If you read my last issue, you’ll notice that I have an obsession for vintage fashion from the 50s and 60s. My wardrobe inspiration mainly comes from period shows like Mad Men and black-and-white/Technicolor movies. However, as much as I’d have loved to live sixty years ago, I regrettably live in an era where I can’t throw on a suit every day and seem normal. Besides, part of style is not only figuring out what’s timeless but also keeping your look fresh. With that being said, while my last post stressed the suit, a wardrobe piece that has been around for the past century, this time I am going to try to keep you up to date with what to look out for this spring. Here are my five picks for what to buy this season on a college student’s budget:

1. Tilden Sweater

Brand: Uniqlo

Price: $30

I’ve always loved the preppy look, and prep style has not been more essential since we saw Rushmore in ’98. (by the way, you should go see Rushmore if you haven’t). Spring 2013 is seeing stores being populated with prep staples from brightly colored chinos to collegiate stripe motifs. Get in on this timeless look with this cable-knit sweater from Uniqlo, and you’ll look like you’ve just arrived from a tennis game with Nick Carraway.

2. Reversible Plaid Belt

Brand: Urban Outfitters

Price: $20

Honestly, I cannot express how much I am digging this belt. It takes the age old “black or brown” belt dichotomy and throws it overboard with a classic plaid pattern. A plaid belt is exactly that subtle detail that you need to complete the spring prep look I’ve been talking about, with the brass buckle adding an even finer touch of vintage and uniqueness. Don’t worry about matching the belt to your shoes: the warm brown lining grounds the belt in versatility so that the plaid is not too hard to work with. Wear them with your spring chinos or year-round jeans, it’s your call. I personally rock it with my light gray suit that I was all about last time.

3. Chinos

Brand: H&M

Price: $30

I’ve mentioned chinos twice already in this article, so it’s no surprise that I’m considering them essential to any man’s spring wardrobe. The lightweight cotton material gives chinos a levity and sportiness that can’t be achieved with jeans. Usual menswear wisdom prescribes bold, bright colors such as yellow and sky blue to help your style reflect the liveliness of spring. I’m going to break with this standard recommendation by asking you to go for more muted tones like burgundy and navy, so that they become year round staples rather than seasonal statement pieces. Bonus points for rolling the sleeves up!

4. Floral Tie

Brand: The Tie Bar

Price: $15

Who said that your ties had to be either solid or striped? Menswear bloggers have been excited about floral ties quite a while now for their ability to change up the tie game, and what better time to give in to this fantastic male trend than during spring? This tie is not only fantastically affordable, but this pattern in particular is modern enough to avoid looking like your Grandma’s table cloth, which some floral designs end up as. Pair this tie with a solid blue shirt to let the tie pop.

5. Pocket Square

Brand: The Tie Bar

Price: $8

Although pocket squares are not necessarily a “spring essential,” pocket squares have been making a comeback the past year or two, and for $8, there really is no reason to not have one. It’s the perfect detail to set you apart at your business professional night. This specific pocket square is just the right shade of muted blue to work with any jacket, and the chambray throws in a wonderful contrasting texture. By the way, if you haven’t gotten the hint, go check out The Tie Bar.

Trending Articles: