With spring seemingly never really a reality after a tantalizing day or two here and there (at least here in Chicago)—it’s still not too late to organize your wardrobe for a busy spring/summer season—both work and leisure. Whether you work full time or—as realized here—you work out of your home—as well out of an office. You’ll need some wardrobe basics to take you from the office to a night out entertaining existing clients or potential new clients and you’ll want a versatile wardrobe that’s working for you. This season has so many trends that are referencing past decades—think 70’s / early 80’s—there is a lot to choose from out there.

Being on the run between two offices, meeting clients after work (or friends) creates wardrobe challenges—get organized right from the get go. Here is a great basic suit for you right now—leave the grays, browns and blacks to the others and get a medium blue suit—not navy—but like this medium blue one here—actually suit separates. It’s cut slim and trim but not skinny. Pairing it with a Hilfiger tie and shirt gives it a youthful, classic look that goes anywhere for starters. Declare your right to jazz it up and roll the sleeves a bit to show a few wrist bands and you’ve instantly made it your look. It says you’re confident in your business and outlook.

But what if that same day you need to immediately go from the office to an after work function or a low key client meet up and you want to casual it down a bit but not lose the business structure completely. Before you leave home, throw a polo and a pair of sneakers in your bag. Here – a trim zip neck polo is an nice alternative to a collared version as the standup neck works well with the suit lapels. It instantly transform the suit into an after work fashion statement. Add in your white or color blocked sneakers and you’re good to go for the evening.

For an alternative business look that is a little more casual but still work oriented in a dressed down way, try a khaki suit or, as here, a khaki sport coat. Khaki and white—a 70’s staple is better than ever in this updated look with the khaki sport coat, white shirt and loose knot knit tie. It doesn’t get any more classic than this—but go all the way and ramp up the look with, yes, white jeans and a white belt. Shoes could be anything—from white sneakers to maybe caramel brown brogues—but be confident to keep it business casual as you’re dressing it down with an unbuttoned top shirt button and loosened tie.

Khaki sport jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; Shirt, tie & sunglasses, H&M; Jeans, Jack Spade; Belt, Nautica; Pocket square, vintage.

Then take the same sport jacket and pair it with a classic blue trimmed white polo as a summer alternative to a shirt and tie – or another trending updated polo – with a banded waist. Button it all the way up so it looks more finished. Buttoned all the way gives the casual look of the polo a more serious look with the sport coat – it could stand in for an shirt and tie at a lunch meeting.

Polo, Boss Hugo Boss

Denim is still important for any guy’s wardrobe. Denim is also always evolving. Slim, skinny. distressed, dark wash. It’s always something every few seasons – remember ‘boot cut’? Well, now, washed out has returned in keeping with the retro revival of the 70’s and 80’s.  But don’t go acid wash – stick to a medium blue wash denim– and –  if you’re going to wear denim with denim – be it a shirt – or, as here, a jacket – mix up the wash. Dark with light – here, black with a medium wash jacket – go for contrast.

Also, in keeping with trends coming back from decades ago – the Henley shirt is back in a big way. Worn by grandfathers generations ago as undershirts, they were revived in the 70’s and here they are again. Take them and layer ‘em to give them an updated look. They’re sexy, so wear some neck chains to ramp up the sex appeal even more. And while you’re shopping around for decades old accessories – get some with big buckled belts like this vintage brown one here.

There’s bound to be a few chilly evenings in the coming weeks and months—and days for that matter. Another retro trend that gained traction last season—the 70’s sweater is adding some great color and pattern to the everyday wardrobe. Take one along even with a pair of shorts on a weekend day—throw it around your waist during the day (in itself a retro trend)—you may need it as the sun sets. For summer try these soft, lighter weight ones that feel great against bare skin. Pair it with a more quite patterned short like this blue pin stripe seersucker. A sweater this bold deserves more than a plain, bland solid color short.

Don’t be afraid to key into a few retro trending items—especially when they’re classic to begin with. Layer them in a way that is unique to your own personal style. Don’t hesitate to go beyond your usual style compass—the great thing about any style trend is—there will always be a new trend not too far into future.

*All Photography by G. Thomas Ward thepeoplephotographer.com; Model, Matthew For Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron, http://www.rcbeauty.com/ ; Styling, James Vincent,https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/ .