The Masters is less than two months away.
Think about that…the official start of Spring is imminent. That means the sweaters and wool will make their way to the back of the closet in favor of lighter fabrics and colors. The end of Winter is a GREAT time to purge, which then initiates taking stock of what you have and what you need. It does for me, anyway… Here’s what I’m eyeing for Spring:
From Top Left:
1. Alan Paine Light Plaid Shirt: I don’t wear a lot of plaids anymore. I’ve really moved to oxfords and dress shirts. However, the plaids I do wear I take seriously. You’ll be hard-pressed to find cooler plaids than Alan Paine.
2. Penfield Kasson Rain Jacket: A good addition is an updated rain jacket. The Penfield 60/40 jackets are out of this world, and their outerwear is elevated and thoughtful. A good investment for our Spring climate (read: wet).
3. Holderness & Bourne Conrad Vest: Hopefully we’ve graduated from the better sweaters as the standard. A lightweight vest will have a home in my wardrobe, and I like having some colorful options that work over #1, #5, or on the golf course. This is it.
4. Vintage Persol Sunglasses: Why not?
5. Ledbury Royal Oxford Shirt: The team up in Richmond is pumping out some fantastic shirts, and with their customization options weighted against their price points make these a serious consideration. And can you have enough blue oxford shirts?
6. Sid Mashburn African Beaded Belt: Trust me…these beaded belts are a great way to add some character to any look. I have a few and wear them all the time – at the office, on the course, on date night…
7. LBM Cotton/Linen Sport Coat: The Easter/rehearsal dinner/Spring business trip jacket. Gotta have it.
8. Jack Donnelly M4 Slim Chinos: The best chinos on the market. If you already have a pair, then get a second and add a 1.75″-2″ cuff (with no break). Pair them with #10 or #11 – they work.
9. Raleigh Denim Resin Rinse Jeans: RD did a fantastic job with these: the denim is a bit lighter, so they’ll wear well in Spring and by Summer they’ll be broken in. And the Jones fit has a bespoke look.
10. Di Bianco Brera Farro Suede Loafers: I love the shape of the Di Bianco loafers. They are like wearing Ferraris on your feet.
11. Alden Milkshake Loafers: Yep, these are the ones you’ve been asking about. No better time to pull the trigger than now!
What are you stocking up on this Spring?
Re: #8- I love Jack Donnelly chinos, and the M4s are probably a hit slimmer than what your general audience is used to. The M3 cut has a tailored leg but still has a long rise (sits in waist), looks spectacular with a cuff, and I think is their best fit. Plus, they’re made in the USA and are 100% cotton!
For those looking for great sport coat options under $600, Onward Reserve has had some great offerings (and most are half or partially-lined, great for warm weather).
That blazer is on point. Well played sir.
The early Spring is a bit too wet here in CLT for suede but I do love the Alden loafer game.
Have you had a chance to look at Pennbilt? I’m curious to see how this iteration of Bill Thomas’ khakis shake out this time. The original Bills lasted forever, I still have 1-2 OCBD from before they were sold
Yes, I tried on a pair of Pennbilt (size 34) at my local men’s store last week. The rise is modern (read: short), and the leg is more of a classic cut (which I prefer, similar to Bills M2). Material is sturdy and had nice finishing details, but it was a no-go for me due to the short rise- no crotch room and impossible to wear with boxers. Add 1.5″ to the rise and I would’ve bought 2 pair.