Right now, spring in Syracuse feels a lot like every other season in Syracuse— cold and wet. When things like, oh, massive snowstorms happen just days before Spring Break, it’s hard not to get a little down. But with spring launching just around the corner, it’s time to pull yourself out of the parka and snow boots look and push yourself into something a bit more upbeat. Take advantage of the opportunity to inject some flavor into your closet with these quick hits.

 

Bucks: In recent years, boat shoes have transferred from the nautical prepster go-to into every man’s spring staple. But this year, retailers have replaced the leather slip-ons with something a bit more subtle — the buck. Named for the buckskin they’re typically made of, the shoes took off stateside with the upper class in the 1930s. The shoes soon crept their way onto college campuses, where they now should be making a return. Wear them with a pair of cords, chinos or jeans, with the cuffs rolled up ever so slightly. Stick to a darker tone if you’re fearful of femininity, and be mindful of what lingering Syracuse salt can do to suede varieties. Our pick: J.Crew’s light hickory suede bucks, $168, available at www.jcrew.com.

 

Fitted polos: There literally isn’t an easier way to force yourself to wear color than to buy a polo — half the time, you even get a double dose of color with the insignia. The No. 1 rule here is the emphasis on fitted. Though you can get away with a baggy T-shirt and look half decent, an oversized polo will make you look like a dad on Casual Friday at the office. The sleeves should come down about halfway between your elbow and shoulder — no less because you’ll look like the Situation. For something extra comfortable, try a jersey version (the stuff your T-shirts are made of). Our pick: Old Navy’s clearwater blue tri-blend jersey polo, $15.50, available at www.bananarepublic.com.

 

Woven belts: Belts are often a man’s most neglected accessory. Most of us have one we wear pretty much every day and maybe another for dressy occasions. Mix it up a bit by trying on a woven leather belt. It instantly makes a guy look more mature, rather than like he just moved the belt from one pair of jeans to another. Be sure to stick with a large width, but don’t stray away from variety in the number of braids. A higher number is more classic and refined, whereas a lower count is a bit more on the trendy side. Our pick: Nautica’s braided leather belt, $36.00, available at www.nautica.com.

 

Double-breasted jackets: Frankly, Syracuse’s spring isn’t quite as warm as most places’ springs, so a lightweight jacket is critical. This season, designers went crazy with double-breasted looks everywhere — we’re talking everything from formal suits to simple blazers. Guys are probably most familiar with the double-breasted look in the form of peacoats. It’s that sort of overlap design with two rows of buttons, either functional or just for looks. The easiest way for a guy to pull this one off is to keep it simple and light: Choose a jacket where the buttons aren’t too large and the color is light so you don’t feel weighed down. Our pick: Zara crossover plush blazer, $89.90, available at ww.zara.com.

 

Colored chinos:The much maligned Easter-egg-pleated pants are a thing of the past. But this year, retailers are proud to carry colored pants a normal guy can actually wear. A guy can only wear blue jeans and khakis so many times. A subtle pop of color on the bottom can go a long way in making a man stand out in a crowd. Choose something with a loose fit in the waist and leg, with a slight taper at the bottom, which you should roll up a bit. Our pick: BDG straight chino in green, $49, available at www.urbanoutfitters.com.

 

Dark plaid ties: Ties are a quick way to overdo a spring getup. If you have too much going on already, a bright-colored tie can make you look like a circus performer. And if you’re dressed pretty standard, a too-bright tie looks like your overzealous girlfriend just went shopping for you. Instead, choose an interesting pattern with colors that make a statement without screaming at everyone. No one likes a yeller anyway. Our pick: Express silk plaid purple tie, $39.90, available at www.express.com.

 

gmillerj@syr.edu

Published on March 8, 2011 at 12:00 pm