DadCast Episode 45 • What to Wear in the Spring: 25 Must-Have Men’s Spring Essentials

2FatDads DadCast

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When it comes to mens spring fashion, guys face a few challenges.

For one thing, spring weather doesn’t dictate our wardrobes nearly as much as winter weather does. (When there’s four inches of snow on the ground, you have to wear boots.)

This means that in the spring we actually have to exercise our own discretion and start making our own sartorial choices for the first time in what feels like forever after a few frigid months.

Secondly, spring doesn’t lend itself quite as well to thick fabrics and layering.

Deciding what to wear in the the fall is easier, because you’ve got lots of manly options to choose from. But putting together a spring look that’s classically masculine can be a little more challenging.

That’s where this post comes in. Below I’ve rounded up 25 men’s spring essentials, starting from your feet and working all the way up to the top of your head.

These pieces represent some of the most fundamental aspects of men’s casual spring fashion, and each of them will help you look stylish, cool and confident when the weather warms up.

As always, I’ve tried to focus on stores and brands that are easily accessible to all guys. The goal here isn’t to dress like a runway model; it’s to help you cover your bases by choosing stylish staples that won’t break the bank.

What to Wear in the Spring for Men

Rounding up 25 Must-Have Men’s Spring Essentials

Shoes:

Banana Republic Nicklas Sneaker

Nike’s Killshot 2 sneakers have taken the menswear world by storm in recent years, but for my money they have one glaring flaw: the huge Nike swoosh!

That’s why I love the simplicity of these Killshot-esque sneakers from Banana Republic. The crepe sole and the touch of blue evoke a lot of the same design elements, but without the obnoxious branding. (They could generously be called an “homage,” though I suspect Nike would use a different word…)

I picked up a pair in the winter using a gift card I got for Christmas, and I’ve been patiently waiting to bust these bad boys out ever since. Now that the snow is gone and the sun is finally back out, I can’t wait to lace ’em up.

• Banana Republic Nicklas Sneaker – $128*
  • *BR frequently runs sales, so keep your eye out for codes that can get you anywhere from 15 to 40 percent off.

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adidas Originals Men’s Samba MC Lifestyle

White sneakers have become so widespread that it almost seems like a crime not to have them, which is exactly why you might want to mix things up and go for something a little different.

On his Netflix show Flaked, Will Arnett rocks a pair of navy/black sneakers instead of the traditional white, which makes his whole look seem just a little more refined. And as it turns out, I’m not the only one who thinks so, as one of Arnett’s fans noted on Twitter:

Is it weird that I’m even more attracted to @arnettwill after seeing him as Chip in Flaked? I think it has something to do with the adidas

— Sarah Lucas (@sarbearlucas) March 16, 2016

Am I saying women will like you more if you wear these shoes? I am not.

But I’m definitely saying it couldn’t hurt…

Belts

Slim Leather Belt

Spring is a time to slim down in more ways than one. When strapping on a belt, keep its width limited to more than 1.5 inches, and save the big leather belts with the chunky buckles for the fall.

The Picks:

• Marino’s Men Genuine Leather Dress Belt – From $15
• Synthic Apparel Men’s Classic Dress Leather Belt – $20

Canvas Belts

Spring and summer also provide the perfect opportunity to ditch the leather altogether and go with a lightweight (and often, stretchy and forgiving) canvas belt, which come with a few different buckle options.

The Picks:

• Mile High Life Canvas Belt with Buckle – $17 (for pack of 3)
• Maikum Canvas Belt with Black D-ring – $8

Shirts & Sweaters

Enter these excellent long sleeve polos, which provide a great bit of classic-meets-modern style.

What I like about BR’s version is that they hug your body well, which evoke the designer (and definitely much more expensive) version Brad Pitt wore in Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

The Pick:

• BR Silk Cotton Cashmere Long-Sleeve Polo – $80

Uniqlo Merino Wool V-Neck

There’s not much left to say about these damn-near perfect lightweight sweaters that I didn’t already cover in my Uniqlo merino wool sweater review. Throw them over a button-up shirt or wear them on their own for a stylish, perfect spring layer.

• Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino V-Neck Sweater – $40

Uniqlo Merino Wool Cardigan

In addition to the v-neck pullovers, Uniqlo makes cardigans in a similar style. What I love about the cardigans is that they fit slim, meaning you look more like LeBron and less like Mr. Rogers when you pull one one.

• Uniqlo Extra Fine Merino V-Neck Cardigan – $50

Slim Fit Button Down Shirt

The button down shirt is a staple of a man’s wardrobe during any season, but come spring they become arguably even more essential thanks to their versatility.

During the colder early months of spring you layer it under sweaters (such as the merino options mentioned above), or wear on their own once it gets warm enough.

Either way you’ll want to opt for lighter weight options—and if you really want to look more handsome, don’t forget to roll up your sleeves! Check out the best Custom dtg printing services.

Breton Striped Sweater

Megan Collins, better known as The Style Girlfriend, has included in these in her “what women want you to wear” series, and let’s be honest: that’s a much more ringing endorsement than anything I can say.

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Pick up one of these sweaters, also called the Nautical Stripe, either in the traditional combo of navy and white. (Or opt for brighter colors if you’re feeling bold, or just want some warmer colors to help you break out of a winter funk.)

The Picks:

• La Redoute Collections Mens Organic Cotton Crew Neck Breton Stripe – $47
• Front Row Mens Long Sleeve Breton Stripe T-Shirt – From $20
• Flying Ace Men’s Crew Neck Jersey Stripe Long Sleeve T-Shirt – $18

Jackets

Harrington

Made famous by style icon Steve McQueen and a perennial classic, Harrington jackets have made a real comeback in the last few years as guys have rediscovered the benefits of dressing timelessly.

McQueen wore both a navy blue and a beige version, but personally I love the shade of green Banana Republic has come out with this year.