These 3 simple style moves will adapt your work wardrobe for spring
Whether it’s a rigorous re-ordering of your shirts or a new approach to accessories, here’s how to stylishly reconcile this transitional time…
Words: Jonathan Wells
How’s that morning commute treating you? Too cold when you set off, with a drizzling of pesky spring showers at its mid-point, and then uncomfortably warm when you finally reach the office? We know. These months are a menace.
But Gentleman’s Journal is on hand to help. Because, whether it’s a rigorous re-ordering of your shirts, a new approach to accessories or a fine-tuning of your trouser selection, we’ve discovered several ways to stylishly reconcile this transitional time. Here are three key tips to help whip your wardrobe into springtime shape.
Tailor your shirts to the wavering weather
Let’s start with shirts. They’re the buttoned-up basis of most workday outfits — and yet you can’t shrug on the same threads all year round. When the weather’s wintry, you’ll want something heavier. Come summer, you should be looking at linen. But springtime presents a problem, with changeable conditions and tricky temperatures conspiring against your well-devised wardrobe.
And that means tailoring your togs to each new day as it comes. If the clouds have gathered, and April showers are rumbling over the horizon, button up something brushed and cosy, like this snug-but-smart option from Emma Willis. If it’s a balmy day in May, lean into lighter fabrics — try Turnbull & Asser’s linen offering. Or, when the weather is boring as a plain white button-down, add some fun patterning courtesy of New & Lingwood’s salmon-pink stripes.
Tweak your trousers depending on your day
While you should always swap out your shirts depending on the weather, trousers are trickier. Built to stand up to stormier conditions, any pair of strides smart enough to walk into a workplace should do the job — regardless of rain or shine. Instead, you should switch up trousers depending on your day’s specific schedule.
For instance, if you’ve got that big boardroom meeting today, why not wear something a little special — like Kit Blake’s slim, side-fastened flannels? If it’s a head-down-at-the-desk kind of day, Aubin’s ‘Barcombe’ trousers walk the line between smart and casual with effortless ease. And, for anything in-between, the choice should be chinos (we’d opt for New & Lingwood’s natty flat-fronted pair).
Streamline your accessories for springtime
And then come your accessories. Spring months fall somewhere between scarves and sunglasses — limiting which add-ons and extras you can use to enhance your daily duds. And, while a key working week companion is a bag or backpack, you don’t want to be lugging around a big bit of luggage when the weather warms up. That’s why we’d recommend a portfolio — something smaller and slicker, like Ettinger’s ‘Bakerloo’ design.
The same can be said for your wallet. Springtime is no place for a bulky billfold — but a slim credit card slip (like this black croc case from Aspinal of London) will only smarten up and smoothen out your workwear. And, while it may not up your fashion credentials, we’d round off your spring style upgrade with this Oakywood laptop stand — a surefire way to spruce up your desk.
Want more seasonal style tips? Here’s why you should own a suede jacket, and the best to buy…
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