15 Ways to Ready Your Wardrobe for Spring

So I've always been interested in the idea of doing a styling advice post and as Spring is truly underway, I decided why not do a post on how to transition your Winter wardrobe to Spring. With inspiration from Bonobos' exclusive Spring Summer range, I couldn't resist.

Here are my top tips for transitioning your wardrobe from Winter to Spring:

1. Lose The Black

First things first, you've got to ditch the darker winter tones and brighten up your wardrobe. Say farewell to the thick wooly jumpers and bring out some light cotton shirts paired with some light pastel toned trousers/shorts. If the summer weather hasn't hit in, wherever you are, add a light bomber jacket or casual zip-up hoodie, just nothing too heavy.

2. Ditch The Boots

Another easy step to take from Winter to Spring, is with your shoes. Ditch the heavy shoes, like your Timberlands, Chelsea boots and Doc Martens and switch to your lighter summer options, like boat shoes, espradrilles, Birkenstocks or classic Vans or Converse.

3. Lighten Your Suits

Change up your suits, leaving blacks, plaids and tweeds in Winter and moving towards a light fitted cotton suit in a bright grey or pastel tone.

4.  Own 'Smart Casual'

Nothing says classy, like a guy bossing a smart casual look. It doesn't need to be a super important event for you to look your best. In the words of Oscar Wilde "You can never be overdressed or overeducated." So find yourself a nice pair of smart pants that are a good fit for you and pair with a fresh polo shirt or short sleeved shirt. Don't be be afraid to keep the top buttons of the shirt undone and finish the look with a nice belt. Check out Bonobo's range of pants for a wide variety of amazing colours and great fit.

5. Embrace The Legs

Similar to the last point, own that smart casual look, but take it to the next level. Get those legs out. I've always been a great advocate for shorts and I absolutely love a pair of good fitting suit shorts or chino shorts paired with a nice printed shirt for those summer days.

6. The Cropped Leg

This is definitely one for the fashion conscious, you really know what you're doing with this look (well at least you look like you do). A cropped trouser leg, looks so much more considered than just a standard leg, paired with a pair of brogues or boat shoes and casual top for the complete look.

8. Summer Layering

As I mentioned before, if your summer isn't neccessarily the warmest, lighter summer layering is totally ok. Depending on the occasion I'd go for a light cotton blazer or summer jacket for the more formal event or just a casual printed blazer with a simple shirt for something more casual.

9.  Embrace The Print

As a textile print designer, I would obviously be totally up for wearing prints and Spring Summer is the time to make the most of it. So find a print that suits you, whether it be a crazy floral, an exotic Hawaiian or a quirky geometric design, find whatever works for you and own it.

10.  Switch Your Winter Plaids for Summer Plaids

I, myself do love a plaid shirt, but there's a certain way to go about it for summer days. Leave the heavy, wool plaid in the back of the wardrobe for those colder days and bring out the lighter thinner versions. Also, any darker, heavier colours can stay in your wardrobe too, find yourself some light plaids or even some vintage faded colours like this one below, to keep that look carrying through all year round.

11. Smart Yet Casual

If you're the type of guy who just loves his suits, that's totally ok as long as you're not going to your next door neighbours BBQ for a chilled evening. In all seriousness though, if you wanna keep with your full suit for a smart occasion, like a summer wedding, just be a bit braver and switch the standard suit shoes for a boat shoe or brogue.

12. Sunglasses!

Of course, it won't be long before it's time for sunglasses to make their way back again. All I suggest is, shop around. Try a few different styles and see what suits your face shape best. For example, if you've a square shaped face, curved sunglasses are best to set off your angular features. A round face, works best with geometric frames and an oval face is pretty much goof with any type of frame. Finally a heart shaped face is best with a striking pair of sunglasses, so something like a round frame, rimless or semi rimless.

13. White Washed Jeans

If you're a fan of white washed jeans, by all means, Spring Summer is your time to shine. Paired with a slightly dark toned round neck t-shirt to keep it casual and not too bright.

14. Accessorise

So this is one I feel a lot of guys are a bit wary of, but accessorising in Spring Summer is a great way to finish a look. Whether it's a casual hat or a slightly braver neck scarf, it's perfect for adding an extra dimension to your outfit. Jewellery can also be a great addition, a simplistic metal bangle or neutral braided bracelet along with a casual leather strapped watch are all great options.

15. Tone On Tone

It's a simple tip, but often, very effective. Matching your look, with some tone on tone pieces, can look really considered and impressive. Don't get too caught up with what colours go well with each other and keep the palette limited and minimal.

So to summarise, ditch the heavy and the dark, embrace the light and colourful, own 'smart casual', accessorise and most importantly enjoy it.

So that's all for this post, something a bit different to my usual content but I really enjoyed it! Hope some of you guys found it useful and I'd love to hear what you think.

Don't forget to check out Bonobos to get your hands on any of the looks from this post.

Thanks,

Barry

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All images were provided by Bonobos.