Spring Wardrobe Essentials For Guys!

Ladies love to talk fashion but has anyone else noticed lately that the guys are really starting to pipe up? There are really only three guys in my life that I ever shop for- my dad, who loves everything we pick out for him no matter what; my bruuuuutherrrr (aka brother-in-law), who has very specific mountain man taste; and my beau, who never saw a picnic table shirt he didn't like and feels very safe there. (Sorry, honey, it's true.) Imagine my surprise when the guys at work started talking fashion and coming to me with questions. Admittedly, I know very little about men's fashion but what I do know is that where I live, we lead a very casual lifestyle. It gets quite warm this time of year and we have to keep in mind that the beach is nearby even if we don't actually have our toes in the sand. So here are 11 top picks for the dudes on the East Coast and anywhere else for that matter! If you have these pieces, your bases will be covered for spring.

1, 2, 3- Collared short sleeve shirts- These can either be polo shirts or button down shirts. The key in this case is the fabric choice. You can wear a check, a plaid, a stripe, gingham, a solid...those are all perfectly acceptable. What is not acceptable- except for at a theme party or tiki bar- is a Hawaiian shirt or any other "ironic" pattern and NEVER is it ever acceptable for any shirt you put on to be polyester or other synthetic blend. Look for cotton (seersucker acceptable) and linen cotton blends. (If you're a cool alt dude, wear this shirt unbuttoned and layer over a band t-shirt or option 4/5.)

4, 5- Solid v-neck tees- V-necks are your friends, guys. They will give the doughiest dough boy some muscle definition and flatter most male body types. These are the tees you throw on for your Saturday runs to Home Depot or post-work dog walks. Leave your stained, torn and holey college t-shirts in the drawer or wear them to cut grass. 

6- Casual chino pants- While khaki is my preferred color of choice, any neutral will do. And if you have several neutral pairs of pants already, then branch out into a cobalt blue or nantucket red if that's your style. Regardless, these are your lightweight denim alternative that are also dressier than a pair of shorts. Invest here! 

7- Classic loafers- I happen to love a driving moc for a lady or gentleman. Wear whatever loafer you feel comfortable in. I bought my beau these Sperry mocs and they look great in the summertime with jeans or khakis. When warm weather calls for dressy casual occasions, these are a guy's best friend. Socks optional. 

8- Casual sneakers- Tennis shoes have come a long way, baby. A sporty sneaker will keep you comfortable while you're on the go and look just as good with jeans as they will with shorts. Black high tops are a no-go. Keep the look classic and sporty. These aren't actually to be your running shoes either. Preserve their good looks by keeping them more street style and less street ball. (Solid colored Toms also an acceptable alternative if sneakers aren't your thing.)

9- Sandals- I realize this "mandals" suggestion can be quite controversial but I have no problem with a guy wearing flip flops or sandals. Maybe it's because we live at the beach but it would be criminal to see a male cohort walking around Wrightsville Beach in a full lace up sneaker. Rainbows would be my top choice but if you prefer to keep your tootsies camouflaged, then check out Sanuks. (Love these for girls too!)

10, 11- Chino shorts- You'd be amazed at how many guys say they don't own a pair of shorts. How do you live through this Southern heat?! Guys, get some shorts but keep them classic. Just like the shirts in 1 through 3, the fabric is the key here. Cotton is about the only acceptable option. Say no to bulky pleats. Start with neutrals, such as khaki, stone or navy, and then if you get adventurous, dabble with a seersucker stripe or madras plaid. Remember the latter two options are VERY summery. 

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Nine Spring Wardrobe Essentials

Has anyone else had a major case of spring fever this year? My spring fever has applied to all aspects of my life- not wanting to go to work, skipping out on workouts, feeling the urge to buy every cute top/shoe/dress in sight. It's time to snap back to reality and assess what we really need this time of year: A strong work ethic, a toned physique and a few acceptable wardrobe essentials. The nine pieces below will keep you on point so your spring fever doesn't leave you with a credit card headache.

1- Breezy white tunic- Any neutral will do but white is my spring into summertime essential. Wear it with shorts for day or tuck it into a skirt at night. A white tunic takes you everywhere while still keeping you comfortable and making you look effortless. If you already have a white tunic in your closet, then branch out into your favorite colors such as turquoise. 

2- Chino shorts- Please tell me you already own a pair of these. Khakis are my favorite this year but make sure you don't go all camp counselor with them. Maintain polish with a crisp button down or add edge with a touch of leather. If I catch you wearing a t-shirt and flip flops, be ready for some campsite ridicule. (PS- these shorts are 25% off with code SHOPTIME!)

3- Classic trench coat- I swoon for Burberry but any traditionally cut trench will do. Trenches keep you covered in case of a passing shower or provide an extra layer on a crisp morning. They also cover your leg so that you're not flashing too much thigh when walking down the street...

4- Cheery floral top- For all of those days when you feel like you have nothing to wear, a floral print top is the perfect option. You need very few accessories, basic pants/shorts/skirt and your favorite sandal. Dress it up or dress it down. You'll always be perennially prepared.

5- Striped bandeau tee- Whether you're yachting in the South of France or babysitting in Minnesota, a striped tee is always chic. If you can pull it off with capri pants and ballet flats, go for it! If not, wear it with your chino shorts and face the day.

6- Boyfriend jeans- After seasons filled with skinny jeans and leggings, you may find boyfriend jeans frumptacular. But just imagine them styled up with that floral top and a killer pair of strappy heels. Suddenly they're the edgy accent to an otherwise girly look! Wear them with sneaks if you're touring around on spring break. Just make sure you leave your fanny pack at home.

7- Nude flats- Tory Burch flats are yet another classic. Choosing the right pair can be daunting when there are so many fab colors to choose from but a nude flat will go with everything. Plus skin toned shoes elongate the leg! Who wouldn't prefer sleeker stems?

8- Flirty white dress- A fit and flare white dress gives you a plethora of styling options in spring and summer. Wear it with your favorite statement necklace and pumps or add doorknocker earrings and metallic flat sandals. A white dress is the cleanest slate you could possibly wear. 

9- Strappy sandals- If you can only buy one thing, then buy these! They are an investment you will never regret. My philosophy for dressing in my 30s is invest in showstopping shoes, a chic bag and a polished haircut. (This philosophy applies to every age!) Wear shoes like these with every single piece on this list. Your look will instantly be elevated- pun intended.

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