Wearing Winter In Spring
The transitional period is a tricky time of year for lovers of fashion. We’re all itching to purchase new lightweight clothing and refresh our wardrobe for spring/summer but, in reality, the warm weather is still a couple of months away and it isn’t clear exactly what direction menswear will be headed. This is where the capsule wardrobe comes in. We talk a lot about the perfect capsule wardrobe here at FashionBeans – it’s seen as fashion’s Holy Grail. Consisting predominantly of classic, neutral pieces that will never fall out of style and can be mixed and matched for any occasion, a capsule wardrobe is the epitome of versatility. It’s a concept that appeals greatly to men who want to appear stylish and put together on a daily basis, without having to spend the earth or constantly revamp their personal style. After all, having two completely separate, seasonally-appropriate wardrobes is not practical in this day and age. In the real world, there isn’t enough money, time, space or opportunity. The everyday male must make the most of what he has got and this means using nigh on ALL his clothes, ALL year round. With this in mind, we are going to show you how to transition key elements of your winter wardrobe into spring…
The Importance Layering & Fabric Choice
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: layering is key. If you master layering – and more specifically, creative layering – then you are already half way to becoming a well dressed gent. Not only does layering allow you to quickly adjust to fluctuations in temperature or weather conditions, it also adds depth, texture and individuality to any outfit. There are numerous guides on layering on FashionBeans so we won’t go into too much detail here, but there is one key rule you need to remember: thin to thick. In other words, the pieces you layer together should get thicker/more heavyweight as you progress outwards. Closely linked to layering is correct fabric choice. During the winter months you’ve likely been combining the heaviest materials you own together, in order to combat sub-zero temperatures and historically bad weather conditions. But as we move into spring you should be considering adding lightweight and breathable fabrics such as pique cotton, tropical wools, chambray and linen to your wardrobe – allowing you to continue layering multiple pieces well into summer. Further Reading:
- Layering & Fabric Basics
- Mixing Textures
- Layering & Fabric Combinations
- Experimenting With Layering
- Creative Layering
- A Guide To: Winter Layering
Cropped Outerwear
As the weather starts to improve, your big winter coat will soon become impractical. Their durable and heavyweight nature, which protects you against the elements in winter, make them hot and stifling come spring, yet it is often still too cold to do away with outerwear altogether. Switching to a cropped silhouette is the answer. Combined with your winter-weight trousers, chunky knits and long-sleeved tops, these will keep you warm when you need it and cool when you don’t. Leather or denim jackets offer the perfect balance of hardwearing materials and lightweight protection. Able to be used all year round, they will slot seamlessly into both formal and casual outfits, so don’t be afraid to add a rock ‘n’ roll edge to your work wear by chucking your biker jacket over a shirt, tie and fine gauge knit. Likewise, suede bombers and varsity jackets are also extremely suited to this period and really come into their own when given a preppy twist with tailored trousers, loafers and 1950s-inspired polos and knitted tees. Particularly between April and May, a shining sun doesn’t always mean balmy temperatures, therefore layering is crucial. Wool trousers and chunky boots, cable knitwear and long sleeve Henley tops will help to toughen up any cropped jacket, making it far more practical if the temperature drops suddenly.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- Allsaints Kaqami Denim Jacket
- J.crew Rinsed Denim Jacket
- Religion Escape Denim Jacket
- Asos Leather Biker Jacket
- He By Mango Leather Biker Jacket
- Allsaints Langly Leather Bomber Jacket
- Asos Varsity Jacket
- Indigo & Maine Suede Leather Varsity Jacket
- Pull & Bear Baseball Jacket
- Topman Tan Suede Bomber Jacket
- Asos Suede Bomber Jacket
- Reiss Medway Classic Twill Chinos Grey
- Peter Werth Chino In Cotton Twill
The Winter Boot
As we transition into spring, your winter boots can be used to add balance to your looks. As soon as the sun comes out it can be very tempting to lose the socks, roll up the trousers and pull on the loafers, but a chill is often still in the air and you may quickly regret taking such a high summer approach to your ensemble. Of course, your outfits will become lighter as the temperature rises but winter boots help to keep everything in proportion by adding weight to your lower half. They also maintain a sense of rugged masculinity, helping counteract delicate, seasonally-appropriate materials such as linen, silk and fine cottons. Biker, brogue and dress boots are all considered choices – these three styles can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion, will not overpower your pared-back spring outfits and yet still make an effortless statement. In the interest of hygiene and shoe care you will want to stop wearing your boots as soon as the temperatures reach the mid-teens, but between now and then, go wild.
Lookbook Inspiration
Key Pieces
- River Island Brown Round Toe Low Boots
- Next Loake Brogue Boot
- Topman Black Leather Hi Boots
- Okeeffe Hand-polished Leather Boots
- Kg By Kurt Geiger Dodge Biker Boots
- Frank Wright Regis Leather Boots
- Allsaints Sigurd Boot
- Royal Republiq Brogue Boots
- Next Plain Heavy Boot
- Grenson Sharp Leather Brogue Boots
- Topman Dune Buckle Biker Boots
- River Island Brown Distressed Strap Biker Boots
Final Word
Our seasonal wardrobes are far more versatile than we first think and it seems a shame to spend each new season wishing for the next, just because we want to wear THAT chunky jumper/linen blazer again. So before you pack all your winter clothing away, consider how you can really make the most of what you already own and adapt key pieces for spring. But now it’s time to hear what you have to say. Have you got any top tips for transitioning your cold-weather wardrobe into the warmer months of the year? What pieces do you make use of all year round? Let us know in the comments section below… Will