Pack away that black hoodie and seasonal depression, because spring is here. The sun is out, Aberdeen-Inverness Knoll is crowded with couples picnicking and Spring Splash is right around the corner. With the weather heating up, the intensive layering for fall and winter will no longer do. But do not fear, as this guide will be more than sufficient for staying stylish this season. Throw on some Jack Johnson and lock in to all things spring clothing.
Graphic tees
While these graphical prints may have poked out under a blazer or jacket during fall, spring is the perfect time to go full “graphic-tee-mode.” Graphic tee-shirts are the perfect opportunity to flex all the niche concerts or fringe media one is interested in. From comedic graphics on vintage shirts to cool aesthetic photographs reminiscent of Terry Richardson, there is so much that a graphic tee shirt can encapsulate. And for a little bit more fun, venture to explore the world of vintage ringer tees. With a higher cut and taper in the sleeves and a reinforced contrasting fabric around the neck, ringer tees are casual tee shirts with enough spice to make any outfit feel playful and exciting.
Patterned shirts
From the nautical styling of breton-style striped shirts to gingham button-ups, spring is the season of patterns. The business of a print that covers an entire garment creates just enough visual intrigue in an outfit that one does not have to layer much more, which matters a lot when it feels too hot to go outside. Which, due to the inconsistency of Southern Californian weather and climate change, might be more often than not this season.
Chambray shirts
Though most may be acquainted with denim, fewer know of the jean fabric’s easy-going cousin chambray. While similar in its weave and appearance as denim, chambray is a much more breathable fabric that’s perfect for hotter climates. 2016 may have owned the slim-fit salmon-colored chambray shirt, but 2026 is the perfect time to reclaim the 1990s style loose-fit blue chambray shirt that was seen on everything from a Ralph Lauren mannequin to John F. Kennedy Jr.
Linen pants
A great pair of jeans can unquestionably serve somebody all year round. Occasionally one might want to venture to explore more breathable alternatives when the trendy dark-indigo selvedge denim is too heavy for any day above 80 degrees. Enter linen. While most associated with lighter-color semi-sheer pants with elasticated waist-bands and drawstrings, there are many more styles of linen pants one can explore. From cotton-linen blends in jeans to darker-colored linen trousers, the possibilities are endless.
Chinos
Most people may be familiar with jeans or slacks, but it seems that what’s fallen out of vogue in recent years is the classic wide-leg chino. This, however, becomes an issue when it’s day 50 of wearing the same pair of blue jeans everyday and one is no longer able to differentiate the days of the week. Coming in a host of colors, the classic fuller-cut cotton chino is the perfect pant for its versatility. From vintage army chinos with their beautiful faded olive-green cotton twill or pleated sand-colored chino pants, there are a plethora of options one can explore in this realm. Stores from J. Crew to UNIQLO offer this ivy staple in a variety of colors available for incredibly affordable prices.
Sandals
Socks and sandals may be a sin, but sandals themselves can actually be a great shoe option for the hotter months of the year. Especially when done right, sandals are the perfect transitionary option for keeping one’s dogs ventilated. The espadrilles shoe is one of the most infamous sandals being seen on a plethora of ivy icons and is perfect for the person who finds issues with the typical velcro situation most sandals come in. Leave the flip flops in the closet till the summer and take this time to explore the sandal.
Vests
Whether it be denim, leather, tactical or fishing, there is so much that can be done with a simple vest. While perhaps it would not be advisable to wear an old suit’s waistcoat as a casual vest which invokes the feelings of a suburban magician, the more casual vest is the perfect piece for spring because of its light weight. Throw one over a blank tee shirt and suddenly one is serving singer Dijon from his album “Absolutely.” If they’re good enough for Keith Carradine in “Nashville,” they are good enough for everybody else too.
Neck-ties
Alan Grant might not be a central form of inspiration for most people interested in science, but he certainly is for fans of heritage clothing. The bandana neck-ties the dinosaur scientist wears in “Jurassic Park” are instantly iconic and a perfect example of spring accessorizing. Whether silk or cotton, the bandana or scarf being tied around the neck is another avenue one can add visual intrigue to an outfit without adding practically any weight. While questions may be asked like “Why do you look like a cowboy?”, all that needs to be reinforced is that cowboys look awesome!
In the end, what matters more for spring styling is how pieces are adjusted for comfort. Roll up the sleeves, tuck shirts in and combine vests and neckties in the same outfit. Fashion should be fun at the end of the day and spring is the perfect time to have some fun!
