Streetwear, Skate & Surf Spring Style Guide 2018
Streetwear, Skate & Surf Spring Style Guide 2018
Spring is a magical time for style: You get the best of Autumn / Winter and the best of Summer. Warm enough where you don’t have to be bundled in 30 layers of clothes, yet with the weather in the UK being so changeable you still get to wear some of your more cool and comfortable winter styles.In this ultimate Streetwear, Skate & Surf Spring Style Guide for 2018, I’m going to show you:
- Essential Man Rules of Spring Style 2018
- Winter to Spring style swaps
- The Looks
THE ESSENTIAL MAN RULES OF SPRING STYLE
We all know what the weather is like in the UK in spring is probably one of the toughest seasons to dress for, given the wild swings in temperature alongside the penchant for both driving rain and warm sun on the same day!Well as I write this in early March we are on a cold rainy day in the North East, the last of the snow has just left us and the forecast doesn’t look much better for the rest of the week. However, the change in the clocks is almost upon us and before we know it there will be big blue skies and warm sunny days ahead. So now is the time to prepare to shed all the layers and get ready for Spring.
Spring occupies that middle ground where it’s not cold enough to wear your full winter stuff, but not hot enough to lounge around in a t-shirt and shorts. So it takes a bit of clever work to get the best look together while still being dressed for the weather. It’s no good just jumping straight into the shorts and T-Shirt but it doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate some of that look into your spring wardrobe.
To get you started, here are my 3 rules for amazing spring style:
1. GET LIGHTER
I’m not talking losing some weight (though summer is just around the corner. So getting back outdoors to do some of your favorite summer sports isn’t a bad idea).Despite the moderate days and chilly nights, those Autumn/ Winter heavyweight snow jackets, big fleece lined hoodies, and heavyweight cotton Tee's need to be put away.
It’s time for lighter jackets, summer weight denim, and cotton. It might be too chilly right now for really light materials, but you can prepare for summer heat waves by picking up some board shorts (Which are getting longer again this year) and layering t-shirts, shirts, hoodies, and beanies with them.
2. GET BRIGHTER
Winter is always a bit depressing with all those dark and muted colour choices and unless you’ve dedicated your life to the all black skater emo look, it’s time to brighten now that the sun’s out. Turn up the brightness of your blues, add some colorful prints and graphics, and dip your toes in lighter brighter colours; maybe even the odd pastel.3. GET LAYERED
The layered look is back in any case across the full range of different styles available but lets' face it, no-one does that better than people who are into skate and surf style so let's express ourselves! You can take the best style of Autumn/ Winter Wear (layers and outerwear) without the downsides of summer (gross humid heat where you’re regulated to just t-shirt and shorts).If you follow rule 1, go lighter, on chilly days and most nights you can create amazing stylish, layered outfits, without turning into a walking sauna.
WINTER TO SPRING STYLE SWAPS
Snow Jackets to Spring/ Summer Jackets and big hoodies.
So you’ve spent the last 4 months having to drag out your big snow jacket and beanie every time you leave the house. Well now’s the time to pack it away with the rest of your snow gear, but still hold on to some of those big hoodies as they can now become your outer layer.However, you can always start rocking some of those t-shirt and shirt layered looks so a good lightweight summer jacket can also be a great look.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Merc Epworth Wool Harrington Jacket, £54.99
- Fox Legacy Crew Fleece, £40.99
- Hurley One & Only Raglan Jersey Hoody, £27.99
Dark Denim to Lighter Denim
Denim is and always has been a staple in anyone’s wardrobe and especially dark jeans are essential in the Winter months, if for nothing else to help hide stains on the horrible cold and wet days.However, with Spring on its way, it’s time to ditch those heavy dark jeans and look for something a little lighter with all the room and comfort to let you breathe a little more as the temperature rises.
Don't forget to look out for jeans with stretch fabric in them, it means you can wear a more fitted look without compromising on comfort and the ability to use them while riding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Layered up shirt’s and T-Shirts
Now you are likely to be wearing less big jackets and hoodies it’s time to break out your shirts again. Whether long sleeve or short sleeve (Possibly with a long sleeve base layer underneath. Yes, the 90’s are back!) shirts now make a cool addition to your wardrobe for spring but also as an alternative to a jacket.It’s also time to break out the lighter, brighter spring/summer big print, lighter coloured t-shirts. Whether it’s a Tee with a big brand logo, a band t-shirt or something just a bit more bright and patterned then it’s time to make the most of the sun and break out those new season summer t-shirts.
However, if you are going for a shirted look then a good base layer is a great way to stay warm whilst shedding those heavy layers.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Dickies Sacramento Shirt – Black/White, £44.99
- Wrangler S/S 1 PKT Shirt – Amberglow, £26.99
- Etnies Skate Script Tee, £21.99
- Element Vertical SS Tee, £19.99
- Hurley One & Only Solid T-Shirt, £20.99
- Dickies Baseball T-Shirt, £29,99
Get bright with your undies and socks!
When doing sports, while chilling sitting down or just if you like to have a bit of a ‘sag on’ it’s amazing how much the right kinds of underwear can give an otherwise very subdued outfit a real blast of colour and style. whether it’s pastels or more bold colours it can really give your outfit some flair.So don’t be scared, go as wild as you want with your underwear! The flash of bright colour can really add to an outfit and make the somewhat standard stand out. But mostly just don’t forget to have some fun!
Try to pick out a matching accent colour and match it up between your socks, underwear and any headwear you may use, this gives a great uniform look whilst not being too uniform if you know what I mean.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Stance Jungle Boxer Brief, £29.99
- Saxx Fuse Boxer Briefs, £24.99
- Bawbags Cool De Sacs - Brewdog, £14.99
- Happy Socks Paisley Socks, £9.99
- Stance Save Yourself Socks, £12.99
- Stance Airbrush Money Crew Socks, £12.99
Change up the headwear
Let’s face it, we all love a beanie. It’s one of the few winter clothing staples that we all love to wear. Hence why we all like to stretch them out and wear them for as long as possible. However, with the weather warming up it’s time to ditch the big wool beanies for something a lot lighter like a thin beanie or cap.One or two beanies in muted colours can be matched up with almost any outfit, pick a style which suits you in a material which isn’t too thick and you can break out a beanie to keep some of the warmth in whilst ditching that jacket or wearing something which lets the skin get a little bit of sun.
When it comes to caps it’s a little different, try to get a selection of caps in different colours and match them up with your accent colour either on a bag, your underwear or footwear. This allows you to have a uniform look and tie a whole outfit together whilst not looking too uniform as I mentioned above.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Neff Daily Heather Beanie, £14.99
- Coal The Basic Beanie/ Cap, £16,99
- Barts Wilbert Beanie, £14,99
- Dakine Archie Trucker Cap, £21,99
- Element Knutsen B Cap, £27.99
- Quiksilver Foamslay Trucker Cap, £17.99
- Brixton Oath III Snapback, £32.99
- Oakley Mark II Novelty Snap Back, £24.99
- New Era Boston Red Sox Essential 9Fifty, £24.99
Ditch those winter boots and get your kicks out!
One of the things I love the most about the change in the weather is getting a chance to take off the big heavy, clunky (Yet necessary) boots and replacing them with a comfortable pair of kicks. Not having to worry about your feet turning to blocks of ice or squelching home in soggy shoes.So with that in mind, it’s time to ditch your boot’s and get yourself some nice new skate shoes!
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Globe Tilt Shoes, £64.99
- Hey Dude Wally Shoes, £44.99
- Vans Atwood Shoes, £51.99
- Osiris NYC 83 CLK High Top’s, £76.99
- Etnies Barge LS Shoes, £54.99
- DVS Enduro 125 Shoes, £59.99
An honorable mention for flip-flops
Some people may say it’s too early for a pair of flip-flops. However, I fundamentally disagree. Spring is the ideal time to break out your flip-flops and get them worn in before summer really hits. It also gives you a chance to get some sun and a bit of breeze to your feet which have been all tied up in sweaty winter boots for months. So don’t be shy, go for it and you will be sure to feel the benefits come the summer.RECOMMENDATIONS
- Havaianas Top Retro Flip-Flops, £19.99
- Quiksilver Monkey Abyss Flip-Flops, £19.99
- Animal Jekyl Logo Flip-Flop, £16.99
Bad ass bags!
Increasingly all of us carry bags around on a regular basis. Whether it’s to school, to work, carrying sports kit or boards, or just something to keep your detritus in so you aren’t walking around with full pockets, a new bag for the spring can be a great style accessory as well as a practical item.The style of bag you go for will obviously be primarily focused on what you need it for so in that sense it’s a pretty utilitarian decision. However, it doesn’t mean that bag can’t fit in with the overall look you are aiming for and be that extra piece of fashion you need to really set off an outfit.
Whether you are into your clean, modern styles or a more classic look, the right bag can make all the difference.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Element Mohave Backpack, £54,99
- Etnies Essential Skate Backpack, £49.99
- Brixton Basin Basic Backpack, £57.99
- Dakine Heli Pro 20L, £74.99
- Sprayground Hamsa Embroidered Backpack, £69.99
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Legacy Duffle, £29.99
- Oakley Link Duffel Bag, £84.99
- Converse Poly Messenger Bag, £44.99
THE LOOKS
Street Casual
A good 'Street Casual' look can be worn all day but will still look good enough for a night out at the local with friends.So don't be shy. Remember, a lightweight jacket, a layered up t-shirt and shirt combo with a cool well-matched underwear/ accessories/ shoes set up can be very simple but a really bold 'statement' look. Remember to go light on any denim and don't forget how much a cool pair of kicks can really set off an outfit!
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- QUIKSILVER NASHVILLE SUNGLASSES - SHINY TORTOISE, £74.99
- MERC EPWORTH WOOL HARRINGTON JACKET - BLACK, £124.99
- WRANGLER S/S 1 PKT SHIRT - OFF WHITE, £44.99
- O'Neill MUIR T-SHIRT - SILVER MELEE, £17.99
- NIXON AMERICANA II BELT - SADDLE BROWN, £34.99
- WRANGLER TEXAS JEANS - OMBRE BLUE, £64.99
- BAWBAGS PAISLEY BOXER SHORTS - RED, £12.50
- STANCE ROSSA CLASSIC CREW SOCKS - RED, £12.99
- GLOBE SPROUT SHOES - DARK CARAMEL / WHITE, £49.99
- BRIXTON BASIN BASIC BACKPACK - COPPER, £57.99
Change it up
Why not give your feet some air in those cool spring breezes and swap out the trainers and socks for a pair of casual yet stylish Flip-Flops
Skate Park
Skaters have always had a really unique style. The mix of hip-hop, metal, and street looks combined with the need for practical and hardwearing clothing means that although there are many variations you can tend to tell a skater a mile off.With the durable kit that sits slightly looser (Although that doesn't really count for trousers in the way it used to), you can make sure you have a great look which will definitely last a fair few falls bumps and scrapes. Although I've always loved the hoodie look, a really cool shirt/ T-shirt layered look is also a great style to ride.
Also, don't forget those jeans with a bit of stretch in them!
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- CONVERSE CLASSIC TWILL CAP - NAVY, £20.99
- HURLEY ONE & ONLY RAGLAN JERSEY HOODY - WHITE, £33.99
- HURLEY ICON SLASH PUSH THROUGH T-SHIRT - NOISE AQUA, £25.99
- ARCADE ADVENTURE SURFING BEAR BELT - TEAL, £24.99
- WRANGLER GREENSBORO JEANS - FOR REAL, £79.99
- ODDBALLS DIRTY DANCING BOXER SHORTS - BLUE / PINK, £10.99
- STANCE ICON SOCKS - PINK, £10.99
- OSIRIS LOOT SHOES - BLACK / WHITE / BLACK, £46.99
- ELEMENT JAYWALKER BACKPACK - CHARCOAL HEATHER, £64.99
Change it up
Or rather than a hoody look, why not go for a shirt based layered look or swap out your cap for a beanie?
- DICKIES SACRAMENTO SHIRT - BLUE, £49.99
- LEVI'S LONG SLEEVED HENLEY T-SHIRT - WHITE, £24.99
- NEFF DUO BEANIE - GREY HEATHER / GREY, £17.99
Beach Casual/ Surf Look
The beach/ surf look is the root of all casual 'street style' clothing as we know it today. It's easy, comfortable look combined with the great item's and brands means this distinct style has really stood the test of time.Get your boardies out, put on a big comfortable jumper or hoody and pair it up with some cool shades and sweet flip-flops and you can't go wrong!
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- FOX LEGACY CREW FLEECE - INDIGO, £44.99
- ANIMAL ACTION T-SHIRT - WHITE, £24.99
- VOLCOM LIDO SOLID MOD 20" BOARDSHORTS - BLACK, £44.99
- SAXX 24-SEVEN BOXERS - WHITE / WHITE, £18.99
- STANCE AIRBRUSH VACATION CREW SOCKS - GREEN, £12.99
- GLOBE TILT SHOES - WHITE / GUM, £64.99
- DIRTY DOG VENDETTA SUNGLASSES - CRYSTAL, £44.99
- DAKINE SECTION ROLL TOP WET/DRY BACKPACK - WASHED PALM, £44.99
- ANIMAL NESSIE BEACH TOWEL - MULTI, £29.99
- MIZU M8 800ML STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLE - STEEL, £18.95
Change it up
Training Kit
Training kit has come a long way in the last 20 years. The modern fabrics and 'tech' items have made comfort and style easily achievable whilst wearing stuff that will do the job. Lightweight moisture wicking materials mean that the clothing takes the strain in ways that old rugby tops and big socks never could.So now is the time to shed those winter pounds and get back to the gym looking like you have never been away.
It's also interesting that over the last few years that men's leggings have come to the fore. Their comfort, style and the help they give to muscles while training means that I would say at least one pair is an essential part of any training wear wardrobe.
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- UNDER ARMOUR TECH 1/4 ZIP JACKET - ACADEMY / STEEL, £33.99
- UNDER ARMOUR RAID T-SHIRT - VAPOUR GREEN, £24.99
- UNDER ARMOUR OUT & BACK TROUSERS - BLACK, £54.99
- SAXX VIBE BOXER BRIEFS - REAR WINDOW, £24.99
- STANCE GYM RAT ATHLETIC CREW SOCKS - GREY, £13.99
- CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR LEGACY DUFFEL BAG - NAVY, £34.99
- ANIMAL HAMPTON BEACH TOWEL – BLACK, £29.99
- MIZU M4 400ML STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLE - BLUE, £14.98
- LEVI'S BLACK TAB RUNNER SHOES - REGULAR GREY, £79.99
Change it up
- SAXX KINETIC PERFORMANCE TIGHTS - RED / BLACK, £45.99
- SAXX KINETIC RUN LONG SHORTS - BLACK, £59.99
- UNDER ARMOUR ALTER EGO COMPRESSION SHIRT - CAPTAIN AMERICA, £34.99
Accessorise
Watches
Any man worth his salt needs a good watch. While we could all go crazy as they are the cornerstone piece of jewelry for any man they don't need to cost the earth. Whether its a stylish watch for wearing around the streets or something more rugged to wear whilst outdoors a watch is a uniquely personal choice for any man.So my advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ignore any advice on watches and go get what you feel works for you!
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- ANIMAL MARINE TIDE T44 WATCH - ORANGE, £179.99
- ANIMAL MARINE 1 WATCH - BLACK / YELLOW, £109.99
- NEFF DAILY WATCH - BLACK / GREEN, £29.99
- QUIKSILVER BIENVILLE LEATHER WATCH - SILVER, £64.99
- NIXON BEACON WATCH - BLACK, £259.99
- CHEAPO RAWIYA CLASSIC WATCH - SILVER, £64.99
- CHEAPO LOUD WATCH & EARBUDS - BROWN, £89.99
Wallets
A man's wallet is something that is hidden away most of the time. However, don't ever underestimate the style signals your wallet give off. Pick a style which suits you. Whether a more formal style or a more 'sport orientated' look a good wallet is essential for any man.
Shop the Look (Click on the link below)
- ANIMAL PROVOKED 2 LEAF WALLET - SMOKE BLUE, £19.99
- DAKINE DIPLOMAT WALLET - TROPHY, £14.99
- DICKIES WILBURN LEATHER WALLET - NATURAL, £29.99
- GLOBE MASON WALLET - OLIVE, £19.99
- ELEMENT CADENT WALLET - COFFEE BROWN, £24.99
Have a great 2018!
