Beyond Fabric

With SS collections on full display at retailers, chances are you might get somewhat confused when faced with the eclectic color palette. The thing is, as most shops already have the entire collection available for purchase, going from one end to the other feels a bit like time traveling, as you find yourself wandering around everything from mid-season garments up to swimwear. With such a complete offering, it’s only natural that the colors on each garment reflect its suitability to either Spring or Summer.

Our inherent reaction to the arrival of sunnier days is to go with the flow and bring out brighter items in full strength. However, there are some pieces you should save for later on when Summer reaches its peak, allowing you to be more in tune with the season. So, instead of going all in, save some tricks up your sleeve for the upcoming months. You might’ve noticed that along with bolder, neon like shades, there are several garments in more neutral, muted pastels. 

These are perfect transition pieces, enabling you to progressively incorporate color into your attire without going overboard. Shades such as khaki or lighter versions of blue, pink, peach, yellow and ecru all make the list of this Spring’s trendiest and should be a part of your alternatives. This doesn’t mean you cannot sport the occasional bolder colored piece, but try to keep up with the seasonal vibe and blend in. Here are a few examples of how to pull it off…

Top to bottom: 1 - Mr. Porter, 2 - Gap, 3 - Kitsuné, 4 - Mr. Porter

Finding that perfect piece you’ve been longing for is becoming an ever increasing task and might pose more of a challenge than it seems. Be it fit, cut, fabric or color, there are a number of variables which may be off putting and dictate whether or not you’ll end up purchasing a garment. Sometimes the thrill of the chase makes it all the more special once you find it, whereas other times it might prove to be exasperating. 

As such, one of the things I tend to do besides carefully selecting my purchases, is to stock up once I come across special pieces I really love. Instead of settling for “so so” items, I’d rather save and invest in two or three versions of an item I know I’ll be sporting often. Found a perfect fitting shirt or sweater? Get it in two colorways or even the same if it’s an everyday essential, or play around with sizing, going for a fitted version and a looser one for layering purposes. 

Although this may not apply to every type of garment, be it due to monetary reasons or simply because it doesn’t make sense to have more than one of certain items, you’ll be surprised by how well it works in comprising a suitable wardrobe. I, for one, have done this for sweaters, jeans, shirts and even shoes that match my styling philosophy. As I see it, it’s better to ease up on variety and stock up on heavy rotation items. Plus, the feeling of wearing something you love added to different shades or sizes, fools not only other people’s perception but your own as well, so you won’t feel as if wearing the same outfit over and over… 

Top to bottom (clockwise):

- Levi’s 511 slim, Rugby wadham club collar shirt (blue and pink), Buttero for Por Vocação derby shoes (taupe and waxed brown), Buttero crepe soled boat shoes (black and brown), Paul Smith Ibsen trainer (off white leather and brown suede), Our Legacy Great Sweat (garden green, washed red and indigo blue), Lyle and Scott deep v-neck sweater (blue and black), H&M cotton cardigan (ecru and orange) and Our Legacy oxford candystripe button down shirt (blue and pink).