
  • Imperial Leather Talcum Powder Original 300gImperial Leather Talcum Powder Original 300g
Final Word

So there you have it, three different price points and some great items to add to your wardrobe this coming season. But as always, we want to hear what you have to say. Make sure you leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below…

Similar Articles

TRENDING ARTICLES

TRENDING ARTICLES

Subscribe successfully!!