Spring Forward

We've had a fairly unseasonable start to Spring with some cold weather and snow persisting into March. Thankfully it appears warm days are finally here (or within close reach) and as such, an abrupt change takes place on college campuses across the Northeast. In the last few weeks of the semester, bean boots re-materialize as boat shoes, pastel button-downs for fleece jackets, and yoga pants become running shorts. With the snow finally gone we can start fully appreciating Spring style.

Some general guidelines for warmer weather:

• Incorporate pastels but don't go overboard. Try to blend something bright with something subtle.
• Look for more brightly colored sweaters and lighter weight wool or cotton when you need one.
• Spring mornings are typically chilly yielding to warmer temps in the afternoon. Find combinations that can be layered to make your day more comfortable (and less sweaty)
• Know when shorts are appropriate. Cruising around the quad: Yes. Applying for a job or internship: No. 

Here are some of my finds which have made their way into the Spring rotation.

A yellow OCBD brightens up any outfit. Purchased for $6 (Retail $65)

Certain plaids give off a summery feel. Look for Indian madras and feel free to experiment in this department. Certain color combinations compliment certain skin tones, and others, well...just clash. Figure out what works for you and be adventurous! 

A stack of Spring-friendly colored polo shirts. All purchased well-below retail.

Boat shoes don't really last too long when you wear them every day in the summer. Ideally you can rotate through a couple (or few) different pairs to prevent them from deteriorating quite so quickly. Keep a pair crisp and clean for more formal occasions and have your worn-in ones on reserve for walks by the beach when you're not afraid to get your feet wet. 

I was fortunate enough to  find not one, but three pairs of J.Crew chinos in Spring/Summer friendly colors. While I might attempt some tailoring to get a trimmer fit, they were still a score at ~$7 ea. (Retail ~$70 ea)

Incorporate some green into your daily or dress attire. 

This shirt was an interesting find with a personal connection. I actually sailed in this regatta (but a later year) and these were awarded to the winning crew in each racing class. This one appeared on eBay in what seems like new condition so I decided to scoop it up. 

 

Break out your summer ties!

This printed flamingo tie from Brooks Brothers was miscategorized on eBay as "Peanuts Merchandise" so I was able to nab it at a low price. 

This pink university stripe OCBD has quite a bit of wear around the collar, but some fraying is acceptable for casual wear (depending on who you ask). Part of the prep aesthetic emphasizes the notion that  nothing should be quite too new so anything which is (naturally) broken-in has a sort of appeal in this sense. 
Thrifted for $4 (Retail ~$90)

Exploring the pier in Rockport, MA. 

There will be rainy days however... Paying homage to the classic "fisherman's yellow" with this jacket in the storm. 

When wearing adventurous color chinos (such as yellow, pink, green, red, the list goes on..) try to pair with something a bit more understated, such as a plain white OCBD.