Style Scenario: April Showers

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. The weather can be anything but consistent and predictable this time of year. Sure, we’ll all have those first tastes of sun and warmth, but then a front will roll through, drop the temps by 25 degrees, and down comes the rain. And that’s great news for places struggling with drought. So embrace the rainy season. Here’s one way to look sharp while dodging raindrops.

The Jacket: Banana Republic Trench in Navy – $175 ($250). Nice of BR to make their annual trench coat in something other than the standard shade of khaki this time around. A little bit shorter than some would like, but still should cover a blazer or suit jacket tail. Prefer something simpler? Try a single breasted Mac.

The Obligatory Rain Shielding Device: Totes Auto Wood Stick Umbrella – $20.00. You know it, you love it, it works.

The Sunglasses: Persol PO 714 Foldable Sunglasses – $148.75. Because there are those days when the sun just suddenly appears. Spendy as all get out, but they should last you a lifetime. Persols really are a step above other brands in terms of quality and comfort. But if $150 for a pair of sunglasses just isn’t in the cards, these $10 wayfarers from UNIQLO fold up and stash easily in a pocket too.

The Watch: Standard Issue Pilot Mission Timer – $249.98. Pretty darn expensive for a quartz, but the oyster like case really does stand out (in a good way) and sits great on the wrist. Sapphire Crystal and Swiss movement. 100m water resistance, so rain shouldn’t be a problem. Want something way cheaper? Try a regular round dial Casio diver, and put it on a grey nato strap.

The Sweater: Lands’ End Drifter Cotton Crew Sweater – $44.25 w/ MY25 & 4512 ($59). A fully fashioned, more substantial knit cotton crew with terrific nautical looking stripes. Should drop further with more codes and pins. Code shown here is good for 25% off regular priced styles through 4/12/16.

The Bag: Filson Tin Cloth Briefcase – $325. Expensive, but made here in the USA and a fine investment if you live in a particularly wet climate. Filson’s Tin Cloth is even more water resistant than their standard cotton twill, and can take a real beating. Like the waxed look but don’t want to spend that much cash? Jack Spade has their waxwear zip brief on final sale for $189. Or if you’re particularly enterprising, you could buy a cheap canvas brief and try to wax it on your own. Just be aware that it can be a messy process.

The Shoes: Franklin & Freeman “Scott” Lace Up Boot – $79.00. These are from one of Amazon’s new in-house fashion brands (more on those brands over here). Looks like these are made out of that “Waxed” suede available on other models. They’re cheap. They have a synthetic sole with some traction, and they should keep your feet relatively dry, stomping in puddles not withstanding.

The Belt: Banana Republic Antqiue Cherry Belt – $19.79 ($55). Already on sale and now an extra 40% off thanks to the promotion that BR is running (no code needed, discount happens in cart). Do know that this is a thinner, 1″ wide belt. Not as thick as most other casual belts. But that should work here since it’s a dressed down, but still put together outfit.

The Shirt: Gap “Clean” Chambray Button Down – $49.95. Much, much lighter in weight than other workwear-like chambray shirts. And that means they’re great for layering. Almost always on sale. Feel free to skip this and go with a lightweight tee if that’s more your thing.

The Jeans: GAP Broken Twill Jeans in Green – $59.95. Kinda like a Bonobos Traveler Jean, only much less expensive and less hefty feeling. 2% spandex worked in for a hint of stretch. Green? You bet.