It’s no rumor that April showers bring May flowers, so you’ll need a light weight, waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood. Land’s End has some good choices, such as this jacket and mackintosh at great prices. Both are easy to roll and pack away if it gets too warm. Blue Fly always has something on sale, so give them a look too. Another good choice is a versatile, slim down vest. Warm and light weight, you can layer over a light jacket, button down or T-shirt depending on those varying Spring temps.

I’m a firm believer that chino’s are a necessity, especially for Spring and Summer. They’re comfortable, light weight and match well with anything. They’ll get a lot of miles, late night or overnight and the longer you have them, the better they look and feel. Avoid baggy, pleated and long. Instead, look for a straight fit with a slight break at the bottom. Make sure they sit at the hips and don’t taper at the ankles. There’s a wide variety to choose from and I highly recommend checking out L.L. Bean. They’re affordable but well constructed. Also, it’s not a bad idea to get a pair of jeans with a lighter shade, such as light blue or khaki, if you need something warmer.

T-shirts, button down dress shirts and polos should always be on hand during Spring and Summer. Avoid loud graphics on your T-shirts and make sure it fits your build. I have several in plain colors made of soft, well worn cotton. Button downs should be light weight, breathable, and in brighter shades with checks or stripes. Find something with a slim fit and shorter cut, so it doesn’t need to be tucked in. Polos should also be fitted and in bright colors.

With more time spent outside, protect yourself with a nice pair of sunglasses. They’ll also make you look sharp while permitting furtive glances at the fairer sex. I’m a big fan of aviators, as they compliment my features the best.  Our friends over at Gear Patrol have a helpful guide on getting the right fit.

Make sure to treat your feet well in a pair of comfy sneakers. Most are affordable so you can have a few different styles. A lighter shade or pure white always looks good for the warmer months, matching well with jeans, chinos and shorts. Personally, I stick to Chuck Taylor’s but also dig the designs from John Varvatos’s Converse Jack Purcells. Also check out other classics like Van’s and Adidas. It’s really up to you.

As for accessories, the only things you’ll need are an umbrella and scarf. Get a sturdy umbrella made of real wood and a strong fabric. Make sure the sides are also long enough to provide cover from pesky, wind blown rain as well. If you get a cheap umbrella, it’ll rip or bend. Your scarf should be lightweight like merino wool or cashmere with a simple pattern, such as vertical or horizontal stripes with subdued colors like our boy John Paul below.

Most of these items aren’t strictly seasonal for Spring but can carry over into Fall, Summer and Winter. So invest in quality and expect it to last.

*None of the above constitutes an endorsement of any of the websites mentioned or the content therein.

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• Spandex: This is practical for professional athletes or those training for athletic competition, such as road bike racing or track and field. You need to be in great shape to pull it off. Even if you have great quads or giant glutes, having them on full display in the wrong situation, along with your package, is still an eye sore.  It’s best to think “less is more.” Let the ladies give you something nice to look at instead of your buddy. If you really need to squeeze them on, then wear something over them like shorts. Adrian Greiner should have known better. And what’s up with the girl next to him?

• UGG Australia boots:  These boots are a trend for women, meaning it’s overpriced and designed for their looks and comfort. Men need boots that are also comfortable, but rugged, durable, waterproof and mean. They have a men’s line but the brand is strongly associated for women. So don’t fool yourself, even if your girlfriend is. Go instead for Red Wings, Timberlands, Sorel, Clarks or L.L. Bean. Bed/Stu is a newer brand but uses old world fundamentals. Also, never tuck your pants into your boots unless you’re climbing a mountain.

• Shorts: Wearing casual shorts is comfortable during the warmer months, but make sure they’re the proper length, which is past mid thigh and at or above the knee. Michael Jordan had the right idea when he went to longer shorts, possibly starting this thankful trend. Also, it’s imperative to wear shorts at this length during a workout to avoid a free peep show of the family jewels. Again, “less is more.” And don’t wear jean shorts. Mustache is optional.

• Loud Sports Jacket: Loud professional sport jackets emblazoned with your favorite team logo can be a blinding experience. It’s great to know you love the Cubs, but to announce it 5 miles away is a bit too much. For some reason, teams that design these jackets think they need their logo and colors super bold, possibly converting us to their team. Go for something more subtle and understated, with low key prints, colors subdued or only wear it to the game. Sports clothes is less a fashion statement and more an affiliation for your favorite team.

• Socks with Sandals: Logically, this just doesn’t make sense, just like wearing suspenders with a belt. But it still doesn’t stop some of us from giving it a go. Sandals are designed so your feet are exposed, usually due to warm climates, letting them breathe. So wearing socks defeats the purpose. Put on shoes if socks are necessary…well, this should visually explain everything.

So there you have it. That’s Part I and next week we’ll have Part II. So keep a few of these suggestions in mind to avoid side glances and unexpected giggles. If there’s anything you’d like to add, please let us know.

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