What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Yesterday we tackled those places that just aren’t quite to spring yet. Today is for those that are feeling spring’s early arrival. And this one is going to be relative to where you live. Sometimes, 60 degrees feels like paradise. Sometimes it’s 80. All depends on what sort of weather you’ve been living in this year. It can be tempting to go nuts with color on the first day it warms up, but if it’s nowhere near summer weather yet, brick red chinos and a white linen blazer is gonna look strange. Here’s one example of a look that invokes some color, while keeping the palate more cool than hot. Top Photo Credit: R. Donovan
The Sportcoat: J. Crew Summerweight Ludlow in Cotton/Linen – $168. Northern lights people. Come get some. Look, if a sportcoat just seems too dressed up for your style, the shirt alone (or, a white polo) would look great here too. But if you do like sportcoats? Than this new one from J. Crew is worth keeping an eye on. Nice price to start. Should come down further with codes. Perfect blueish-grey shade.
The Sunglasses: UNIQLO “Wellington”FOLD-ABLE Wayfarers – $14.90. Cheap! But they also fold. Which can be super helpful when it comes to figuring out just where to put your shades when you head indoors.
The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Slim Washed Button Down – $32.50. Not a heavier oxford cloth, but instead a lighter weight poplin.
The Watch: Seiko SSB181 Silver Dial Chrono – $166.16. Looks like a less formal companion to Seiko’s more recent black strap/silver dial dress chrono. Blue seconds/chrono hands on this one too. Perfect for a warmer day, where sportier watches like chronos can look more at home.
The Jeans: GAP Broken Twill 5-Pocket Jeans in Navy – $59.95. They’re jeans, but don’t look like regular blue-jeans thanks to that saturated color. Comfortable. Like a much less expensive alternative to the Bonobos travel jean. Heavier than a pair of chinos, but not weighty or stiff.
The Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren O-Ring Suede Belt – $29.99 ($89.95). Yes, its been mentioned before, but it really is pretty darn good for thirty bucks. Plus, this green shade is a good way to not look too “matchy matchy” with the suede wingtips.
The Briefcase: Fossil Wyatt Brief – $148.50 w/ VIP ($198). Fossil can sometimes look a little too… young. But not here. Nice mix of fabric and leather makes up a functional, but still professional looking smart-casual work bag.
The Socks: Nordstrom Wool Blend Socks in Navy – $12.50. Yes, wool. They’re not some heavyweight, bulky hiking sock. Nice and thin, but still strong. And the wool will breathe and regulate moisture way better than cotton ever could. Plus, these hold up just fine in the washer and dryer as long as you wash on cold and tumble dry low.
The Shoes: 1901 “Hancock” Suede Wingtip – $110. Feels a little early to be going with bright white bucks, so a “cigar suede” wingtip from the Nordstrom house brand 1901 should do just fine. Also available in a wide width option.