Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews
  • Forum

10 Men’s Spring Style Essentials for 2016

March 14, 2016 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Essentials? Maybe not each and every one for each and every body. We’re not talking about Maslow’s hierarchy here. These pieces are more guidelines really. Guidelines that add up to a versatile, Vernal-Equinox-y friendly wardrobe. And while many of us prefer autumn to spring, spring is still a good time to reboot and refresh your look. Ten items follow that are good to have one, if not multiples of, on hand once the temperatures start to crack that super-comfortable realm. Assorted specific picks are added below as well. Enjoy the weather.

 

Leather or Suede Sneakers

Gustin Italian Made ""Sienna" Lowtops, part of 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • Gustin Italian Made “”Sienna” Lowtops – $154
  • Brooks Brothers Suede Sneakers – $98.00
  • Todd Snyder + PF Flyers Rambler Hi – $149
  • Billy Reid K-Swiss Arlington – $79.50 FINAL ($175)
  • Puma Suede S – $30 – $40ish

Think classic court shapes and designs, only cut from leather or suede instead of canvas. The critics would say that sneakers + leather = something close to the “athle-leisure” shoes of the late 90s/early 2000s… but for whatever reason, if the shape is a familiar classic? It seems to work.

 

The Light, Striped Sweater

The Light, Striped Sweater | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • J. Crew Cotton/Cashmere Striped Crew – $52.12 w/ SHOPMORE ($69.50)
  • Banana Republic Striped Cotton Shawl Collar Cardigan – $84 w/ BRCFIT ($140)
  • Lands’ End Cashmere Crew – $199 (but wait for a sale) 
  • J.C.F. Cotton Striped Crew – $34.50

Crewneck, v-neck, or cardigan. Doesn’t matter. But stripes on a lighter base look right at home, and quite good, when winter starts to turn to spring. They’re athletic looking. Basic but still interesting. And with that lighter shade base (think white or an off-white) they’ll fit right in once the sun starts to shine. Always good to have an extra layer on hand during this unpredictable, transition between seasons.

 

A Simple, Lightweight, Mac Jacket

A Simple, Lightweight, Mac Jacket | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • J. Crew Water Repellent Bonded Mac – $248.00
  • Old Navy 97% Cotton / 3% Spandex Mac – $41.96 discount at checkout ($69.94)
  • Tommy Hilfiger Cotton/Nylon Mac – $90.63
  • Suitsupply Navy Raincoat – $499

Full blown trenches are great and all, but a simple mac will never go out of style. A mac usually hits around mid-thigh to knee, is single breasted instead of the double breasted look trench coats have, and can have some of the details of a trench (cuff tabs, maybe epaulets) but usually look much, much less busy. No belt on a mac either. Look for options that are mainly cotton with perhaps some synthetic worked in for better water resistance.

 

Chinos in a cool shade of green, blue, etc…

Chinos in a cool shade of green, blue, etc... | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • Old Navy Ultimate Slim Built-in Flex Khakis – $22.16 discount at checkout ($36.94)
  • Lands’ End Straight Fit Lighthouse Chino – $49.00
  • JCF “Flex” Sutton Chino – $45.00
  • H&M Slim Fit Chinos – $29.99

Not pink or red or yellow. Think crisp greys and greens. Color, without the shouting. Sea-ish blues like slate and de-saturated turquoise and the “seascape” shade shown above on Old Navy’s Ultimate Slim-fit Built in Flex Khakis. 3% spandex in those for a little more stretch than you’d normally expect.

 

The Non-Graphic, Un-Plain T-shirt

The Non-Graphic, Un-Plain T-shirt | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • JCF Slim Fit Pieced Pocket Tee – $23.50
  • GAP Vintage Wash Rugby Stripe Shirt – $24.95
  • JCF Slim Fit Surf-Stripe Tee – $23.50
  • Todd Snyder Made in Canada Striped Tee – $38 FINAL ($145… Seriously? $145?)

Just because you’re dressed way down doesn’t mean you can’t inject a little intentional style. Skip the kitschy graphic tees, and go with something simple but still interesting. Think bold stripes, a contrast pocket, etc.

 

The Slightly Different, Not-So-Plain Polo

The Slightly Different, Not-So-Plain Polo | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • Banana Republic Tipped Luxe-Touch Polos – $29.70 w/ BRCFIT ($49.50)
  • UNIQLO Button Down Dry-Fabric Striped Polo – $19.90 ($24.90)
  • Kent Wang Striped Spread Collar Polo – $65.00
  • H&M Contrast Collar Fine Striped Polo – $12.99

This isn’t a shot against solid polos. Far from it. But consider adding to your collection a polo that’s just a little bit different. Maybe some retro-inspired piping along the collar and sleeves. Or a button down, or shirt fabric collar. Maybe a symmetrical, yet somewhat unexpected pattern.

 

A decent umbrella with good coverage

A decent umbrella with good coverage | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • Totes Blue Line Wooden Stick Umbrella – $15.00 (seen above)
  • Atree Auto Open J Handle 16 Rib Umbrella – $29.99
  • Barbour Tartan Umbrella – $69.00 (or just get the Totes for fifteen fellas)

For whatever reason, there seems to be a direct correlation between male age and male umbrella use. As in, the older you get, the more you appreciate a good umbrella. Some kids (and bros) refuse to use an umbrella. Can’t figure out why. Hoods are fine and compact and all, but an umbrella can protect your shoes, your briefcase… your date. Look for something with reasonable canopy coverage, and a hooked handle comes in real handy when you’re headed into tight spaces (you can easily hang it over your forearm on a subway, or, in a crowded elevator).

 

The Light in Weight, and Color, Sportcoat

The Light in Weight, and Color, Sportcoat | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • J. Crew Summerweight Ludlow in Cotton/Linen – $168
  • Club Monaco “Grant” Lightweight Shell Blazer – $298
  • Bonobos Unconstructed Wool Blazer – $398
  • UNIQLO Stretch Wool Blazer – $129.90 (full review here) 
  • J. Crew Factory Unconstructed Linen/Cotton Horiz. Striped Blazer – $124.50

And yes, you can wear one of these now with jeans. NORTHERN LIGHTS PEOPLE! Embrace it. It’s still early on in the season, so there’s not a ton of these available for purchase… but… if you’ve got one stored away from last year? Now’s the time to get it back out and start wearing it again.

 

Sleek Penny Loafers

Sleek Penny Loafers | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • Banana Republic “Paul” Penny Loafer – $88.80 w/ BRCFIT ($148)
  • Jack Erwin Ellis – $195
  • J. Crew Kenton Suede Penny Loafer – $148.50 w/ SHOPMORE ($198)
  • J & M 1850 ‘Allred’ Penny Loafer – $129.90

Clunky Weejuns are classic, but a little aerodynamics goes a long way. That sleekness makes them look younger, as well as helps the humble penny loafer become incredibly versatile.

 

Sunglasses that are easy to dress up or down

Sunglasses that are easy to dress up or down | 10 Men's Spring Style Essentials for 2016 on Dappered.com

  • AO Original Pilot – $50ish
  • Ray-Ban New Wayfarer – $80 – $100
  • Carrera 55mm Aviators – $139.00
  • Brooks Brothers Navigator – $95.00
  • Cole Haan Navigator – $19.97

Sunglasses are a little like shoes. Too clunky, and they won’t look right dressed up with, say, a suit. Super sleek? They’ll look out of place with shorts and a t-shirt. So the key to maximum versatility, is to find something that walks that line between sporty and formal, laid back and uber-sharp. The AO Original Pilot is a classic, USA Made example of this. They’re a metal frame aviator, but they still look good dressed way down. On the acetate side, try Ray Ban’s “new” wayfarer. It’s not as clunky as the classic, and works in all situations.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Steal Alert: The new Clarks Bushacre 3 for under $40

Steal Alert: The new Clarks Bushacre 3 for under $40

Brown or gray leather. $39.60.

The Weekend Reset: Asparagus, Books, and Crime Drama

The Weekend Reset: Asparagus, Books, and Crime Drama

Plus: Oscar Movies!

Cheap Tech Pants, Target’s Furniture Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Cheap Tech Pants, Target’s Furniture Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Sweats, suits, and flat pack furniture. This handful has more range than Mariah Carey.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Cheap Tech Pants, Target’s Furniture Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Goodfellow Spring 2021 Roundup Header In Review: Target’s Goodfellow & Co. Spring/Summer 2021 Roundup
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – $225 Super 120s wool Tuxes, New Shoes, & More
  • Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 50% off Sale Items Blowout (but VERY limited stock)
  • The Best in Affordable Style from the Month that Was – March 2021
  • Steal Alert and in Review: J. Crew’s new Suede boots in Navy or Snuff for $85 ($278)

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • Persol 714
  • Spier and Mackay Sweatshirts for 2021
  • Tuxedo
  • How do you dress when doing yard work?
  • Looking for Military/Field Shirt

Copyright © 2021 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.