Spring into action!

Spring Wardrobe inspiration: A Fresh Look for the Season

I love spring—it might not be autumn, but it’s pretty close.

Like autumn, spring gives you the freedom to be playful with your wardrobe, without feeling restricted. The sweltering heat hasn’t quite arrived for many of us, and it’s not too cold to keep wearing those reliable items that offer just the right amount of warmth. Personally, I’d be happy if spring lasted all year round. Crisp blue skies, fresh morning air, and a cup of coffee sitting outside—what more could you want? Of course, that’s all made better by the clothes in my wardrobe that make me happy. Whether I’m finally able to wear something for the first time this year or putting a fresh spin on something I wear year-round, there’s something special about the season.

With all this in mind, I’ve put together a spring guide for the items I’ve got my eye on, as well as those that have recently caught my attention.

Stenhammar II in Dark Brown Suede by Myrqvist

First, I want to highlight a recent addition to my wardrobe—the Stenhammar II in dark brown suede by Myrqvist.

I’ve been after the perfect pair of suede loafers for a while, and after some thought, I decided on these. There are a few reasons behind my choice, but the sole was definitely one of the main factors. The City Sole is what really caught my attention—it’s a full rubber sole that provides the durability of a traditional rubber sole while maintaining a sleek, sophisticated look.

This makes the shoe much more versatile, with excellent grip and longevity without compromising on style. Suede loafers can often feel a bit delicate, but the City Sole adds an edge of practicality that makes them more wearable. I’ve always loved the look of suede with denim, and with spring in full swing, these are the perfect addition to my rotation.

I styled the loafers like this recently, and I was really happy with the look. It’s simple, but there’s plenty of interest going on. It leans Ivy, but with a bit of a nautical edge, thanks to this oversized sweatshirt from Gant. Which brings me nicely to the next item that caught my eye—Gant’s own take on a fun shirt.

Gant Striped Fun Shirt

Contrasting stripes make it a great way to add a bit of colour to a spring wardrobe. Now, I know Gant has had a bit of a hit-and-miss relationship with many of us, but lately, they seem to be refocusing on their roots. Their recent selection of shirts, I have to say, looks like it’s heading in the right direction, and this one in particular stood out to me.

Gant Spring Decker Jacket

Something else that caught my eye from Gant was the Spring Decker Jacket. It’s a coat that seems to take cues from nautical jackets, hunting jackets, and even the L.L. Bean barn jacket—though this one has the advantage of being water-repellent. The first thing that grabbed me was the colour. I’m a bit of a sucker for yellow, and this shade feels just right—not too bold, but not washed out either. Beyond that, it looks properly functional without losing any style. Made from recycled polyester with a mid-length deck jacket silhouette, it’s finished with thoughtful details like a corduroy collar, press-button placket with a hidden zip, and adjustable cuffs. The Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment means it’ll handle light rain with ease, making it ideal for unpredictable spring weather. A smart, practical piece that fits seamlessly into a wardrobe built for both style and function.

Merz B. Schwanen Chambray Shirt

Here’s a shirt that caught my eye recently, and it’s not your classic Oxford cloth button-down. Instead, it’s a chambray shirt that strikes a perfect balance between utility and style—two things I always appreciate. This one’s by Merz b. Schwanen, and it clearly takes inspiration from the utility shirts worn by American blue-collar workers, particularly the classic work shirts seen in industries like construction and railroads. What I really like is how it captures that effortless, slightly rugged aesthetic while still fitting seamlessly into a more refined wardrobe—almost a nod to that relaxed West Coast Ivy look.

Made from 100% organic cotton, it’s lightweight and stonewashed for a softer, lived-in feel. The twin breast pockets and corozo nut buttons add to its practical appeal, making it an easy go-to for spring. It’s the kind of shirt that works just as well thrown over a tee as it does tucked in under a blazer—versatile, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish.

Aimé Leon Dore Casentino Half-Zip Pullover

Aimé Leon Dore is one of those brands you either love or hate. And when you really look into it, you start to realize—at least I do—you’re not meant to love everything. Where’s the fun in that? What I appreciate about Aimé Leon Dore is how they take cues from Ivy style, blend them with influences from all over, and make it feel relevant today.

Take this Casentino Half-Zip Pullover, for example. It’s got that classic American sportswear feel but mixed with elements of a rugby shirt and collegiate athletics gear. The use of Casentino wool—a fabric known for its distinctive texture and heritage in Italian outerwear—gives it a refined edge while keeping things relaxed. It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s the kind of piece that works just as well over a shirt as it does thrown on with a T-shirt. Ideal for those in-between days where you need a bit of warmth but a coat would be overdoing it.

Drake’s Blue Boucle Wool Zip Fleece Jacket

You may have seen recently that I picked up a Drake’s Buffalo Checked Fleece, and it’s become an instant favourite of mine. I was initially concerned it might be too thick for the upcoming spring months, but it turned out to be just the right weight, providing warmth without feeling too heavy.

Today, though, I want to focus on one of Drake’s full-price options carried over into this season—the Blue Boucle Wool Zip Fleece Jacket. This jacket immediately caught my attention. It blends elements of outdoorsy Americana, Ivy League prep, and British countryside style seamlessly. The textured boucle fleece adds a bit of character, while the deep blue tone makes it incredibly versatile for a range of outfits.

It’s practical too, with roomy pockets and a relaxed fit that makes it perfect for layering. Unlined, it’s ideal for those transitional spring days, providing just the right amount of warmth without being overbearing. The single white zip is a simple, thoughtful detail that brings a fresh contrast to the design.

Drake’s really seems to have nailed the balance between style and function here—this jacket works well for everything from chilly mornings to breezy evenings, making it a versatile addition to any spring wardrobe.

Also, it comes in a range of colours, and my favourite changes all the time, particularly as I’m writing this. Right now, I’m really drawn to the orange colourway—it’s just so striking. There’s also a navy one, keeping things a bit more minimal, and an olive shade I quite like. And then there’s an off-white Ecru colour, which really stands out too.

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Spring is the time to experiment, find joy in your wardrobe, and explore how to layer in new ways while staying comfortable.

Each of these pieces offers something unique, whether it’s a versatile footwear option, a classic jacket, or a well-made shirt. They not only complement each other but work together to create a wardrobe that’s both functional and stylish for the season. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the freedom spring offers to mix and match these items and make them your own.

To end on, here’s a few looks that have inspired me lately…