Coastal Currents: California Casual Fashion
Classic California with a Modern Update: Looks for the Carefree, Sophisticated Man
Photography: Karl Simone
Style Assistance: Alexander Shera
Hair & Grooming: Carlos Vargas
Turtleneck: La Fileria For D'aniello
Shorts: Theory
Spring! Throw open the windows, let the warm breeze flow and greet the warmer temperatures with open arms and lighter clothing. We’ve spent months in the frigid cold, hiding underneath puffy winter coats and sweaters just to bare the snow, or in my case, braving the rough Southern California rains. Painful, I know. But no more. Spring is here and along with it, some fashion and style suggestions for the gentleman in any region.
Spring Sweater Weather.
Choose style and comfort. For those Springtime days with a slight chill in the air, dress up your shorts with a lightweight sweater. This season Eleventy delivers sweaters for just this purpose. Confident and elegant but relaxed and casual. Pair a sweater with the Linen Curtis Short by Theory. Made with an organic, light and airy blend of fabrics, the Linen Curtis Short offers a refined look with stretch in movement. For a sportier look, try West Coast prep brand Johnnie-O. Heathered and moisture-wicking, Johnnie-O’s Wyatt Performance Short come in a variety of colors and are a great choice for most any occasion.
Headed out for a weekend adventure with friends? Try the cotton and silk crewneck sweater by Belstaff. Pair the skin-so-soft Belstaff sweater with Spa Bermuda Shorts by Brunello Cucinelli for the win. A relaxed style with comfort and class packaged into one fully functional look.
Jacket: Cadogan
Staying Dry. Staying Cool.
May flowers arrive only after a healthy dose of April showers. Be ready for them with these lightweight, wind-resistant jackets. Stone Island men’s jackets are always a great choice. This nylon, wind-resistant jacket feels soft yet sturdy with side, zip pockets. It’s a straight-cut fit jacket with polyurethane resin coating for a waterproof durability. Perhaps you prefer an easy pullover when the rain breaks out? The Hanover Abstract Print Pullover by The Very Warm has got you covered. Attached hood. Elasticized cuffs. This sporty, quarter-zip pullover is designed to keep you warm and dry. A stylish, modern take on a classic piece. Finally for those who prefer the ease of a classic rain-jacket but the sportiness of a pullover, there’s the Hooded Jacket by H&M. With a mesh-lined hood, flexible drawstrings, front zip, elasticized cuffs and hem, this jacket comes at such a great price its worth purchasing in multiple colors.
Polo & Sweater: Kenzo Paris
Pants: Dish/Duer
Spring Layers.
Who says layering is just for Fall or Winter? Spring gives us the opportunity to play with multiple layers as the weather so often shifts quickly. This season try a functional, performance style pant with layers on top. Dish/Duer’s No Sweat is a favorite jogger, great for those active afternoons or paired well with a polo by Kenzo. Add a staple from the Ron Dorff collection, the European brand’s cashmere hoodie. This hoodie is never, I repeat, never far from my side.
Keep your eye on Olivers Apparel. I recently tried the Passage Pant from the Los Angeles based label. A four-way stretch, durable, and light, these pants need to be worn to truly understand the comfort. Speaking of extreme comfort, no t-shirt is as soft to the touch as the Silkcut V-Neck by TANI USA. Every guy needs to own at least one. To complete the look, throw on Orlebar Brown’s Thurloe Towelling; the perfect hoodie for morning coffee at the resort or evenings on the beach watching the sunset.
Check out the French Terry Cropped Sweatpants by Bonobos. Super comfortable for any Spring day. On top throw on a button down linen shirt Todd Snyder. Pictured below in mauve but available in a variety of colors, the slim fit linen shirt threads the needle between casual and collegiate, yet mature and refined. When the temperature dips, stick with Todd Snyder’s iconic, Fleece Garment Dyed Pocket Sweatshirt, a vintage styled, raglan sleeve sweatshirt you’ll have trouble ever wanting to take off.
Sweatershirt: Kenzo Paris
Jeans: Rag & Bone
Sweats & Jeans. Classic.
A lightweight sweatshirt and a pair of jeans, it’s a classic look for Spring. This year style it up, have fun, but keep it crisp. The Kenzo Men’s Logo Sweater pushes its name behind bold blocks of classic red, black and a warm blue. White mid-rise, slim-fit jeans by Rag & Bone pair well below.
More of a classic black and white guy? The 4-Bar Oversized Loopback Sweatshirt by Thom Browne with the Italian Brushed 5-Pocket pant by Bonobos is just for you.
Or maybe it’s a more casual beach vibe you’re after. The Conor Raglan by Johnnie-O adds a surfer touch, especially when worn with the sanded, light wash of Rag & Bone’s Fit 2 Slim Fit Jeans.
Sweater: H&M Collection
Sailing Towards Spring.
Nothing nods to the arrival of Spring quite like a nautical inspired stripe. The H&M Wool-Blend Sweater transitions winter into the new season with just the right weight. Its navy, black and white stripes boldly bounce against white pants tailored by Klein Epstein & Parker. Dressed down or dressed-up, KEP is a go-to for any guy serious about their wardrobe as custom fit clothing is always in season. For a ready-to-wear option try the Linen-Cotton Pleated Trousers by Massimo Alba. These ivory, linen-cotton weave are slightly textured with a hint of a pleat are sure to be a Spring thru Summer staple.
Orlebar Brown’s Bahama Blue Towelling Sweatshirt offers a lighter wear. The tricolor striped sweatshirt paired with their Harton Linen Chambray Short is a resort type look and feel whether out on the yacht, grilling by the pool or catching fireflies with the kids.
Eleventy jumps in with its own nautical inspired top. A light-shade gray with white stripes at the chest and below, this crew top is modern take on an old classic. With a comfortable stretch, wrinkle-resistant twill, keep it subtle in Johnnie-O’s Marin Performance Pant. The best part about this look: you’ll be looking great whether it’s day or night.
Jacket: Cadogan
Pants: Theory
Mix & Match Your Outwear.
Every gent needs a couple Spring jackets to mix and match with the best of his closet. Todd Snyder’s Brando Bomber is a must. Light-weight suede, 100% leather. Throw this bomber on with a tee, button-down or sweater; its versatility uplifts any look. The Ollerton Pocket Shirt Jacket by Belstaff bridges the gap between warm and chill. Functional in purpose while giving a muted color pop, wear it with jeans, shorts of khakis. And finally, make a statement in Tom Ford’s Sateen Military Blouson Jacket. Over-sized chest pockets, side slip pockets, straight hem with round barrel cuffs- this jacket is one you’ll enjoy season to season, year after year.
Find Your Style.
No matter the season, style is about finding your voice and being comfortable with it, in it. This Spring throw on your favorite new jacket, those perfectly fitting jeans and a soft tee. Get out outside. Enjoy the sunshine. Smell the budding blossoms and listen to the crashing of those ocean waves. Breath. Soak in it. Spring is a season of renewal; one of fresh starts. Try something new. And make it your best while wearing your best.
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