Transitional Outerwear

Author: 
Desmond Kinlaw
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Illustration by Andrew Mashanov

 

This time of year is notorious for wonky weather. It can jump from 60 degrees at 8:00 a.m. to the mid-80s by lunchtime. This can make getting dressed challenging, as you’ll need to wear something that will prevent you from freezing in the morning but that doesn’t swallow you up by the afternoon. Lightweight outerwear can be your friend in these times. And to accompany that, you'll need to wear something underneath that can stand well on its own when it comes time to shed your chill blocker. I’d say a crisp polo is your best option. They look best worn untucked, so be sure you get the length rightno more than 3 inches below the belt. The short sleeve allows a more streamlined look versus wearing a long-sleeved button-down and rolling the sleeves (as you most certainly will want to do to when perspiration comes a calling).

 

 

 

This one’s the least expensive of the bunch and receives kudos for being American made (Los Angeles, to be exact). I’ve tried this one on personally, and I can say the fit and the feel are legit. A sans-letter/logo varsity jacket is a bit ironic, but I totally dig it. And I’m forecasting that maroon will be the color of the season.

 

 

Everyone needs to own a denim jacket. They can be worn as outerwear, obviously, but they can also be worn under a blazer or wool coat when the mercury drops to the 40s. Just make sure its cut slim to avoid being confused with a cowboy.

 

 

 

This is made out of a borderline-bulky lambswool, so it’s the heaviest piece of the bunch. You can save this one for right before it sets into full winter. The football motif indicates you possess a confident sense of humor, and the double zippers help bring it back to more serious territory.

 

 

 

 This piece came from a special one-time-only collaboration on a full collection from high fashion designer Raf Simons and famous painter Sterling Ruby. This jacket in particular has a subdued feel, with the blacked-out camo paired with rainbow stripes. It is something quite unique, and I say if you’ve got the cash, go for it.

 

From L to R:

 

And about those perfect-for-noontime-heat poloshere are a few that I handpicked. Notice that they’re all primarily solid with minute pops of contrast. That’s when I think they’re at their best.

 

 

 

Edited by Felicity Rhode