Ready to break out of your rut?
Fashion isn’t complicated—in theory.
Just wear what you like. But with so many options, how do you know what to like in the first place? We’ll help you decide what to wear this spring. Do you like color? Dig the ’70s? Thoughts on messenger bags? Sharpen those pencils.
Dries Van Noten necklace, price on request
Pierre Hardy shoes, $895
Topman shirt, $40
The Tie Bar tie, $19
Lighter-weight denim flows like any shirting fabric, so don’t be afraid to treat it that way. (Do be afraid of the Canadian tuxedo—that’s still not OK.)
Indigo can be a refreshing alternative to spring’s never-ending procession of navy.
Weaving atypical washes into your wardrobe might change your mind.
If you want to retain the messenger aesthetic, but not look like you ride a bike through downtown gridlock, find a model with handles and shoulder straps.
A petite duffel can double as a weekender and an everyday carryall.
Swap out your boring briefcase for one in a bright color or textured material, like raffia.
Sustainability
In 2015 major manufacturers from H&M to Kering, the conglomerate behind luxury brands such as Brioni and Bottega Veneta, responded to charges that their businesses were taking a toll on the environment. They streamlined supply chains and marketed “conscious” collections. But when it comes to sustainability, there’s real passion among smaller brands—and there are new companies worth knowing as much for what they make as how they make it.
Shirting-inspired dresses and trousers from New Zealand’s Kowtow come from fair-trade organic cotton. Amour Vert’s soft tees and blouses use sustainable synthetics like Tencel and recycled polyester—Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan. And Melissa Joy Manning crafts her jewelry from recycled sterling silver, even designing some pieces around gemstones from a Michigan ore refinery.
The neckerchief is a global style signature. Wrap a silky one around your neck (like this one from Karen Walker, price on request) and look convincingly Parisian, or try a cotton bandanna and look convincingly chic whatever city you're in.
Banana Republic skirt, $128
Jimmy Choo shoes, price on request
Marni shirt, $585
Tod’s pants, $495
Christian Louboutin shoes, $895
Adam Lippes shirt, $490
Jennifer Fisher earrings, $225
Malcolm Betts bracelet, $2,855
Marni shoes, $950
Orlebar Brown pants, $245
Michael Bastian pocket square, $60
Johnston & Murphy shoes, $395
J.Crew pants, $98
Missoni scarf, $450
Gabriela Hearst shoes, $795
Minimalist detailing says “the future” without verging into sci-fi territory.
Don’t go full retro—keep your lapels well under a mile wide, and opt for pants in slimmer cuts than you’d have worn back in the bell-bottom days.
Fifties fashion doesn’t have to be as boring as a TV dinner. Balance conservative silhouettes with eye-catching prints.
Rainbow sandals dominated spring runways. Many were too crazy for officewear, but if you want to experiment, try these technicolor flats or go rogue with a closed toe.
Stacked contrast soles add a bit of unexpected pop to loafers.
Dressy doesn’t have to be straight-laced—it can also mean buckles or exotic eel skin.
Shoulder-grazing earrings bring attention to your face and elongate your neck.
Stack your bangles high. Skip silver, and look for chunky bracelets in brass, wood, and horn instead.
Speed up your morning routine: A statement-making choker is all you need to pull together an outfit.
Hamilton Shirts shirt, $345
Tommy Hilfiger shorts, $89.50
Ted Baker London pocket square, $25
Berluti shoes, $1,320
W.Kleinberg belt, $155
Johnston & Murphy shoes, $145
Tibi skirt, $395
Jennifer Fisher necklace, $1,235
Jimmy Choo shoes, $595
Billy Reid skirt, $495
Catbird necklace, $148
Altuzarra shoes, $795
Boglioli pants, $320
Barneys New York shoes, $495
Sea skirt, $335
Maryam Nassir Zadeh shoes, $391
Backpacks aren’t just for schoolchildren anymore. This version from Want Les Essentiels ($595) does away with adolescent adornments; it’s compact, minimal, and utilitarian-chic. The pack comes in fabrics from plain black leather to intricate brocade—this one features the brand’s signature paint-drip polka dots.
Dare to bare your shoulders—it’s an elegant way to show some skin.
With so much volume concentrated around the paper-bag waist, you’ll want to keep your top and shoes unadorned.
The short-sleeved button-front shirt is no longer only for the office IT guy. Designers are reinterpreting it with slightly shorter, tighter arms—in colors beyond blue and white.
Walt Cassidy Studio for Derek Lam earrings, $450
Jennifer Fisher rings, $325 to $435
Christian Louboutin shoes, $675;
Burberry suit, $2,390
New Balance for J.Crew shoes, $75
Ulla Johnson dress, $460
Jennifer Fisher earrings, $385
Jennifer Fisher bracelet, $1,225
Hermès shoes, $780
Brunello Cucinelli shirt, $595
Johnston & Murphy shoes, $155
Hellessy skirt,$780
Anndra Neen necklace, $535
Stuart Weitzman shoes, $435
Hermès suit, $3,950
Officine Generale shirt, $265
Greats shoes, $195
Everyone loves bomber jackets because of their versatility. Wear one over a shirt and tie to stylize your workweek wardrobe, or with your favorite T-shirt and jeans on the weekend. This one from Todd Snyder + Champion ($405) is a men’s coat, but it could also be a sporty balance to spring’s Victorian florals.
Green is the new navy. That said, it can be tricky to wear—avoid looking like a leprechaun by hewing to bluer and browner shades.
Take baby steps: As temperatures rise, swap out charcoal gray for light shades—think the color of the sky after it rains.
Pair a flowing poet blouse with a structured pencil skirt. The tie neck lets you decide how much skin you want to show.
Illustrations by Scott Gelber
Web design by Steph Davidson