With its crisp morning weather, beach-appropriate afternoons, and light evening breezes, it’s hard to say that any of the four seasons are as inviting as spring. There’s rarely room for error when it comes to the forecast at this time of year, which ultimately grants you the ability to wear anything you see fit without feeling too warm — or not warm enough. To think that you can wear jeans and a jacket in the morning and comfortably change to shorts and a tee at night is remarkable, but narrowing down which is perfect and timely can be a bit more complicated.
The change in season often calls for an appropriate shift in wardrobe, and it’s safe to say you’re not ready to combat April showers and complement May flowers without a couple of picks from this widespread guide. With that in mind, take a look at our versatile variety of essentials fit for any budget this spring.
Shirts
Top It Off
Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Tee
Touted as one of the best t-shirts in the world by countless celebrities, publications, and the brand itself, Buck Mason’s Pima Curved Hem Tee boasts no flaws whatsoever, which can’t be said about too many basic tops. Available in an endless variety of colors, the L.A. label’s comfortable t-shirt has been garment dyed with enzymes so it seems like you’ve been wearing it for years, even if the tag is still on.
Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo
A polo is bound to come in handy at some juncture for everyone through the springtime, and Proof’s moisture-wicking 72-Hour choice is built to last as long as its name suggests, thanks to its merino wool composition. This is far from the average business casual top, as it’s engineered to resist odors and regulate temperature. It also boasts a nylon reinforcement, paving the way for the merino fabric to retain its shape under all circumstances.
Uniqlo Oversized Hooded Blouson
When you need quality closet essentials, there are few better places to look than UNIQLO as it is, meaning the brand was bound to show up on our guide at one point or another. With that said, the Japanese giant’s Oversized Hooded Blouson is not only one of our favorite pieces from the brand, but it’s one of the newest in its catalog, too. The lightweight jacket features a pack-away hood, as well as vents in the front and back for air circulation, deeming this one of the freshest pieces inside and out.
A.P.C. Andrew T-Shirt
You’d be hard-pressed to find any garment from A.P.C. at such a (relatively) affordable price, so this organic cotton tee is an ideal choice. The Parisian brand’s Andrew shirt is equipped with a chest pocket and comes available in either blue or gray, but we recommend rolling with the former if you want to kick the warmer months off right.
Billy Reid Tuscumbia Shirt
This printed, short-sleeve take on the brand’s trademark Tuscumbia Shirt is a bit of a change from what we’re used to seeing from Billy Reid, but the Alabama-rooted label is known to shake things up while still staying within its general lane of traditionalism. The short-sleeve button-up offers as relaxed a composition as it does a design, the latter of which is what lends a hand in having this shirt stick out in the best way possible. Clad in the brand’s exclusive Hermosa print, the Tuscumbia is highlighted by motifs inspired by Marfa, an artsy town in west Texas.
Rag and Bone Harvey Cotton Knit Camp Shirt
While you might be more familiar with rag & bone’s coveted jeans, its overall catalog has got a lot to offer, with this neat, retro-inspired camp shirt standing out among the fray. Labeled as “the perfect warm-weather essential” by the brand itself, the New York-bred clothier makes it difficult for us to argue that. Composed of a smooth cotton/cashmere blend and rounded out with matte buttons, this will look as great on a casual night out as it would in a shoreside cabana.
Honorable Mention
Bode Abstract Foliage Shirt
Nothing screams luxury like a shirt made out of nothing but silk, and Bode’s sprawling collection of them is as fashion-forward and functional as they come. If you’re looking to make a statement, this ’70s-inspired, head-turning top is bound to be the loudest in any room, and even comes with a pair of pockets to keep your accessories safe.
Bottoms
Keep Things Light
Nike Sportswear Cargo Shorts
It’s hard to battle spring’s inconsistent weather without a trustworthy pair of cargos, and who better to entrust with providing that than Nike? The performance giant crafts a comfortable pair of fleece cargo shorts built for anybody thanks to an eclectic array of colors and easy-going fit. Whether you have extra gear on hand or simply want to keep cool, this is a great choice.
Levi’s 501 Jeans
This is an essential pair of jeans to keep on hand no matter what time of year it is. Crafted to go with practically any outfit known to man, the heritage brand’s unmistakable, standard-fitting 501 remains one of the market’s highest-selling jeans. Equipped with a convenient button fly and available in a myriad of colors, these will likely appear on essentials lists for decades to come.
Taylor Stitch Apres Shorts
Taylor Stitch’s spring-worthy take on its famed Apres Pant is a sure-fire choice when looking to keep things cool when the climate gets tepid. Composed from garment-washed hemp, the Aprés Short features a voguish 7” inseam and ultra-convenient button fly closure, making for a combination of elements you typically don’t find on a pair of shorts.
lululemon Relaxed Fit French Terry Jogger
You rarely find a pair of joggers that aren’t cuffed at the ankle region, making this new release from lululemon a near one-of-a-kind treasure. The Canadian athleisure brand’s Relaxed Fit French Terry Jogger is an excellent pair of pants to wear on your morning jog, afternoon workout, and any non-formal event that comes to mind.
On Explorer Pants
If you need a trail-appropriate pair of bottoms, then On has got you covered. Albeit impressively lightweight, the Swiss shoemaker’s newly-released Explorer Pants are as durable as it gets and certified to take on anything from a lax workout to a grand-scale adventure. Needless to say, you’ll never want to take these technical pants off — no pun intended.
Todd Snyder Military Twill Camp Pant
Todd Snyder’s sturdy Military Twill Camp Pant boasts a luxe, tactical backstory. The practical bottoms are made with high-end Italian fabric from the Sondrio Mill, but garner inspiration from old-school fatigues, the latter of which is made prevalent by their melamine buttons. Whether you’re a workwear enthusiast or simply prefer a more classic, formal look, these pants are bound to work well with any top you have in mind and come available in a pair of subdued colors.
Honorable Mention
Acne Studios 1996 Distressed Jeans
Step back in time and channel the mid-nineties with these immaculately-crafted jeans from the lavish Swedish clothier. Composed of a washed, standard-fitting denim, this notably swanky choice is styled after pants that evoke the thought of Seinfeld, The Fugees, Brad Pitt’s signature sense of unadulterated coolness, and anything else that screams out “1996.” While contemporary choices are stylish in their own right, pairs like these and the classic 501s prove how hard it is to top the classics.
Shoes
Closet Of Classics
Converse One Star
From basketball sneakers to skateboarding staples, Converse is about as universal a brand there is when it comes to entry-level kicks. As merely one of the Nike subsidiary’s shoes that has garnered countless makeovers since its conception, it’s almost impossible to outdo the original One Stars, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised to find these effortlessly cool shoes here. Made from textured suede and recycled mesh, the near-115-year-old brand’s effort to stay sustainable shines just as much as its logo.
adidas Stan Smith
Moving on to yet another iconic choice in footwear, adidas’ Stan Smith is perfect for any time of year, but easiest to wear when the weather is fair. The unmistakable German brand crafts these classics in an insurmountable amount of color palettes — in fact, there are 32 options to choose from. Its catalog even features a more rugged, CORDURA-crafted choice if you’re looking for a sturdy, sustainable pair of kicks.
Seavees Huntington Middie
Spring wouldn’t be complete without a comfortable pair of slip-on kicks, a category in which Seavees has been checking all the boxes for decades — nearly six of them, in fact. The SoCal-based brand’s Huntington Middies are made from a durable strain of Leather Working Group-certified suede, rounded out with a breathable canvas lining, and then placed atop a plush foam footbed that proves a surfeit of cushion at the heel area. Plus, thanks to Seavees’ signature, built-in cooling system, these perforated mid-tops are sure to keep things breezy all spring (and summer) long.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed
Whether or not you’re a fan of the latest trend, mules are arguably the perfect springtime shoe, and few brands do it better than the world-renowned Birkenstock. Its ubiquitous Boston silhouette is composed of buttery smooth suede leather and features an anatomical shape that’s crafted to adapt to your foot as time goes on. Inspired by nature and built for anything, there’s simply no room for error with these German-made staples, as they come available in a trio of earthy hues.
Castañer Suede Patricio T/005 Espadrilles
These incredibly stylish, almond-toed espadrilles are composed of a fully-leather upper, then rounded out with a subtle blanket stitching for added authentic flair. Of all our footwear recommendations, not only are these the classiest, but they’re also the most appropriate for a day by the shore. Whether you’re seeking luxury or comfort, there’s little to no room for error when purchasing anything crafted by Castañer’s traditional Spanish shoemakers.
Accessories
An Added Touch
Ebbets Field Los Angeles Angels Wool Cap
No matter which coast you land on, Dodger caps are about as popular as it gets, second only perhaps to a Yankees hat. Ebbets Field’s upscale, wool-crafted take on what is a pretty inimitable accessory is sure to provide a style boost to your outfit. Composed of vintage baseball flannel and rounded out with an adjustable leather strap, this STAG Provisions exclusive is befittingly American-made, proving that the sport of baseball will always be considered the country’s pastime.
Barbour Grain Leather Wallet
Although you may prefer a Barbour leather jacket, this is spring, and we’re looking to keep things cool. Equipped with a traditional octet of card slots, this wallet is built to tackle your daily needs while keeping things luxurious, subtle, and professional.
Hatton Labs Sterling Silver Bracelet
A touch of shine never hurt anyone, and this is a great, minimalist choice to harp on that. Hatton Labs is one of the best up-and-coming jewelry companies for men, and this sterling silver bracelet is an impressively affordable choice. While you can’t go wrong with anything from the sustainable London-bred silversmiths, anyone can wear this one with ease.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer
There are classics, and then there are Wayfarers. In a similar vein to the aforementioned Levi’s 501s, these emblematic shades from the American-Italian sunglasses brand are debatably the most iconic ones ever made, while also boasting the noted quality of Ray-Ban. The square-shaped frames come available in a plethora of colors and are sure to remain an element of your wardrobe once the summer and autumn come around, too.
Boldr Venture Wayfarer
Moving forward with this Wayfarer trend, we’ve got a handsome timepiece bearing the same name that serves as a flawless accent to the rest of our essential accessories. BOLDR Supply’s Venture Wayfarer comes in a 38mm angular titanium case with a textured dial that’s highlighted by its 24-hour subdial, the latter of which serves as an homage to the likes of miners, explorers, and those who weren’t reliant on the sun to tell the time.
The 20 Best Sunglasses for Men
While the Wayfarers are timeless, dip your toes into a variety of different options with our detailed guide to the best shades to buy to protect you from those springtime rays.
