First Day of Spring
Yes, today is officially the first day of Spring. The birds are singing, the sky is blue, the sun is out and people seem to be a lot happier. Amazing what a little bit of good weather can do for you.
With the Spring season comes a new season in fashion and style. Gone are the thick jumpers, the body coverings of grey, black and brown and out come the bright colours, short skirts, shorts and skimpy footwear. Unfortunately here in the UK we aren’t blessed with much by way of sunshine so I think it’s safe to say that as soon as that sun does rear its head, then soon enough the shorts, flip flops, skimpy tops and sunglasses emerge in throngs. The parks are once again populated with people playing games, reading books, generally just chilling out. Bars start adding piazza style dining areas outside their windows, enticing young professionals to partake of a glass or two and a light snack to reward their hard working selves for being in the office when the outside sunshine has so much to offer. Yes I perhaps am really rather wistful looking outside myself, but more so am I also contemplating what will my choice of wardrobe be for the coming warmer climate?
Shorts are a definite, this year the boardies (surf style funnily enough never goes out of style) and combat style shorts are back with a vengeance, camouflage won’t cut it this year however, the more preppy checked and striped “smarter” look is one of the hot looks in the gents stores at present, or the rolled up short jeans are a must, teamed with either the understated white plimsolls (and no socks, please no socks) and casual bright baggy t-shirts (or tight for those of us that can pull it off), printed retro bold designs are definately hanging around for a while so hang onto those ones you had for Christmas or picked up in the sales, they are an investment.
Bright rolled up sleeve shirts left open with plain white t-shirts for those wanting a more serious yet summer look for an afternoon session with friends in true metropolitan style.
Flip-flops as always are an easy, comfortable (if you’re lucky enough not to have to spend a few days with sore feet from trying to get used to them) bit of footwear that can be worn with shorts, jeans or anything else. Available in pretty much any colour or style you can imagine (but please, do try and stay away from sandals, there is a limit to which you can stray too far) all the designers have added their brands to them, or if you’re not too worried about what’s on your feet, especially when you can’t see the brand, then the high street stores have a great variety of colourful, plain or designed ones to suit any budget from as little as a fiver; so there’s definitely no excuse for anyone to be seen without at least a hint of style and taste upon themselves! You have been warned.
Sunglasses, sunnies, shades (all the same thing); it goes without saying are a big look as usual. If you’re a lover of the Oakley look and again you can pull them off (not everyone can, believe me!) then keep with it. For those of us on a tighter budget and not able to fork out for the likes of Ray Ban or Police, then again the high street stores are offering a great variety of retro, modern and downright strange styles that suit all budgets from as little as £8.00. Big glasses are back, wide rims, retro white frames and aviators have returned for another season. Perhaps not great with regards to the sun protection factors, but in the style stakes, you’re on to a winner.
Straw hats seem to have snuck in somewhere, not to my taste to be honest but some guys can just pull them off, put with rolled up jeans, t-shirt and plimsoles and you’re transformed into an English countryside picture circa 1950’s, quirky yet casual.
All in all, the general rule is quite plainly, there are no rules, wear what makes you comfortable, what makes you smile and black definitely should stay in the wardrobe for a few months.
Get some Spring in your style step!
Tee Boy