Basic Essentials for Spring and Summer

Before you start sprucing up your spring and summer wardrobe, let's make sure you have the basic essentials covered.

It is easy to get carried away with trendy pieces when we go shopping but the key to a complete and efficient wardrobe is to make sure that the basic essentials are covered. By basic essentials I am referring to those neutral, standard pieces that you can wear all season long and will make it possible for you to be wardrobe ready for any occasion.

AG Matchbox jean is the perfect jean this season. A dark wash is preferred when pairing with a blazer or dress shirt and a second pair in a medium wash - pictured above - will also come in very handy for a more casual look.

Gingham is it. You cannot have enough gingham this year. I suggest starting with a basic blue or navy long sleeve gingham shirt and add more colors as you go.

The desert boot. Just like 50 is the new 30 - at least in my world - the dessert boot is the new sneaker. Wear it with jeans, chinos, linen slacks, shorts or even a summer suit depending on the occasion.

The Khaki suit will forever be a spring and summer standard. Try and find a slim fitting suit with traditional lapel and this will ensure at least a couple of years of wear without having to replace it with a more current model. Pair it with a brown lace up shoe, dress shirt and tie for a more upscale look.

The navy blazer is a year-round basic essential. Choose a cotton or light weight wool for spring and summer. If you happen to live in a tropical climate state, the light weight wool could be used year-round. Pair it with your dark wash jeans and a white dress shirt and you can't go wrong. And don't forget the pocket square detail for that extra pop!

The white dress shirt. Not much to say about the white dress shirt except you need at least one for every season. This is as basic as it gets. Avoid the classic fit unless you are in need of the extra fabric.
It is also worth mentioning the flat front charcoal grey dress slack for that dressier occasion that does not require a suit. Light wool slacks will serve you year-round.

The Hartford linen shirt. For that casual night-time look the Hartford linen shirt is a total must. In an array of colors, here's your chance to add a some pop to your wardrobe. Find the color that works best with your skin tone and pair it with jeans, slacks, or shorts.

Yes to seersucker anything for spring and summer. Start off with shorts and build your way up to the whole suit.

 

The slim fit chino. As you may have noticed by now, is all about slim fit this year and chinos are no exception. Khaki is the way to go for your first one and then graduate to grey and navy as you go along.

The Black polo shirt. Smedley happens to make the best sea cotton dressy polo shirt in the market today. Though a bit pricier than most other brands, this is the polo shirt to own. I believe black has a place in our wardrobe year round and my suggestion is the black polo for spring and summer. Pair it with your khaki suit, a pair of chinos or grey slacks, and you can never go wrong.

The board short. Here is where you get to have fun and introduce a bit of whimsy to your wardrobe. Going to the beach is fun and your board shorts should be too. Keep in mind that Speedos are back this season, but I know that a board short is a basic essential and a Speedo is a risky addition for the more daring fashionista. But either is acceptable this season.

The tennis shoe. Yes I did not say sneaker, I said tennis shoe. Converse has been giving us the tennis shoe for decades but Paul Smith has designed the newer sleeker version and it is a true must-have this season.

I hope this clears up a little bit of the what the basic essentials are for this season. If you have any questions regarding designers, where to buy any of these items or personal style issues, feel free to comment on this posting or email me directly at vincentspov@gmail.com

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Live well and look fierce doing it!