Written by Menswear Style in Essentials on the 4th March 2019

With a new season fast approaching, the time has come to think about what you’ll be wearing throughout the months ahead. To ensure you’re prepared, we’ve taken inspiration from designer catwalks and new season lookbooks, and pulled together five essentials that will keep your spring style on point.

1. Linen Shirt 

The key to dressing for spring is being prepared for all climates. So how do you make sure you’re ready for a heatwave? OK, so that’s unlikely, but we still believe you should invest in some quality linen shirts. Lightweight, breathable and effortlessly stylish, they’ll be your sartorial saviour if temperatures soar. Perfect for a wide range of occasions, they can be worn with chino shorts and espadrilles for smart-casual events, or made more formal with trousers, a sports jacket and penny loafers.

2. Short Shorts  

Who wears short shorts? That’ll be you. Well, only if you’re brave enough. The bare-all trend was everywhere on this season’s catwalks. From Prada to Louis Vuitton, every designer worth writing home about was in on the act. For those who want to take the look into real-life, don’t feel pressured to go straight for a three-inch seam; we can’t all be as confident as Chris Waddle. Start by taking things a little shorter than you’re used to and stop when you’re comfortable. We find the sweet spot is around the mid-thigh.

3. Sandals  

Once the stereotypical uniform of German tourists, sandals have now become a bona fide trend – there wasn’t a spring show that didn’t feature a pair of hiking sandals in one way or another. The most popular pairs are available in black or brown leather and look best with conservative garments such as chinos, polo shirts, plain tees and tailored shorts. Before taking off your socks, we suggest making sure your feet are up to standards. Not liking what you see? Treat yourself to a pedicure.

4. Statement Knitwear  

Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, so you’re going to need something to keep you warm when things aren’t looking so good. The solution? Step forward the statement sweater. Colourful and proud, graphic knitwear is a must-have for the new season. We think it looks best with shorts and your favourite trainers, but it’ll also look great with jeans and Chelsea boots. For further inspiration, take a peek at the spring ‘19 collections of Iceberg, Off-White, Versace, Kenzo and Valentino.

5. Double-Breasted Jacket  

Double-breasted jackets have been in and out of favour over the years (unfairly so in our opinion), however this season they’re definitely back on top of the trends list. Ideal for formal and semi-formal occasions, they can instantly add elegance to your daily ensembles. Wear yours with a crew neck T-shirt, trousers and smart sneakers for a pre-summer BBQ, or with a button-down shirt, dark denim and brogues whilst heading for Sunday lunch. For those wanting to be more fashion-forward, opt for a slightly oversized design with large peak lapels, broad shoulder pads and a lengthy cut.

We feature the Linen Shirt, Short Shorts, Sandals, Statement Knitwear, and the Double-Breasted Jacket in this guide to 5 Men’s Spring Style Must-Haves For 2019.