Spring's Essential Trends, Pt.1: Novelty Shirts

Author: 
Desmond Kinlaw
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The skies have opened up for us in Charleston and spring is finally here. So it's time to break out all the fun clothes you've had stored away since September. It's also time to do a little refining of the wardrobe. I'll be doing a quick 5-part series on my top essentials for spring 2013.

 

First up: novelty shirts.

 

Photo by GQ

 

What the heck is a novelty shirt? Simply put, it's an ordinary button-down turned not so ordinary by being covered in a zany, in your face pattern. The pattern could be florals, geometric shapes, animals—just about anything. As always, my motto remains: when wearing something that commands as much attention as these shirts, you must keep the rest of the look simple and understated.

 

Below are a few options, in a range of different prices. Don't be shy, have a little fun. Add one of these to your warm weather wardrobe and see how much you love it.

 

 

 

If you're still a little wary about jumping on board with this trend, then the above is the perfect starter shirt. Something with a tonal design isn't too in your face, but still packs some character. And It's one of the least expensive ones I found.

 

 

Everyone's heard of Brooks Brothers, but I'm pretty sure a lot less have heard about their coked up younger brother that they keep in the closet. Black Fleece has been around since 2007 and is headed up by the highly touted Thom Browne. If you know anything about his namesake line, then the analogy makes perfect sense.

 

 

Paul Smith is one of the biggest names in British Menswear. Known for his very lively aesthetic, he provides many opportunities to buy into this trend. 

 

 

So these are just a few options. If you'd like to see more, check out the rest of the feature GQ did with Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook.