Introduction

Believe it or not, the recent snowstorms plaguing our shores will subside despite the promise of spring seeming more and more like an urban legend. I know I can’t be the only one dying for some warm weather, a dreamy/hazy afternoon in a beer garden and the prospect of going sockless once again. These hopes and dreams we have for the spring/summer torment me on a daily basis, but rather than fret and weep over such circumstances, perhaps we can all do a little by way of sartorial preparation. There are always the classic staples, and I spout the benefits of these endlessly: the white shirt, the leather shoes, the plain tees and the all-weather jacket – but what of the essentials for this coming season? Here at FashionBeans, we’re tackling our sub-zero woes with some wardrobe evolution, and as always, we’re sharing our top tips for spring/summer 2013 with you. When the sun finally rears its mocking but welcomed head, we can all enjoy it with the knowledge we’re looking our very best.

1. The Denim Jacket

Arguably the material of Paris fashion week, the denim jacket really is back with a vengeance once more. So long as you’re not matching the tone to any other denims in your outfit (a look so tricky to get right I’d avoid at all costs), this piece is pretty much a foolproof option. Recently, we’ve seen a shift away from the oversized late 1990s-inspired model as designers like Philip Lim and Acne opt for a more innovative approach. Experiment with a shearling hybrid or try a denim bomber ? another popular piece from show season that is saturating the high street. It may seem like an odd combination, but it works much better in practice than on paper.

Lookbook Inspiration

Current Examples

• Topman Bleach Denim Ribbed Bomber Jacket
• Topman Mid Wash Denim Harrington Jacket
• Burton Light Wash Denim Jacket
• Washed Denim Jacket
• Saint Laurent Slim-fit Denim Jacket
• Asos Denim Jacket
• Lee Smart & Slick Navy Rider Jacket
• Allsaints Keswick Denim Jacket
• Allsaints Ecru Denim Jacket

2. The Floral Piece

Any man that claims “florals are for fairies” is officially old-fashioned. Quite possibly the definitive pattern trend of spring/summer 2013, florals were everywhere as Christopher Kane took the classic English rose and emblazoned it on trousers, shirts and tees. Givenchy and Riccardo Tisci were but two fashion houses to follow suit. I understand that many would sniff at a boldly botanical button-up shirt, but there are always ways to subtly include a rather loud trend. After all, stylish inferences are usually a lot more effective than loud proclamations. Floral accents on plain shirts and jumpers are an excellent way of quietly embracing the floral trend for a finishing touch that strikes a perfect chord between masculinity and originality.