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Transition is usually a tough word for a tough time. When someone talks about being in transition, it is usually euphemism for getting fired or let go, dumped by a steady flame or recovering from some sort of loss. So it goes with this ambivalent state we are in now with regard to what to wear. From now until Easter, the peacocks simply don’t know what to strut. Whether you play by the rules or break them (No white before Easter) if you walk out of your door in seersucker before the bunny hops, you will have lingering self-consciousness that you are being judged by the style police. I don’t care how confident and rebellious you are, or at least I am, this is a predicament.
Let’s be clear what type of clothing we are talking about here. Few men question the seasonal appropriateness of a suit, unless it’s grey flannel. Nor do we bother with our shorts and tees. When we question the clothes is when we go casual and by casual we mean when we forego the tie. We do not mean schlubby cut offs, t-shirts, and flip flops. We mean sportswear casual as in sport jacket with a collared shirt, trousers (not jeans) and loafers or bucs.
Yesterday here in Charleston yours truly faced this transition dilemma. It’s March, the sun is out, there’s a slight chill. Wool and tweeds are too heavy. Corduroy seems hot and dull. I wanted a little color, but couldn’t justify anything too bright. I went with a navy v-neck sweater over a button down and green chinos and Gucci loafers. I thought I could pull it off. That is, until I went outside and into the glare of the unforgiving daylight. Everything looked passable except the chinos. The green was a shade too light and I looked like an Easter egg set loose from the basket. At just this moment I spotted a fellow heading into the corner store I had just exited. He was wearing a very similar look but he had switched it up. His sweater was a darker shade of green and his chinos were navy. He hit transition head on while I missed the mark and felt a bit awkward.
It is never easy to discuss hard rules for fabric and color when we address the entirety of this great big country. North to south and east to west, climate controls what we wear, but there are a few basics we can all agree on and this is a good basic primer to begin with.
Basics of a Transition Wardrobe (see here):
Navy Blazer or a darker plaid sportcoat.
Cotton or light wool/cashmere sweater (v-neck, crew or cardigan) in richer colors (navy, red, hunter green, burgundy) not pastel or bright.
Chinos in Navy, khaki, or other dark color. Save the Nantucket red for later instead going with a darker shade or burgundy.
Shoes, dark leather or suede loafer, bluchers or bucs.
Feel free to chime in below with your own interpretation.
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this post has 7 comments
Great article on wool garments, but I must add: Kinross Cashmere makes a very lightweight sweater in a lovely lavender — perfect for spring temps in the Rocky Mountains.
posted on April 6, 2012
jennimoose
3911
I’ve found myself turning to a cotton poplin sportcoat in olive green lately, with a light-colored shirt (blue oxford is my top choice, as usual) along with darker khakis and either burgundy loafers or brown suede desert boots. Good post, and I’ll have to try the green on top/navy on bottom look.
posted on March 18, 2012
ADW
3838
With it touching 80 degrees today, I just couldnt help myself. The reds have been broken out…everything else is staying darker for now.
posted on March 14, 2012
D
3822
What about a cashmere navy blazer? This is probably my favorite item I own, and think it would fit this time perfectly. Here in CT its almost spring and about 50-60 degrees each day..
That sounds perfect.
posted on March 12, 2012
John
3816
Great post. I agree that transition season is hard, and I think your suggestions for transition clothing work well for women too. I myself opt for summerweight/lightweight wool sweaters in navy and black (though I would incorporate some lighter colors with dark tan or grey pants). The penny loafer is seasonless.
posted on March 12, 2012
Jess
3815
I understand and sympathize. Today in Ontario it went from 32 degrees to 68 in just an hour or two. While one does not wear seersucker until the hottest days of summer or white until after Victoria Day (the May 24th weekend), in these warm days I think jackets can be blue blazers and suits lighter grays. Ties deserve to be brighter and cheerier. I donned one with butterflies on it. In terms of casual attire, nice colours muted in sweaters is great. They can be paired with navy or tan chinos. Just not light tan or certainly not cream or white. It’s still Lent, so don’t go out like the Easter bunny. And be prepared for showers (or in Canada snow).
posted on March 11, 2012
Keith McKee
3814
Are you against t-shirts at all times?
Of course not. I am trying to make the point that when we talk about casual, we mean casual in the sense of not formal. When someone invites me to a barbecue and states that the dress is casual, I am not putting on a ratty t-shirt. I am still wearing a polo and perhaps even a blazer.
posted on March 11, 2012
Finn Barrett
3813