It’s no secret that I have a thing for menswear, and nothing floats my boat like helping men look their best. Over the last decade I have greatly enjoyed doing so, and I consistently find that certain fashion genres are utterly dependable. Preppy, nautical fashion items are critical to a man’s wellbeing. It doesn’t matter how you define your style, these items go far in a wardrobe and they keep on giving for years by never going out of style. If you are an office guy and/or a dad, they will take you from work to the playground. If you’re tattooed and rough around the edges, they will add that contrast to your style that will make you come off as the complex and interesting guy that you are. They’re also great default pieces when you don’t know how casual or formal to dress for a social event. Here are my favorite items for Spring that you can’t go wrong with and you will want to wear everyday.
- AMI Alexandre Mattiussi Stripe Sweater
The Pullover
If it’s good enough for James Dean, it’s good enough for you. The striped sweater is as iconic for Spring as Dean himself, and with this piece it’s all about the neck and chest. You’ll feel confident and at ease wearing this item pretty much anywhere you go. You can throw a jacket over it to dress it up, or wear it with shorts. Stripes band this lightweight AMI Alexandre Mattiussi sweater spun from fine Italian wool and finished by ribbing at the crewneck, hem and contrast cuffs. This sweater serves as a stand alone or layering piece…and the cut is sexy so I’m swooning a little just looking at the photo.
rag & bone Wilson Trouser
The Trouser
The rag & bone Wilson Trouser in Driftwood is a cropped, workwear-inspired trouser. I’m a huge fan of the 100 percent tan Japanese selvedge bull denim because it wears so well, getting cooler with age. If you’re familiar with Janapese selvedge bull denim, then you know it’s constructed with side seam railroad stitch detailing in contrast thread and internal chain stitching, and this trouser also has contrast thread at hem, which is another detail I love. My heart beats a little faster over menswear for all of these reasons matter so much to stylish guys.
The Shoe
Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster than a short toe, tassles or a weak profile on men’s shoes. Trust me, it’s easy to go terribly wrong with boat shoes and driving shoes. But The Cole Haan Grant Driving shoe is a classic, masculine prop, starting with the nub rubber sole which grounds a camp-moc style driving shoe fashioned from durable leather. The slate blue color is solid, goes with everything, and has a strong read. These shoes can be worn pretty much anywhere with anything and they slip on and off as easy as a flip flop without being one. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but just in case—please, don’t wear them with socks.
Cole Haan Grant Driving Shoe
A.P.C. City mac
The Jacket
A.P.C.’s City mac is a waterproof Italian cotton and gabardine jacket. This no-nonsense straight cut, and hidden-button closure (with only the top button visible) is clean and versatile. The small, buttoned tab can be positioned below the neck for styling options. The simplicity of this jacket allows the subtle detail of the raglan pockets, which have wide piping, and the raglan sleeves, which have seams in the back, to have strong style impact while still providing a neutral slate for heavier styling for those who need it—but how great that heavy styling isn’t necessary? A piped vertical inside pocket and single vent, cotton blend lining and buttons in genuine horn are the kind of details that A.P.C. has become known for getting just right. The icing on the cake is that it’s machine washable.
