Written and Produced By James Vincent

While it seems like we wait forever for springs arrival, spring can also be very fickle.  Some days it’s still closer to winter in feeling but can just as well be more summer like. So – it’s really hard to know how to dress for a day – much less on how to stock up on looks to reinvigorate your wardrobe for the coming warm season. Take a look back with us on 6 classic spring looks to wear right now in spring 2018.

Plaid men’s tailored wear has been trending for several seasons now and is still especially strong for Spring & Summer 2018. From our March 2016 issue https://menofvalue.com/2016/03/01/go-bold-bright-for-spring-2016-6-power-looks-to-warm-up-the-season/–  don’t stop at just a bold plaid suit. A bold patterned suit needs a shirt and tie combo that can stand up to its boldness. A suit like this can, should and will very comfortably take on an equally bold plaid shirt. Just keep it in the same color family and in a smaller, tighter pattern. For the tie – get a denser pattern more heavily saturated in the same color as here with a dark blue on blue paisley. Throw in a multi blue toned pocket square to top it off. And don’t forget a top coat so you’re ready for whatever crazy weather spring conjures up. Try this classic trench coat – and keep a pair of sunglasses in the pocket just in case – for wishful thinking – you’ll be glad you did and look great when the sun finally comes out.

Suit, Coppley; Shirt, Tommy Hilfiger; Tie, Michael Kors;  Belt, Nautica; Pocket Square, Nordstrom Rack; Tie Bar, Vintage;. Trench Coat & Sunglasses, HM.

*Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, http://www.alejandraguerrero.com; Model: Nicholas for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Jennifer Mendoza; Styling, James Vincent https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/ ; Shot on location at Gene and Georgetti https://geneandgeorgetti.com/, Chicago, IL

As the days are slowing getting warmer – albeit with it the occasional cold snap –  you wouldn’t think you would need as many suits in your wardrobe.  The opposite might arguably be the case.  Some chilly days will still be in the forecast – so look at a suit as a form of outerwear – as here from our May 2017 issue https://menofvalue.com/2017/05/01/weekending-wear-spring-2017/ –  by taking out a tie and adding in a pair of sneakers – you’ve created a look that’s unique – and not just for the office –  while lending some warmth if needed.

Suit, Cavani; Shirt, Bugatchi; Pocket Square, Vintage; Sneakers, LaCoste.

*Photography, Alejandra Guerrero http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/ Model: Scott for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ramsay Marston ; Styling, James Vincent https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Assistant Stylist, Kimberly Bergmark; Shot on location at Andersonville Antiques, Chicago https://www.facebook.com/Andersonvilleantiques/

Knock around suit styling all you want – you’re still bound to have the desire and need to look sensational front and forward in a suit that presents you at your best. Nothing does that like an all season, blue suit in a medium tonal range – as remembered here from our May 2016 issue  https://menofvalue.com/2016/04/30/look-good-right-now-6-looks-need-spring-2016/

Suit, Ralph Lauren Flex; Shirt, Nautica; Tie, Calvin Klein; Belt, Dockers; Tie Bar & Pocket Square, Vintage.

*Photography, Alejandra Guererro http://www.alejandraguerrero.com/ ; Model, John for Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron http://www.rcbeauty.com/; Styling, James Vincent https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/; Shot on location at Madison Vine Wines http://www.madisonvinewines.com/ , Chicago.

As with any spring – or any season for that matter – some events and days just call for a good solid, lightweight sport jacket – as here from our May 2015 issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/05/01/what-to-wear-right-now-spring-and-summer-2015-70s-80s-updated-classics/ . A classic khaki sport coat is a workhorse of all sport jackets and one that can be paired with almost anything and look great. It can just as easily be worn with a trouser or for something sportier – jeans and a loose tie – it’s meant to have fun with – so play around with it. It’s a wardrobe staple that you will go back to not only in spring but all summer long.

Khaki Sport Jacket, Tommy Hilfiger; Shirt, Tie, Sunglasses & Wristbands, H&M; Jeans, Jack Spade; Belt, Nautica; Pocket Square, Vintage.

*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/ .

Of course not all of the fun with sport jackets is dressing them down – a versatile sport jacket is first and foremost a casual way of looking dressed up for work or a special event without the seriousness of a suit. As here from our March 2015 issue https://menofvalue.com/2015/03/01/spring-2015-tailor-it-to-you-key-items-with-transferrable-fashion-skills/ – it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the same styling techniques from a suit to a dressed up sport jacket – that’s its appeal in the first place – it’s crossover appeal from dressed down to dressed up.

Sport Coat, Coppley; Shirt, John W. Nordstrom; Tie, Nordstrom Rack; Trousers, John Varvatos USA; Pocket Square, Vintage.

*Photography, Diana Kim; Model, Anderson For Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron http://www.rcbeauty.com/; Styling, James Vincent  https://www.tradeshowoffs.com/

And when it gets right down to it – what you really need – especially on a damp, rainy weekend day – is something versatile to knock around in – as here from our March 2017 issue  https://menofvalue.com/2017/03/06/spring-2017-key-wardrobe-items-flip-flop-fake-season/ – a windbreaker. And not just any windbreaker – but a windbreaker in a bright spring color to remind yourself that soon you won’t need a jacket at all!

Windbreaker; Hawk & Co., Tee, Nike; Compression Tights, Under Armour; Sneakers, Adidas.

*Photography, Alejandra Guerrero, www.alejandraguerrero.com; Model, Luke For Ford Models Chicago; Grooming, Ashley Condron; Styling, James Vincent, www.tradeshowoffs.com; Shot On Location At Celeste,www.celestechicago.com