So you’ve finally emerged from the long, cold winter, wrapped up in your big-coat cocoon. But in order for you to transform into the sartorial butterfly we know you can be, you’re going to have to start paying attention to what you put on again. And that means from an aesthetic standpoint, as opposed to one of pure insulation and practicality.
Dressing for the cold months can be great fun – the layers, the textures, the proportions – but when you’ve been living under heavy outerwear for months on end, it’s easy to forget how to do anything else. Take the safety of knee-length overcoats and Arctic parkas out of the equation. You might find yourself feeling a bit lost.
With that in mind, consider this a gentle nudge in the right direction. Below is a curated selection of the pieces to lean on as we transition into milder weather. From light outerwear to seasonally appropriate accessories and everything in between.
Quilted Chore Coat
Winter outerwear is overkill for spring conditions, but you still need something roomy and warm that you can throw on over anything and everything to take the bite out of those frosty early mornings and evening commutes. A quilted chore coat ticks all the boxes.
It’s insulated, but not suffocatingly so, versatile enough to work across most of your wardrobe, and it’s one of those pieces that gets better the more you wear it.
Carhartt is the classic choice, but there are plenty of other options around, too. For something more premium, check out Auralee, or get busy at your local vintage shops if you want something that’s authentically broken in right off the peg.
Waxed-Cotton Jacket
We’d go as far as to call the waxed-cotton jacket the ultimate piece of spring outerwear. It’s water-resistant, breathable and usually cut with a bit of room, so it works just as well layered as it does on its own. The real appeal, though, is its versatility, striking that rare balance between casual and classic, meaning it pairs just as easily with relaxed tailoring as it does with jeans and trainers.
Barbour is undeniably the OG in this department, but Drake’s has some stunning versions at a higher price point, while M&S is great for those on tight budgets.
Textured Knit Crewneck
The importance of knitwear in spring can’t be overstated. The light outerwear this season revolves around is nothing without something warm but low-profile to slot underneath. Your outerwear provides the wind and rain protection, but this is where the heat comes from when it’s needed.
It’s also a great tool for adding texture to your spring outfits. Think ribbed fisherman knits if you lean classic, or something on the fuzzier end of the spectrum for more of a contemporary look. We’re big fans of Shetland wool at the moment, which is similar to mohair in its trademark fuzzy ‘halo’, but tougher and more durable for long-term wear.
Thermal Long-sleeve Top
Of course, knitwear isn’t the only option. If you tend to prefer a more contemporary look composed of sporty, synthetic pieces, a thermal long-sleeve made from a technical performance fabric could be a good alternative.
Fleece is the obvious choice, but far from the only option. Recently, we’ve seen Polartec Alpha – an outdoor performance fabric with a unique bobbly finish – becoming increasingly popular for everyday wear, with brands such as Satisfy, Purple Mountain Observatory and even Zara producing their own garments that either use it or are clearly influenced by it.
Merino Beanie
If you thought beanie season was over, think again. There will still be frosty starts and icy evenings, and when there is, your accessories need to step up.
Merino is an excellent temperature regulator, making it perfect for keeping your head warm. It’s just an added bonus that it takes dye really nicely and looks great in bold colours. An accent for your outfits and a barrier against the cold all rolled into one.
Straight-Leg Jeans
When it comes to fashion silhouettes, we always recommend aiming for a balance between extremes. This way, you’ll never look like you’ve been chewed up and spat out by a trend. Using legwear as an example, that means avoiding anything overly baggy or skinny and going for a straight-leg style instead.
Buy right, and these jeans will carry your everyday outfits through spring and far beyond. Choose a mid wash for maximum seasonal versatility and wear them with anything and everything.
Suede Penny Loafers
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the loafer’s versatility should not be underestimated. With a bit of creative styling, it can work with everything from suits to shorts, making it the ideal smart-casual shoe to tackle the transitional months.
At this time of year, suede trumps leather. It’s softer, less stiff and lends the shoe a relaxed edge that gels nicely with everyday pieces. Avoid decorative embellishments, and instead go for a classic penny loafer in a rich chocolate brown.
Throw on some relaxed-fit chinos, a fitted white tee and a light jacket, and you’ve got a timeless outfit that can handle everything from the shop run to weekend drinks.
Coloured Suede Sneakers
If you think of footwear exclusively in neutrals, stop what you’re doing and reassess. Sneakers – in particular, suede ones – are the perfect vehicle for bringing a bit of colour to your spring wardrobe. Think retro runners with suede and mesh panelling from New Balance, Saucony and Nike. And they don’t have to be headache-inducingly bright either, subtle pastels will do the trick just fine.
A favourite model of ours at the moment is New Balance’s 991v2. It’s sleek, works with everything and is made right here in the UK. Best of all, there’s no shortage of colour options, spanning autumnal browns and oranges to lavender pastel pink.
Corduroy Baseball Cap
When the big coats come off, the smaller details start doing more of the work. A baseball cap is an easy way to finish an outfit, but fabric matters. Corduroy adds a bit of texture and feels more in keeping with the rest of a spring wardrobe than standard cotton twill.
Keep it simple. Low-profile, minimal branding, and colours that work with what you already own. Navy, brown and washed-out green are all safe bets.
Low-profile Dress Watch
With fewer layers in play, accessories become more noticeable. A slim, low-profile dress watch is an easy way to add a bit of polish without overdoing it. Think clean dial, simple case, nothing too bulky.
The Cartier Tank is the obvious reference, but there are plenty of more accessible options. Seiko is hard to beat for value, while Longines offers something a bit more elevated.