THE JOURNAL

Spring – and its unpredictable weather – is officially here and, with it, the annual dilemma of what to wear. What to put on when it’s no longer cold, but not warm enough for a T-shirt and shorts? Adaptability is key. The words “transitional wardrobe” can strike fear in any man, but they also provide the opportunity to have fun with your clothes. MR PORTER travelled to sunny Mallorca to create some looks that we hope will offer some transitional inspiration.
01.
Switch up your suits

Dress for the life you want, not for the life you have. Who doesn’t want to leave the house in an expertly crafted suit every day, particularly if it includes UMIT BENAN B+’s double-breasted suit jacket, designed in collaboration with Jacques Marie Mage, or Canali’s pale pink blazer. As the winter clouds clear and the sun makes an appearance, consider pastels and warmer brick-like tones – they’ll work well with most neutral shades.
02.
Get ahead of the game

Varsity jackets have been all the rage in recent months, and it is easy to see why. They are functional and easy to wear, but add a touch of preppy appeal to any outfit. A classic design with appliquéd patches, such as this one from Wales Bonner, is a great way to hop on the trend. Wear with cargo pants or chinos and a pair of box-fresh sneakers, such as those by New Balance.
03.
Bet on the comfies

If you are jetting off on a spring break, perfect your airport outfit (or any off-duty look, for that matter) with some comfy designer sweats. Pick cosy, versatile staples – such as Enfants Riches Déprimés’ printed hoodie and SAINT Mxxxxxx’s logo sweatpants – and don’t be afraid to play with layers. A checked shirt from visvim or a weatherproof lightweight jacket will complete your look.
04.
Keep it casual

After months swathed in woollen sweaters, a casual shirt, whether printed or monochrome, is one of spring’s simple pleasures. This one from Raf Simons is one of our favourites for 2023. It is part of the brand’s last collection, so don’t hang about. It looks just as good layered over a plain T-shirt as it does on its own.
05.
Add an extra layer

Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s good to have an extra layer for those evenings when the temperature drops. This sumptuous cashmere cardigan from The Elder Statesman can be worn as a mid-layer or in place of a lightweight jacket. It will see you through summer, too. We have styled ours with Dries Van Noten shorts and Gucci slides.
06.
Find the right T-shirt

The perfect T-shirt is a must for spring. As the weather warms up and we discard sweaters and jackets, it’s important to find one that suits your needs and style. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider SKY HIGH FARM’s printed design or stay low-key with plain or striped options.
07.
Elevate your sweats

Sweats have become an acceptable part of a gentleman’s wardrobe outside the gym. Brands such as Brunello Cucinelli, TOM FORD and Kingsman have consistently made sure that comfort never compromises style with high-quality, versatile basics. Smarten up yours with a plain cashmere sweatshirt, branding-free drawstring shorts and a pair of running-inspired luxury sneakers, such as these from Tod’s.