Advice you can taste. Adventure you can feel.

Spring Style for the Weotta Man

There is no place like home…well, that is if San Francisco is where you hang your hat. Sure, our beloved city by the bay is sometimes prone to bitter cold fog, temperamental weather and windy days but when the sun breaks through and San Francisco is awash in golden rays, we’re reminded of the majesty of where we live – even all you East Coast transplants and ex-pats from Europe can’t argue with that!

Remember the glorious weekend we just had? The one where you probably never saw the inside of your apartment? With hopefully more of those sublime warm temperatures ahead, this is the perfect time to talk about an important task we guys often overlook…spring shopping. That’s right, it’s time to shed the wool jackets and pants and invest in a lighter, more casual wardrobe suitable for the Bay’s mild spring. And Weotta do it soon, so that we’re ready to spend the next beautiful weekend in style.

The question now becomes, what do I buy? The answer is simple if you follow these three “Cs”: Comfortable, Casual, and Colorful. Here are 5 must-have pieces for men this spring.

Khakis- timeless and oh so classic

Chinos/Khakis: Great for work or play; these versatile pants never go out of style and come in a plethora of fabrics. Play it safe and go with cotton ones that you can pair with everything from a sweater to a t-shirt for a clean and simple look. Keep a light-colored pair for lazy afternoons, and the darker, pressed ones for work. Make sure to look for a flat front style, and visit a tailor to get the length hemmed just right. Or, roll up the cuffs, throw on a pair of sandals and you’re BBQ ready!

Wear it over almost anything

V-neck sweater: Yes, the incomparable and always stylish v-neck is back this spring – with a twist. Instead of the traditional colors of years past, pick a cheerful hue, like baby blue, yellow, green or tan. Choose an easy to care for fabric like cotton, and you’re set for San Francisco’s temperate weather. The key to dressing in SF during the spring and summer is “layers.” Remember that boys and girls, layers.

Not just for the beach

Shorts: What spring day is complete without a pair of shorts? You’ll want a variety of styles, like cargo shorts, board shorts, and even some Bermudas in different colors to show off those tanned legs. Choose khaki, white, blue, or even black – just don’t be caught dead wearing cycling shorts unless you’re on a bike… lycra doesn’t look cool on you when you’re hanging out in Union Square… as for the running shorts, save those for the treadmill or your treks through Golden Gate Park.

A big no no

Sandals: Choose from a cornucopia of styles, including casual flip flops or “leather mandals.” Pick a safe color like brown or black, and make sure you’ve got those toenails clipped. There’s no bigger turn-off than callused, dry feet with nails the length of a Leavenworth Street tranny’s. For help in this area check out Jen’s post, “You’re So Polished!” And please don’t wear white socks and sandals… a big no-no and fashion faux paux!

A must have

The white shirt: Every man should have one in his wardrobe – great for everything from church to brunch. Tuck it into your khakis, let it hang out over a pair of blue jeans, or pull a v-neck sweater on top and you’re ready for a brisk day in the city. For a more casual look, wear the sleeves rolled up to just below your elbows, leave it un-tucked, and throw on a pair of board shorts with your flip flops. Voila! You’re ready to lounge poolside.

But before you hit the stores, a couple of helpful hints for the shopping impaired.

Note: If you have your own stylist, please ignore this step and proceed to the nearest mall or boutique.

1. Create a budget: Figure out how much you can afford to spend and stick to it.
2. Bring a friend: No, don’t bring your drinking buddy Steve who can pound a 12 pack of Milwaukee’s Best in 5 minutes and is still rockin’ that regrettable 90’s grunge look. Bring a female friend, someone who can help you pick out the right colors and styles that fit you and your personality.
3. Shop around: Try not to buy everything in the first store you visit. Take the time to venture into at least 3-5 different stores to see what they have to offer.
4. Find brands/labels that fit: As you become familiar with designers, you’ll notice that some labels fit you better than others; take note and remember them for future shopping trips.

Good luck and in case you’re feeling extra generous, I have a 32 inch waist, 34 inseam, wear a 42 long for jackets, and a size 11½ shoe! And if you have trouble finding something for me, see my 2 stylists, Roger or Julie at Nordstrom’s, they know what I like.