9 must-have essentials for the definitive spring transition wardrobe
From tinted eyewear to a go-to tee, a ribbed jumper for those days of mercurial weather, and more, here’s what you should invest in for the season ahead…
Words: Josh Lee
The past six months have been defined, sartorially speaking, by us bulking up, Bibendum-style, in roll-neck knits and down parkas in order to block out the breeze and blues when outside. But with the darkness slowly fading, and with the coming months replete with the promise of mingling and mixing in warmer, more agreeable climes, it’s now time to swap those oversized, weighty garments for transitional items that will see you through the upcoming period of lightness and brightness.
To help you press reset on your wardrobe, we’ve curated a tightly edited selection of foundations for you to consider for the season ahead (with consideration for the odd day of less-than-fair weather, of course). From tinted eyewear to a go-to tee, a ribbed jumper for those days of mercurial weather, and more, here’s what to invest in now…
Building Blocks: Wardrobe Basics
Generally speaking, an overhaul of any kind will require some foundational readjustments; your kitchen will probably see seasonal produce being swapped in for those heavy, gut-bomb dishes you’ve been cooking all winter, and any thick slicks and moisturisers are likely to be replaced by lightweight serums. When it comes to your spring getup, it’s only natural that the backbone of your winter wardrobe – fisherman jumpers and heavy-duty wool trousers – is slowly transitioned out for more breathable pieces that are better suited to fair weather.
Whether worn on its own, as a layering piece under a denim jacket, or paired with a more formal, structured ensemble, the white t-shirt can play both the lead and supporting role in myriad occasions. We often look to Uniform Standard’s option, which is crafted from 100% Supima cotton, a lustrous material widely considered the finest to use for this type of garment. We recommend buying a handful so that you can have them on a constant rotation during the approaching seasons and beyond. As an alternative, there’s the polo, a preppy classic that possesses the capacity to hit the sweet spot between the formal and the casual (a collar provides it with more serious edge over a T-shirt, but the short-sleeves allow for a softer, more at-ease feel than an office-appropriate button up). Niccolò P.’s option is made with a double-jersey knit, which offers a soft touch on both the outside and inside; is finished with Australian mother-of-pearl buttons; and is designed in a coastline-friendly shade of blue. For your wardrobe’s newest baseline, consider these twill trousers by Kit Blake – they’re neither too loose nor too slim, and the stretch waistband and side adjusters allow you to constantly modify the fit, which is ideal if you’ve recently decided to shed any extra winter timber.
Layer Up: Outerwear to Beat the Breeze
Though light has finally been seen at the end of the long winter tunnel, and your padded Gore-Tex and puffer-style Arc’teryx workhorses might be a little too cumbersome now that the mercury has started to rise, we’re not entirely out of the woods yet, given the British weather’s erratic tendencies, so it’ll still pay dividends to have a few lines of defence in your daily wears.
We’re particularly drawn to this jacket by Aubin, as it further elevates the classic Harrington with the addition of a cord collar, a feature that adds texture and protects the neck from draughts. Also, its earthy colour palette, which sits somewhere between beige and tan, is well suited for Sunday walks in bucolic countryside settings. For those that lean towards a rugged, workwear aesthetic, try &Sons’s overshirt that’s made from a fabric blend that mimics the look of wool, but has a softer, more fleece-like feel, and, unlike many of its counterparts on the market, features four front pockets that maximise utility. We also like its versatility, as it can be used as your main piece when worn over a t-shirt, or, due to its fitting silhouette, under a larger coat. For an injection of colour, this ribbed crewneck jumper, once again courtesy of Aubin, is defined by its easygoing, spring-friendly hue which brings to mind clear skies and the sun-strewn months ahead of us.
Finishing Touches: The Extras That Tie Things Together
So, now that you’ve stocked up on the big-ticket items, we’d suggest that you finish your spree with a handful of well-considered accessories – ones that won’t necessarily detract attention away from your main ensemble, but will, instead, subtly elevate it and add a little flare and accent, the way in which a few pared-back Eames chairs can instantly turboboost an interior.
If you feel as though your unembellished Kit Blake trousers could benefit from an added detail, buckle things up with an Awling belt, handmade from full-grain Italian leather that develops an elegant patina over the years, and also featuring a contrasting brass roller. When it comes to the footwear department, North-89’s take on a traditional tennis-court sneaker melds fuss-free aesthetics with breathable cotton mesh. And, finally, for the ultimate feel-good accessory for finer weather, a timeless pair of sunglasses provides any wearer with a dash of sprezzaturra. When heading for the Amalfi, try TBD Eyewear’s bi-colour, round-framed pair, which is unobtrusive and offers something a bit different to the ever-present blue-toned wayfarer.
Want more style suggestions? For the coming months, look to Luca Faloni’s easy, breezy springwear edit…
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