MFMThinking about transitional wardrobes might not be on your mind right now, but in relation to the seasons, particularly spring, we’re thinking more about the fluctuating weather conditions and the rise and fall of temperatures. If you get your wardrobe right for the impending weather, you need to have an array of clothes that you can fall back on, anticipating what the weather chooses to do.
You will need a transitional wardrobe that has versatility and the ability to give you the layering when a chilly day or night arrives. The hallmark of versatility is the interchangeable parts concept, everything that works in conjunction with everything else in your wardrobe to a certain degree. The foundation of a good transitional wardrobe, will ultimately come down to a few basics. So consider the following.
The overcoat: Not always just a winter coat, but if you get one in a medium weight, and mid-length, it’s not solely for winter, but a great asset on days when a jacket or hoodie are just not cutting it. An overcoat will give you the space underneath for layering when you need to double up on warmth, for what could be a bleak, dreary and cool spring.
The classic denim jeans: with denim trends in jeans forever changing from skinny, ripped, straight leg and cargo, you can never go wrong with a pair of midrise, straight-to-tapered fit in a medium wash or indigo, no fading or worn out looks will be left standing, and give you that sharp look in a classic heritage sense.
The simple crew neck T-shirt: these simple but practical, unpretentious and necessary cotton body buddies never get the credit they deserve. Long sleeve, short sleeved, crewneck or v-neck what would we do without them? They function perfectly as a shirt alone under a bomber jacket, sweater or just as an undershirt for next-to-skin layering without bulking up your look.
The hoodie: the sweatshirt hoodie is a firm favourite with every guy probably, usually quite thick and sometimes with a brushed fleece on the inside for extra warmth will have you covered on off-duty days, or active days as it’s ideal for layering and easy to throw on at anytime over a tee, during spring or it’ll vamp up the warmth under an overcoat without adding extra bulk.
The sweater: Every man needs some decent knitwear, whether you want to indulge in expensive cashmere, or go for cotton or wool invest in a sweater that’s a little chunkier than usual. Let’s talk about roll necks, turtlenecks, polonecks however you want to call them are a big plus in your wardrobe, you can wear them on their own, under a gilet, under a jacket, with a suit, wear them with your best strides, your everyday jeans, chunky, or thin, every guy should have at least two. Chunky knits offer a slightly more spacious feel that easily layers over a tee, shirts or layer under a trucker jacket, worker jacket or chore jacket
The Oxford shirt: What a shirt, worn for trillions of guys his shirt hits just the right spot with a work-appropriate design that can be worn easily with your jeans and a jacket, or under a sweater, not to stuffy for your bomber jacket or a shacket, but will dress up nicely with a blazer for a smart but casual weekend vibe.
The shoes: Some will tell you that a pristine pair of kicks are all you need, and probably to some extent, yes they do work well with any dress code nowadays, but a solid pair of lace up leather shoes or boots, or even Chelsea boots will deliver optimal versatility. But boots or brogues or Oxford shoes look great paired with denim or chinos, yet aren’t so far out that you can wear them to the office or even on a weekend date.