It’s easy to focus on the negative aspects of spring. It’s wet. It’s rainy. It’s grey. It’s cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. It’s muddy. It’s, in a word, confusing.
For many, spring is an impossible time to get their outfits just right. It’s too hot to reach for one of the essential sweater styles in your closet, while it’s too cold to break out the comfortable shorts just yet. Instead, we’re left scratching our collective heads on how to put together an outfit that won’t leave you freezing in the office AC while also making sure you’re not sweating profusely as you ride your commuter bike to work (even if it’s an e-bike commuter).
Now, I’m really a half-glass-full kind of guy, so when I look at Spring, I’m not looking at any of those obstacles; but as opportunities. I’m not trying to add more stress to my life by trying to pick the perfect outfit for anything Spring may throw my way. Instead, Spring is my time to practice the age-old art of layering.
Next time the forecast says it’s going to be 30° in the morning and 75° with rain in the afternoon, try not to panic too much. Rather, grab one of the below lightweight jackets, grab your favorite pair of boots for the inevitable mud puddles, and head out the door.
Baracuta G9 Jacket
The Harrington jacket was made popular by movie stars like Steve McQueen and James Dean and has since become a staple in guys’ wardrobes from Brooklyn hipsters to Little League coaches. While you can find them in just about any department store, it’s hard to not covet the G9 by Baracuta among all others. Using the original Harrington, Baracuta replicated the garment down to nearly every detail, while simultaneously bringing it into the 21st Century with upgraded fabrics, zippers, and hardware. It’s classic. It’s cool. It’ll never go out of style.
Abercrombie & Fitch Lightweight Mac Coat
If you’re looking for a bit of British influence in your wardrobe, but you’re not willing to invest in a Burberry trench just yet, I’d highly recommend going for A&F’s Lightweight Mac. Coming in a classic khaki with upgraded detailing on the front and sleeves, it’s a coat that’s timeless as it is versatile.
Mack Weldon Merino Fleece Shirt Jacket
I’m a big fan of the shirt jacket and find Mack Weldon to have one of the best options out there right now. With its simple shape, you’re able to pair it with just about anything (I recommend going a size up so you can throw it on over sweaters or hoodies). But the real reason I love this selection is the Merino wool construction, giving it an elegant, luxurious feel for a great price.
Norwegian Rain Nesta Falck Homme
Norwegian Rain’s garments double as artwork and their Nesta Falck Homme is no different. Mixing elements of a safari and army jacket, this jacket is meant to elevate your existing wardrobe and keep you looking impossibly chic while doing so. Not only that, but Norwegian Rain is based in Bergen (the rainiest city in Europe) so they know a thing or two about unpredictable Spring weather and designing garments to keep you dry.
Percival Weatherproof Sherlock
The Sherlock is one of those jackets that just fits into anyone’s wardrobe. It’s casual enough to wear with sweats, or to dress up for a night out. Boasting nine color options (with contrasting colored linings), you can take your pick for what fits your style and personality accordingly.
Hemingsworth Hemingway Yellow Safari Jacket
If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous – figuratively and literally – I highly recommend the Hemingway Yellow Safari Jacket. As the name implies, it’s based on the classic safari jacket, but has been updated for the modern wearer. With its bright yellow fabric, it’s a bold choice, but that boldness is nicely counterbalanced with the classic menswear tailoring of the garment itself.
Save the Ducks Helder Jacket
For someone looking to add a simple, but colorful, option to their Spring jacket line-up, I’d opt for the Rainforest Green Helder jacket by Save the Ducks. Perfectly casual and thin enough to wear layered over a sweater or a t-shirt, the Helder jacket upgrades the ubiquitous windbreaker to a new level of cool.
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