6 Men's Style Bloggers on How to Transform Your Style
May 05, 2011 - by Josh Linam
I no longer see my breath when I'm walking in New York City, which means two things: 1) that tub of dry ice I swallowed finally wore off, and 2) the months are turning warmer. Here are solid tips from six men's style bloggers on how to transform your style from ice cold to hot hot.
James of What Is James Wearing.
1. Adjust the Fabric. Stop wearing heavy wool, tweeds and somber winter colors and switch to lightweight wools and paler colors. Opt for silk tweeds, cottons and start introducing spring colors (pastels, brights, etc). I like to wear lightweight suede and leather jackets this time of year; also cashmere and cotton sweaters in fresh spring shades keep you warm without looking too wintry.
2. Accessories, Colors & Patterns. If you're going to accessorize your look with a scarf or tie, you might also want to lighten the palette and fabrics on these as well. Hold off on whites, linens and other obviously summer-like colors, patterns and fabrics until end of May or when temperatures finally get into the 80s.
3. Footwear Fiats. Footwear should also become a little lighter in feeling. I retire the aubergine suede boots, for example, this time of year. I tend to ditch the socks as well for a more carefree look, indicative of the spring/summer season.
Sachin of Sachin Bhola.
1. Choose Color Over Black. Theres a reason black outsells all other colors in retail: we all wear it. In fact, some of us only wear it (and that includes industry folk). Black, in a way, is a mindless choice because it doesnt require any effort to pull off theres little room for mistake. To transform your look for the warmer days ahead, introduce color into your wardrobe: a pair of tangerine-colored socks paired with a tailored navy suit is both office appropriate and subtle, while a modern batik shirt worn with red cotton shorts will please the Pantone proud.
2. Embrace Patterns. Theres nothing better than leaving the city for an exotic destination in the summer, but for those of us who cant we can at least fake it with the use of worldly-inspired patterns. Stripes of all proportions and colors are a trend that should be on your radar for S/S 11; I prefer the kind that are reminiscent of the French. For example, a black-and-white striped long-sleeve tee worn with black suspenders is a fun, fresh look. Other prints, such as paisley or batik, can be incorporated into accessories like pocket squares or scarves.
3. Find A Signature Piece. Unlike women who seem to have an unlimited amount of clothing options in the warmer months, men are restricted to pants or shorts (maybe thats a good thing). But that doesnt mean men have to sacrifice their style. My suggestion is to find something that is unique and becomes your signature for the months to follow. For example, sporting a vintage pocket watch, an ethnic-print scarf or only wearing colored socks are ways to transform your look into something more consistent and individual.
Chase of The Sweet and Tender Hooligan.
1. Just breathe. All I've been thinking about lately is clothes that breathe. So, this spring/summer scratch the idea of perfectly tailored trousers and skinny jeans for pants and shorts that have some movement. Warmer months are times of parks, bikes, beaches, music festivals and rooftop soirees, so loosen up your britches and find pants/shorts that match the spirit of summer. Look for lightweight cottons and linens that move with the warm weather breeze, but be careful to still find something that tapers a bit towards the bottom so as to keep some shape. I'm currently loving my new summer-pants from Endovanera and Uniforms for the Dedicated, both found at Assembly New York.
2. Roll it up and wrap it around. You're winter wardrobe is full of long-sleeves and pant legs, so utilize what you can by simply rolling up the ends. Guys, take your pant legs a few rolls up and show some ankle! I've also been wearing a lot of simple, earthy-colored crew neck t-shirts, but then I'll take my fav fall/winter button-ups and wrap them around my waist, 90's style. This adds some color, but also comes in handy as it cools off in the evening.
3. Brighten up. Somehow it's easy to find yourself wearing a lot of whites, blues and khaki-esque colors during spring/summer. A good way to add some colors to your warm-weather wardrobe is to pick up some brightly-colored brogues. Oranges, lively tans and milky chocolates are all good options.
Izzy of The Dandy Project.
1. Wear more white. White is a bright, breathable neutral that you can wear in the form of a linen jacket, jeans, cutoff shorts or even leather goods. And don't worry about your whites getting soiled; I think grime adds character.
2. Find the perfect tank top. Tank tops have gone beyond strictly undergarment territory to being generally accepted out in public. I like to wear mine under jackets, and I like them loose and low.
Mac of Daily Mister.
1. Go for DIY. Take one of your fall/winter pieces and alter it so it can fit the season. Last year I tore off the sleeves of a flannel shirt and turned it into a vest. This year I'm working on a super secret studding project (maybe not so secret now). It's all about changing what you already own.
2. Update your bag/briefcase. If you carry one, then it is seen with you in a variety of outfits so change is key. I try to rotate mine about every 3 months or so.
3. Mix & Match. Blend your warm weather and your cold weather pieces. I personally like to wear my thick sweaters with a pair of shirts or go for a v-neck, super light jacket and wool pants. It helps with the transition process and adds versatility to your look.
Jace of Grungy Gentleman.
1. Toss out the socks. I always ditch my socks when the weather breaks in April.
2. Long sleeves + shorts. I am a huge fan of pairing long sleeves with shorts. A solid oxford or long sleeve tee and shorts never hurt anybody.













