Written by Rakelle Maurici in Essentials on the 15th March 2016

Looking ahead to the warmer months can never be a bad thing (no one likes the cold wet weather) and now is the time to think about what to wear for spring 2016. We recommend you start planning to pack your winter gear away for a few months. If anything, spring weather or “jacket weather” actually leaves us with more opportunity when it comes to dressing than summer clothing - you can layer clothing and add texture to compliment both weather and occasion.

Safari Jacket 

With a military style the safari jacket was formerly in khaki for its exact purposes to be used in the outdoors. However, with modern contemporary changes in the fashion world it’s come a long way and is now a very versatile option for spring for men. It is usually made from linen or cotton (or a blend of the two) and it’s predominantly used for warmer climates (as it is lightweight) - commonly sold in in cream, beige, green or grey colourways. With its signature four pocket front, it brings casual style to a formal outfit. This kind of jacket can be worn with chinos or jeans and a casual lightweight shirt - but also with a shirt and tie for a relaxed smart casual flair.

Bomber Jacket 

For spring 2016 it’s time to put away those thicker wool materials and choose a cotton bomber instead. The great thing about this style of jacket is that there are a vast amount of designs available. Firstly, think about the style you want to express - if you want casual, opt for a baseball or varsity jacket and team with distressed jeans and chucks. Alternatively, if you want something smarter choose a plain bomber jacket which you can wear with a button down or polo shirt. If you don't like the plainer styles there are patterned jacket options with jacquard detailing available.

Denim Jacket 

That old nutshell from the 80s, yes I bet there isn’t anyone reading this who didn’t wear a denim jacket as a child - so I know that you’re unsure about wearing it now. However, they’re easy to wear for an off-duty look if worn over a plain white t-shirt and with slim jeans – just be careful on your colour choices when it comes to double denim (the darker it is the smarter it will look). It’s also a good tip to not match your denim jacket with your denim jeans.

Trench Coat 

Onto the smarter side of spring outerwear - the trench coat, a British favourite which never dates. For this reason it’s worth investing in a good quality one from Burberry, Mackintosh or Aquascutum. You’ll certainly get your wear out of it each year if you live in England. Either belted or unbelted, this coat is well-suited for a tailored look, worn over a suit, or with a shirt and sweater and dark wash denim. If you’ve chosen a belted one you can either belt it up as normal or loosely tie it around the back which is handy if you like to wear it open. If you’re a taller guy look for one which is longer and sits below the knee – and the opposite if you’re shorter than the average.

Sports Jacket 

If you’re stuck on what to wear on for dress down Fridays this spring, the sports jacket will ensure you don’t look too smart and not too casual – an ideal middle ground choice. It still expresses business attire but with a relaxed aesthetic. Sports jackets are usually unstructured and inspired by southern European tailoring with soft shoulders. A sports jacket can be worn in almost every colourway or pattern e.g. stripes. Throw this jacket over a button down shirt and jeans or chinos teamed with lace up Derby shoes. For a smarter look wear with a tie and shirt combo and even throw on a waistcoat if you want to be extra fancy.

We feature the Safari Jacket, Bomber Jacket, Denim Jacket, Trench Coat and Sports Jacket in this guide to 5 Must-Know Spring 2016 Jackets for men.