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Spring’s arrival means you can no longer hide behind a puffy winter coat.

Yet refreshing your wardrobe for a new season is tricky. With so many trends, fashion rules, and styles on the market, it can be hard to know where to start.

“I always tell people, don’t worry about the trends because you’re going to be chasing them. [Buy] the stuff that’s like a little bit more evergreen. When it goes out of season, it doesn’t necessarily go out of style,” said personal stylist Bentley Caldwell.

For advice on refreshing your spring wardrobe, we asked men’s fashion experts, who’ve dressed celebrities like Zac Efron and NBA athletes, and worked as personal stylists.

Below are 43 tips from men’s stylists and Guardian experts, including upgrading your classic T-shirt and ditching the khaki shorts. They’ve also shared a fashionable swap for your standard blue jeans, an up-to-date pair of sunglasses and a big bag to bring everywhere. It’s not the big stick Teddy Roosevelt said to carry, but you’ll still go far.

At a glance: the best deals in this list

  • Best jacket deal:
    Rodd & Gun Fordell Jacket

Now $149, originally $298 at Rodd & Gunn
  • Best pants deal:
    Madewell 1991 Loose Straight Jean

$69.56 at Amazon
  • Best shirt deal:
    Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt

Now $73.50, originally $105 at Bonobos (with code BNBSFAM30)

Best shoe deal:
Nike Mano Leather Boots

Now $70, originally $115 at Finish Line

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<em>Non-blue denim:</em>Madewell 1991 Loose Straight Jean

Madewell
1991 Loose Straight Jean
none-selected
Madewell 1991 Loose Straight Jean
  • Amazon $69.56
  • Madewell $69.99
$69.56 at Amazon Now $69.99, originally $148 at Madewell

A simple but often overlooked update is to move beyond classic blue denim and introduce alternative neutral tones. A pair of neutral-colored jeans can instantly make familiar outfits feel more intentional while still pairing seamlessly with existing basics. Katy Anzola, a personal stylist focused on helping clients build capsule wardrobes

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<em>Freshen up your button-down:</em>Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt

Bonobos
Everyday Linen Shirt
none-selected
A product photo of a Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt
  • Bonobos (with code BNBSFAM30) $73.50
Now $73.50, originally $105 at Bonobos (with code BNBSFAM30)

A well-fitting elevated basic will do more than a trend piece. Pieces I like to pull include a more structured tee, a refined polo, or a lightweight button-down with a little bit of texture. Avri Bland, a personal stylist based in the Chicago area

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<em>An outdoorsy and stylish sneaker:</em>Salomon XT-Whisper

Salomon
XT-Whisper
none-selected
A product photo of Salomon XT Whisper
  • Nordstrom $140
  • Salomon $150
$140 at Nordstrom $150 at Salomon

My Salomons help me make my three-mile commute to the office a breeze. Their quick lace system means I can throw them on in seconds and the added silver detailing elevates them from your basic sneaker.

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A unique watch Breda Pulse Watch

Breda
Pulse Watch
none-selected
A product photo of a Breda Pulse Watch
  • Macy’s $195
$195 at Macy’s

Accessories often make outfits feel both complete and intriguing. They serve as great conversation starters: think hats with cities or teams you love, sunglasses with colored lenses, or unique watches. Erin Watton, a New York City based personal stylist, personal shopper and closet organizer

<em>‘Focus on classic silhouettes’:</em>Uniqlo Unisex Harrington Jacket

Uniqlo
Unisex Harrington Jacket
none-selected
A product photo of a Uniqlo Unisex Harrington Jacket
  • Uniqlo $79.90
$79.90 at Uniqlo

Do a spring edit on your closet. Focus on classic silhouettes that you won’t regret buying in a year. To me, that’s a straight relaxed fit, nothing too baggy or too slim. Lightweight layers like a Harrington jacket or an unstructured cotton blazer can be smart layers to add. Jabari Sandifer, a personal stylist based in Chicago

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<em>A sweater is versatile:</em>Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater

Banana Republic
Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
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Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater
  • Banana Republic $39.99
Now $39.99, originally $120 at Banana Republic

When the temperature rises, remove the knit layer and drape [it] over your shoulders. It’s the chicest way to elevate your outfit while also dealing with a temperature change as the day warms up. If your plans take you into the colder evening temps, just add the sweater back into the look. Kelsey Ellstrom, a celebrity stylist who has dressed Zac Efron, Ben Affleck, and John Krasinski

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<em>Dress up your waterproof boots:</em>Nike Manoa Leather Boot

Nike
Manoa Leather Boot
none-selected
Nike Manoa Leather Boot cr nike
  • Finish Line $70
  • Nike $89.97
Now $70, originally $115 at Finish Line Now $89.97, originally $115 at Nike

If you’re on the hunt for a waterproof boot you can wear in rain puddles and the office, we love this leather pair from Nike, which came recommended by senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.

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<em>Swap navy for light blue:</em> Alex Mill Standard T-Shirt

Alex Mill
Standard T-Shirt
none-selected
A product photo of a Alex Mill Standard T Shirt
  • Alex Mill $68
  • Shopbop $68
$68 at Alex Mill $68 at Shopbop

In the early spring, it’s best to brighten your color palette gradually. Instead of diving straight into spring colors, start by swapping your black for your charcoal or navy or adding creams, taupes, or soft blues. Avri Bland

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Throw on a blazer over a t-shirtQuince Cotton Pique Knit Blazer

Quince
Quince Cotton Pique Knit Blazer
none-selected
Quince Cotton Pique Knit Blazer png
  • Quince $104
$104 at Quince

A lot of men tend to underutilize the power of layering. It can even be something as simple as a lightweight overshirt, a knit draped over the shoulders, even a lightweight casual blazer with a structured T-shirt underneath. Avri Bland

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<em>A stylish rain jacket:</em>Kuhl Stretch Voyagr Jacket

Kuhl
Stretch Voyagr Jacket
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A product photo of a Kuhl Stretch Voyagr Jacket
  • Kuhl $199
$199 at Kuhl

“The men’s cut skips the taper but still looks sharp.” And, the fabric is “gloriously soft and quiet, with none of that crinkly rain-jacket vibe”, Filter US contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort wrote of this PFA’s free rain jacket.

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<em>Try the ‘fashion-approved quarter zip’:</em>Lacoste Men’s Golf Quarter-Zip Windbreaker Sweater

Lacoste
Men’s Golf Quarter-Zip Windbreaker Sweater
none-selected
Lacoste Men’s Golf Quarter Zip Windbreaker Sweater
  • Lacoste $107.99
Now $107.99, originally $180 at Lacoste

“You heard it here first: the quarter-zip is now fashion-approved. Wear it preppy, not boardroom, to make sure you beat any corporate allegations,” wrote Filter UK contributor Peter Bevan.

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<em>An ‘effortless and cool’ trouser:</em>Cos Cotton Wide-leg Pants

Cos
Cotton Wide-leg Pants
none-selected
A product photo of a Cos Cotton Wide leg Pants
  • Cos $129
$129 at Cos

A relaxed trouser in a soft fabric like cotton twill, washed linen, or even lightweight wool, make any outfit look effortless and cool. Wear it with a white tee and your favorite jacket, a sweater, or a relaxed fit button-up, worn untucked and loosely buttoned. Lily Montasser, a stylist based in New York City

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<em>‘The JFK Jr effect isn’t slowing down’:</em>J Crew 1983 Oxford Shirt

J Crew
1983 Oxford Shirt
none-selected
A product photo of a J Crew 1983 Oxford Shirt
  • J Crew $148
$148 at J Crew

The Love Story and JFK Jr effect isn’t showing any signs of slowing down for spring. A striped Oxford shirt in a pastel colourway is a nice entry-level nod to the preppy mood. Tie optional. Chloe Mac Donnell, deputy fashion and lifestyle editor at the Guardian UK

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<em>Don’t underestimate color:</em>Uniqlo Washable Knit Polo Sweater

Uniqlo
Washable Knit Polo Sweater
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Uniqlo Washable Knit Polo Sweater
  • Uniqlo $39.90
$39.90 at Uniqlo

Color plays an important role in spring. If brighter tones aren’t your preference, consider deeper, more muted shades like olive green, navy, or burnt orange. These still feel seasonal but are easier to integrate into an existing wardrobe. Katy Anzola

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<em>Layer with a stylish trench:</em>Mango Water-repellent Belted Trench Coat

Mango Outlet
Water-repellent Belted Trench Coat
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Mango Water repellent Belted Trench Coat
  • Mango Outlet $183.99
Now $183.99, originally $229.99 at Mango Outlet

If you live in a colder climate, there are adjustments you can make to participate in the fun that comes with dressing for spring. Layering is very key here. Think trench coat, crewneck or polo knit (play with color, texture, and pattern here), a white tee, denim, and loafers. Kelsey Ellstrom

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<em>An off-white pair of pants:</em> Buck Mason Fox Sateen Ford Standard Pant

Buck Mason
Fox Sateen Ford Standard Pant
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Buck Mason Fox Sateen Ford Standard Pant
  • Buck Mason $188
$188 at Buck Mason

One thing I always tell guys [is] to go ahead and invest in a lighter-weight pant. You’re coming out of winter, so you’ve been wearing heavier denim. When springtime rolls around, it’s really good to just have some lighter-weight canvas and then also to start to wear off-white colors. Bentley Caldwell, a personal stylist based in Nashville

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<em>‘Mix winter structure with spring textures’</em>: Rhythm Awake Herringbone Jacket

Rhythm
Awake Herringbone Jacket
none-selected
A product photo of a Rhythm Awake Herringbone Jacket
  • Amazon $100
  • Shopbop $100
$100 at Amazon $100 at Shopbop

Two words that I’m constantly using with my clients are: structure and texture. Especially in those early spring months, it’s sometimes best to mix your winter structure with your spring textures. This means pairing your heavier pieces like coats or structured jackets with lighter fabrics like cotton or linen underneath. Avri Bland

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<em>‘Warm weather footwear’:</em>Vans Sneakers

Vans
Sneakers
none-selected
A product photo of Vans Sneakers
  • Journey’s $54.99
  • Zappos $60
$54.99 at Journey’s $60 at Zappos

Invest in a pair of warm-weather footwear like fisherman sandals, canvas deck shoes, or a suede loafer. Jabari Sandifer

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<em>Try a linen jacket:</em>Madewell Linen Zip-front Jacket

Madewell
Linen Zip-front Jacket
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Madewell Linen Zip front Jacket
  • Madewell $168
$168 at Madewell

I think a linen jacket will be just enough insulation for right now, but it can very easily carry you into the warmer weather, or summer nights. Kin, a personal stylist based in Boston

***

<em>Mix it up with colored sunglasses:</em>Akila Eyewear Ascent Sunglasses

Akila
Eyewear Ascent Sunglasses
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A product photo of Akila Eyewear Ascent Sunglasses
  • Akila $160
$160 at Akila

Every man should have one or two pairs of colored shades this summer. Dan Lee

<em>Layer up:</em>Cos Short-Sleeved Cotton Shirt

Cos
Short-Sleeved Cotton Shirt
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Cos Short Sleeved Cotton Shirt
  • Cos $89
$89 at Cos

We typically view layering as a cold-weather concept. However, layers add a necessary dimension to your look. Adding an oversized short-sleeve button-down over a white tee can be a great spring look that feels relaxed and stylish. Erin Watton

<em>Rock a double-zip jacket:</em> Rodd &amp; Gun Fordell Jacket

Rodd & Gun
Fordell Jacket
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Rodd & Gun Fordell Jacket cr rodd and gun
  • Rodd & Gunn $149
Now $149, originally $298 at Rodd & Gunn

If you were to add one piece that you could use to make many outfits from what you already have, I recommend this cropped, lightweight jacket with a double zip. The zipper allows you to show more of the rise of your pants. It can do a lot for tweaking the proportions of your outfit. Kin Moy

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<em>‘A classic for a reason’:</em>Levi’s 501 jeans

Levi’s
501 Jeans
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A product photo of a Levi’s 501 jeans
  • Amazon $48.65
  • Kohl’s $55.21
$48.65 at Amazon $55.21 at Kohl’s

Jeans have never been more confusing. Go back to basics with a straight leg in a dark wash. Levi’s 501s are a classic for a reason. They now run from a waist 28 to 56 and length 28 to 38 which makes finding your ideal fit even easier. Chloe Mac Donnell, deputy fashion and lifestyle editor at the Guardian UK

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<em>‘Polish your look’:</em>Les Deux Boston Ombré Stripe Cardigan

Les Deux
Boston Ombré Stripe Cardigan
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Les Deux Boston Ombré Stripe Cardigan
  • Nordstrom $199
  • Shopbop $199
$199 at Nordstrom $199 at Shopbop

I’m all for versatility. Lightweight layers, like structured blazers, light cardigans, button-downs, and elevated knits. This allows you to transition throughout your day while adding dimension and polishing your look. Brian Lamont Daves, a wardrobe stylist and personality shopper with over 10 years of experience

<em>No more boring socks:</em>Pairs Wool Knee High Socks

Pairs
Wool Knee High Socks
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A product photo of Pairs Wool Knee High Socks
  • Pairs $35
$35 at Pairs

Filter UK contributor Peter Bevan recommended a colorful sock to add a vibrant touch to your outfit. To style, he recommended pairing them with shorts and loafers.

**

<em>Ditch the khaki shorts:</em> Todd Snyder Cotton Gurkha Short

Todd Snyder
Cotton Gurkha Short
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Todd Snyder Cotton Gurkha Short
  • Todd Snyder $178
$178 at Todd Snyder

The dress short will be at the forefront of a lot of spring and summer men’s wardrobe decisions. You can wear it with a T-shirt and a cool hat and some sneakers, but you can also wear it with a button-up and a pair of loafers. It elevates the look more than your normal cargo or khaki short. Dan Lee

***

<em>A chocolate brown loafer:</em>J Crew Camden Leather Loafers

J Crew
Camden Leather Loafers
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A product photo of J Crew Camden Leather Loafers
  • J Crew $168
$168 at J Crew

A lot of times, guys wear boots in the wintertime, and then they wonder: “How do I transition from boots?” And they usually just go to sneakers. A chocolate-brown loafer is a really great way to dress up even a very casual outfit. Bentley Caldwell

***

<em>Paired with…‘a casual jacket’:</em>Banana Republic Jacquard Chore Coat

Banana Republic
Jacquard Chore Coat
none-selected
Banana Republic Jacquard Chore Coat
  • Banana Republic $150
$150 at Banana Republic

Celebrity stylist Kelsey Ellstrom recommended this chore jacket for dressing down a pair of loafers. To complete the look, she also advised styling with a simple white tee.

AIf you’re new to loafers, the key is not to overthink the outfit. Think casual jacket, your favorite white tee, and a suede loafer. Kelsey Ellstrom

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<em>Incorporate ‘Earthy Neutrals’:</em> My Theresa Box cotton jersey T-shirt

My Theresa
Box cotton jersey T-shirt
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My Theresa Box cotton jersey T shirt
  • My Theresa $180
$180 at My Theresa

Earthy neutrals are a great way to have fun with color. Tobacco browns, mossy greens, warm terracottas, dusty greys. You can’t go wrong mixing and matching, and it still goes with everything else in your wardrobe. Lily Montasser

***

<em>Try straight-leg denim:</em> Buck Mason Japanese Denim Standard Jean

Buck Mason
Japanese Denim Standard Jean
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Buck Mason Japanese Denim Standard Jeans
  • Buck Bason $198
$198 at Buck Bason

You would be surprised at how much of an upgrade straight-leg denim can be from a tapered pant. Denim is typically worth investing in, as well-made pieces can last you decades. Erin Watton

<em>A casual graphic tee:</em>Into the AM Graphic Tee

Into the AM
Graphic Tee
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Into the AM Graphic Tee product photo
  • Amazon $29.95
$29.95 at Amazon

Filter US contributor Jon Chan sung this graphic tee’s praises, writing, “I wasn’t trying to invest in ironclad clothing when I bought my first Into the AM graphic tee in 2019 – the company’s in-house artists just made some real bangers I couldn’t resist.”

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<em>A turtleneck sweater is a staple:</em> Mango Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater

Mango
Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater
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Mango Wool blend Turtleneck Sweater
  • Mango $79.99
Now $79.99, originally $99.99 at Mango

Get rid of the jacket and then incorporate a turtleneck. If you run warm, leave the jacket at home. Jeffrey Ampratwum, a celebrity stylist and adjunct professor at Fashion Futures CUNY

***

<em>‘An understated layer’:</em> Wrangler Cowboy Cut Denim Jacket

Wrangler
Cowboy Cut Denim Jacket
none-selected
Buck Mason Japanese Denim Standard Jean jacket
  • Amazon $57.74
  • Wrangler $59.99
$57.74 at Amazon $59.99 at Wrangler

Another recommendation from our Filter UK colleagues was incorporating denim into your spring wardrobe: “Wear it as a clean, understated layer that adds depth instead of taking over,” wrote contributor Peter Bevan.

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<em>Make your outfit less ‘winter coded’:</em>Marc Men’s Holden Hooded Parka

Marc
Men’s Holden Hooded Parka
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Marc Men’s Holden Hooded Parka
  • Amazon $157.97
  • Macy’s $450
$157.97 at Amazon $450 at Macy’s

If the weather isn’t warm enough to ditch your winter coat, stylist Avri Bland advised wearing it open and styling it with “relaxed layers underneath.”

“It makes those heavy pieces feel less winter coded, which is what we want,” she continued. For a stylish option, this jacket was recommended by senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.

***

<em>Elevate a basic tee:</em> American Eagle Open Knit Sweater t-shirt

American Eagle
Open Knit Sweater t-shirt
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American Eagle Open Knit Sweater t shirt
  • American Eagle $52.50
$52.50 at American Eagle

Open-knit T-shirts are a great way to take a really basic piece of a T-shirt and elevate it to make it more interesting. Kin Moy

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<em>A long-sleeve polo for the happy medium:</em>Uniqlo Washable 3D Knit Polo

Uniqlo
Washable 3D Knit Polo
none-selected
A product photo of a Uniqlo Washable 3D Knit Polo
  • Uniqlo $59.60
$59.60 at Uniqlo

[Try] a full-sleeve polo when a T-shirt feels too casual and a shirt feels like too much. Sindhu Sridhar

<em>‘Brighten up your outfit’:</em>Abercrombie Cotton Baggy Trouser

Abercrombie
Cotton Baggy Trouser
none-selected
A product photo of Abercrombie Cotton Baggy Trouser
  • Abercrombie $95
$95 at Abercrombie

Don’t be scared of lighter pants – spring is the perfect time to brighten up your outfits and switch things up. Think light-wash denim, cream trousers or even a great olive pair of chinos to keep your look fresh and elevated. Madison Gustini, a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles

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<em>Make your sneakers sophisticated:</em>Brunco Marc Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers

Brunco Marc
Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers
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Brunco Marc Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers
  • Brunco Marc $45.99
$45.99 at Brunco Marc

Leather laces elevate the look. Jeffrey Ampratwum

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<em>‘Basics carry the outfit’:</em>Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee

Buck Mason
Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
none-selected
Buck Mason Field Spec Cotton Heavy Tee
  • Buck Mason $62
$62 at Buck Mason

In the spring, you’re wearing fewer pieces, so your basics really have to carry the outfit. That means investing in high-quality T-shirts and well-fitting trousers. When the foundation is strong, the whole look feels intentional. Madison Gusitini

***

<em>A stylish flannel:</em>Royal Robbins Men’s Vogelsang

Royal Robbins
Men’s Vogelsang
none-selected
Royal Robbins Men’s Vogelsang cr royal robbins
  • Royal Robbins $110
$110 at Royal Robbins

[My husband] appreciates the warm yet breathable nature of this flannel’s fabric, which has stayed surprisingly soft after multiple wears and washes. Despite being a “performance tech flannel”, the Vogelsang’s attractive pattern and flattering fit make it blend in nicely at social and professional events, wrote Filter US contributor Paige Triola.

Above $200

<em>‘Not a T-shirt’</em> Wax London Ladder Stripe Turin Polo

Wax London
Ladder Stripe Turin Polo
none-selected
Wax London Ladder Stripe Turin Polo


Now $61.67, was $153 at Jules B
$205 at Stag Provisions
It’s a great way to do something that’s not a T-shirt. I think a lot of time in warmer weather, guys get caught in this thing of like, ‘it’s either a short-sleeve button-down or a T-shirt’. Bentley Caldwell

<em>‘Shoes are what people notice first’</em>:Suit Supply White Leather Sneaker

Suit Supply
White Leather Sneaker
none-selected
Suit Supply White Leather Sneaker
  • Suit Supply $229
$229 at Suit Supply

Paying attention to footwear is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a spring outfit. In the winter, you can rely on the same boots most days, but spring gives you the opportunity to rotate into so many different shoe styles and really play with your looks. No matter how good the outfit is, the shoes are what people notice first. Madison Gustini

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<em>‘Invest in a lightweight jacket’:</em>Cos Mock-neck Twill Blouson Jacket

Cos
Mock-neck Twill Blouson Jacket
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Cos Mock neck Twill Blouson Jacket
  • Cos $229
$229 at Cos

Invest in a lightweight jacket before anything else. It’s the piece my clients are almost always missing because there’s this idea that transitional seasons are minor and we just need to “wait it out”. Sujin Kim

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<em>A versatile suit:</em>Toast Rory Elasticated Cotton Linen Pants and High Break Cotton Linen Blazer

Toast
none-selected
Toast Rory Elasticated Cotton Linen Pants and blazer
  • Toast $430
  • Toast $510

Cotton Linen Trousers:

$430 at Toast

Linen Blazer:

$510 at Toast

Loose summer suits were a hit on the Fendi and Boss catwalks. Get the look via Toast with its cotton/linen blazer and matching trousers. Wear them as a set, wear them as separates, wear them to work, wear them to dinner. Chloe Mac Donnell

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<em>Another stylish rain jacket … in camo:</em> Billy Reid Waxed Lodge Jacket

Billy Reid
Billy Reid Waxed Lodge Jacket
none-selected
A product photo of a Billy Reid Waxed Lodge Jacket
  • Billy Reid $798
$798 at Billy Reid

It’s got like a little bit of camouflage. It’s a great way to have utility but also be stylish. Bentley Caldwell

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Carry a big bag Coach Mott Messenger Bag

Coach
Mott Messenger Bag
none-selected
A product photo of a Coach Mott Messenger Bag
  • Coach $550
$550 at Coach

I think it’s so chic for a man to carry a big bag. Whether it’s for weekend trips, travel, or an easy Sunday. It’s very cool when worn with a casual outfit. (Think Jacob Elordi). Lily Montasser

Our expert panel of stylists

  • Kelsey Ellstrom: a celebrity stylist who has dressed Zac Efron, Ben Affleck, and John Krasinski

  • Madison Gustini: a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles

  • Jeffrey Ampratwum: a celebrity stylist and adjunct professor at Fashion Futures CUNY

  • Sindhu Sridhar: a menswear designer and stylist

  • Bentley Caldwell: a personal stylist based in Nashville

  • Lily Montasser: a stylist based in New York City

  • Dan Lee: a celebrity stylist whose dressed NBA athletes and actors, including Jéan Elie

  • Jabari Sandifer: a personal stylist based in Chicago

  • Kin Moy: a personal stylist based in Boston

  • Erin Watton: personal stylist, personal shopper and closet organizer

  • Sujin Kim: a personal stylist based in New York City

  • Brian Lamont Daves: a wardrobe stylist and personality shopper with over 10 years of experience

  • Katy Anzola: a personal stylist focused on helping clients build capsule wardrobes

  • Avri Bland: a personal stylist based in the Chicago area

These responses have been edited for clarity and length.