Journalist Glenn Kelly shares his top recommendations for stylish menswear this spring.
It's officially springtime in Ireland, which means you probably need your umbrella, sunglasses, raincoats, and shorts all in the one day.
We have had a fair bit of sunshine recently, but it can be deceptively cold, so just before you throw on your tank tops, fellas, maybe think again.
If you have some money burning a hole in your pocket, I'm here to help you with some of the best outfit and individual pieces from some of the best brands on the market at the moment to give you that streetstyle vibe.
As the evenings are getting longer, it is more about tops and shell jackets than super thick woollen wear to stave off the cold. You also need your feet wrapped in the best runners, and we’ve got you covered there too.
Some of these items fall at a higher price point but they are made to be invested in, keeping you dry, warm and looking sharp for years to come.
So, grab a coffee, read on, and take in some springtime inspiration.
Warmer days
For the days when temperatures reach the heady mid-teens, it is still recommended to have a cool graphic t-shirt in the wardrobe. In this case you can’t go wrong with the Passenger 'Made to Roam' grey tee (€31.95).
The rugged apparel outdoor appearance is bang on-trend this year, and with Passenger you simply can’t go wrong with durability and fit that is true to size.
These loose fit jeans from Hollister (€49.95) have also been a staple of mine this last few weeks. The comfort they offer is next level, and for blokes that want an easy ride on the way to looking good but with minimal fuss you really can’t go wrong here. They offer a loose but not overly baggy fit and are reaffirming that the days of guys squeezing their calves into skinny fit jeans are well and truly over. To top it off, at a smidge under €50, they are a bargain.
The Vans Spicoli 4 sunglasses are a no-nonsense and cheap accessory that is shaped for most faces and at €18 price tag will help you put aside money for investment footwear. More on those to-die-for runners later.
Casual days
For days in town shopping, an outdoor pint, or even chilling out at home, this outfit has got you covered.
New Balance may be primarily a fitness and running brand, but they do some mean streetstyle items, and I think these staples that go easy on the oversized logos work best. First up is the grey French Terry hoodie (€90).
After numerous wearings I find this to be exceptionally comfortable in a slightly oversized fit. It doesn’t come cheap but it has washed and worn much better than cheaper alternatives I have tried.
Going super with the hoodie is another understated item from New Balance, the Khaki cargo joggers (€80). They are quite a loose fit so don’t order larger than your usual fit, but they are super comfy and are also a staple of street gear this spring. This works as a great alternative to denim if you're trying to mix things up.
Finally, the On club long sleeve tee (€70) in black is a great under layer if you are enjoying some early evening al fresco entertaining as the temperature starts to drop.
Extremely soft to touch and looks great with the Khaki joggers if you decide to ditch the hoodie and also look great with the white Salomon Xt-6s (€179.99) as pictured above.
Cooler nights
Here in Ireland, we are certainly not out of the woods when it comes to chilly weather, so we do need to have a jacket or two for back up.
Here we have two items from the yoga/streetwear brand Alo, who have recently opened their first store on the island on Grafton Street.
I was really impressed by the comfort and quality of the Elevate waffle long sleeve crew (€145). It is warm without being heavyweight, and its stretchy fabric makes it a perfect partner for all types of activities. Although the brand is mostly about yoga and it was great using it for some stretching, it also looks great with some jeans as shown.
The second item from the brand is the Notable jacket (€240). It is effortlessly stylish and I love the anthracite colouring. It is surprisingly light considering its "puffy" appearance and is made for dry spring days and nights when the temperature drops.
To finish the look off, my favourite cap at present is the Passenger Trucker cap (€31.95). I love the rich rubber colourway and think this really reflects the changing in seasons, you just cant go wrong here.
Springtime showers
We know that the rain is never far away here - hey, it wouldn’t be such a pretty green country if it wasn’t! So, if you haven’t got a brolly, these lightweight waterproof jackets will sort you out and look great.
First up is one from Arc'teryx. This is a super example of how practical can be stylish, and that is why you will see the French brand in more fashion stores than outdoor stores this year. The SL Atom jacket (€260) is a superb wear for this time of year. Slim fitting and slim insulation mean it can be worn over a mid-layer or just over a t-shirt, the blue finishes it off for sunnier days.
The North Face needs no introductions, but rather than the graphic-heavy gear you will often seen teenagers wearing, this lightweight parka is all about class and reserved quality. With the Nukabira Long Shell Jacket (€240) you are well equipped to deal with any spring surprises the Irish weather may throw up for you - all while looking sharp.
Finally, for the guys that like a bit more of a traditional look, how about the Melford Waterproof Parka from Barbour (€276.14)? The eye-catching coat is extremely large fitting so I would recommend sizing down, even for a moderately roomy fit. The quality is second to none and will surely see you through many a festival, BBQ, or outdoor gig - Oasis in particular.
Spring Sneaks
Everyone loves to get some new runners come springtime. Black shoes with waterproof features are left in winter, while spring welcomes style, comfort and breathability for warmer days.
These Salomon shoes (€179.99) from Foot Locker are simply stunning. The Lunar colourway is super current and they are as at home on the high street as they are on the trail. Don’t be fooled by influencers, these are still a high performance shoe. Expect these to be still as good as new in two year’s time - if not, Salomon offer a full warranty to replace.
The New Balance 9060s (€190) are in a class of their own this season and this particular pair look superb in their grey colourway. These are reminiscent of walking on clouds and, even though I suffer from achilles issues, I can walk in these all day long without any flare ups. In my opinion, these are the pick of the current "Dad shoe" trend.
What could a spring fashion feature be without a pair of Adidas Gazelles (€110). They are a staple of style on our streets and should be celebrated as such. This burgundy colour looks great and can add a dash of colour to any outfit this time of year - even as a nighttime shoe. Extremely comfortable for quite a low riding sneaker and, as always, built to last.
Read more: I put five pairs of high-end runners to the test
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
The journalist was sent the above items for purpose of review.
