2012 guide to men’s spring fashion

After a ridiculously warm winter, you can now finally start dressing for 60+ degree temperatures. Since you no longer have the fortune to hide underneath your down lined parka, it’s time to stock your wardrobes with clothes that you are proud to wear.

March 15, 2012; 11:21 AM • by Brian McDaniel

After a ridiculously warm winter, you can now finally start dressing for 60+ degree temperatures. Talk about global warming! By analyzing recent weather trends, you may never have to wear a winter coat again. Since you no longer have the fortune to hide underneath your down lined parka, it’s time to stock your wardrobes with clothes that you are proud to wear. Use this guide to discover the best of what Richmond retailers have to offer for the upcoming season.

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From the classic brand with the laurel wreath, the Fred Perry twin tipped polo is a classic in every sense of the word. Inspired by vintage tennis attire, this warm weather staple fits the way a polo shirt should: cut slim on the sides and gently hugging the biceps.

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Italian woven, unbelievably soft, locally owned, and better fitting than anything offered from the big box retailers in the West End; simply put, Ledbury makes really great shirts! These shirts transition perfectly from day to night. Button to the top with a necktie for the office and then ditch the tie, roll up the sleeves, and relax as soon as 5 o’clock rolls around. Ledbury just launched their first round of short run shirts for the spring and this is a sneak peak at the Goshen plaids that will be included in later rounds.

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Lapis, indigos, navies, and azures: blue is the color of the season. Need Supply Co. carries a variety of blue oxfords–from the much favored heritage brand Guiltman Brothers Vintage as well as Sidian, Ersatz & Vanes. Solid color oxfords are a staple but also have some fun by incorporating a mix of check and gingham patterns into your wardrobe to stay afloat in the sea of cerulean.

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American Apparel short sleeve denim button-up shirts available in dark and light indigo washes.

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Barely worn shorts starting at an easy $8 at Rumors Thrift Boutique will definitely help save on some cash.

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Controversial rapper Tyler the Creator’s Hawaiian shirts helped breathe new life into floral prints nearly a year ago, and this year they are back in even greater force. Florals have unjustly received a bad rep over the years, and it may be hard to avoid the instinctive urge to pair them with sandals, tube socks, and fanny packs. This may take a while for some to adopt but be brave and reap the benefits! This short sleeve button up from Mark McNairy available at Need Supply Co. is lightweight, slightly tailored, and the perfect shirt for those lazy afternoons and warm spring/summer nights that we all long for. Think more like Havana in the 50’s and less like Honolulu during tourist season.

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The Military Surplus Tee from American Apparel is the best t-shirt I’ve purchased in years! Crafted out of super heavy-weight and highly durable heather cotton, this is the kind of shirt that could survive a war.

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Perfect for every imaginable occasion, this is the multipurpose bag that dreams are made of. Hand crafted by a women artisan co-op in Bangladesh and then finished in California, the golden jute fiber body, natural vegetable-dyed leather straps, and antique nickel rivets make this an exceptionally executed bag. The Richmond Market Bag by Apolis is available exclusively at Need Supply Co., and with “Richmond Virginia USA” printed unapologetically on the bag’s exterior, you can represent Richmond everywhere you go!

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Graduate from high school book bags and consider one of these military inspired bags from Urban Outfitters.

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They’re worn by the likes of Jonny Quest and are the shoes that helped Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez heroically escape the Beast in the Sandlot: PF Flyers are finally back. Originally manufactured in the early 1930’s by BF Goodrich, the classic canvas sneaker rose to popularity during the 60’s and then suddenly spent decades of decline and a subsequent quiet dormancy until their resurgence a few years ago. West Coast Kix in Carytown stocks a variety of PF Flyers in classic and contemporary styles.

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Lighter color suede feels more seasonal during the warmer months and those spontaneous spring showers may lead to a highly stressful afternoon when wearing them. Keep them pristine or scuff them up a little. Nearly every men’s shoe brand offers a pair of bucks and/or desert boots these days but go with the classic makers, G.H. Bass and Clark’s Originals, and you won’t look silly wearing the copy cats. Both available at Need Supply Co.

March 15, 2012 11:21 AM 4