Stylists on their 43 favorite spring men’s fashion picks under $200: ‘Every man should have one’

Madewell

1991 Loose Straight Jean

from $69.56

$69.56 at Amazon$69.99 at Madewell

A simple but often overlooked update is to move beyond classic blue denim and introduce alternative neutral tones. A pair of neutral-colored jeans can instantly make familiar outfits feel more intentional while still pairing seamlessly with existing basics. Katy Anzola, a personal stylist focused on helping clients build capsule wardrobes

Bonobos

Everyday Linen Shirt

$73.50

$73.50 at Bonobos (with code BNBSFAM30)

A well-fitting elevated basic will do more than a trend piece. Pieces I like to pull include a more structured tee, a refined polo, or a lightweight button-down with a little bit of texture. Avri Bland, a personal stylist based in the Chicago area

Salomon

XT-Whisper

from $140

$140 at Nordstrom$150 at Salomon

My Salomons help me make my three-mile commute to the office a breeze. Their quick lace system means I can throw them on in seconds and the added silver detailing elevates them from your basic sneaker.

Breda

Pulse Watch

$195

$195 at Macy’s

Accessories often make outfits feel both complete and intriguing. They serve as great conversation starters: think hats with cities or teams you love, sunglasses with colored lenses, or unique watches. Erin Watton, a New York City-based personal stylist, personal shopper and closet organizer

Uniqlo

Unisex Harrington Jacket

$79.90

$79.90 at Uniqlo

Do a spring edit on your closet. Focus on classic silhouettes that you won’t regret buying in a year. To me, that’s a straight relaxed fit, nothing too baggy or too slim. Lightweight layers like a Harrington jacket or an unstructured cotton blazer can be smart layers to add. Jabari Sandifer, a personal stylist based in Chicago

Banana Republic

Banana Republic Slim Merino Ribbed Sweater

$39.99

$39.99 at Banana Republic

When the temperature rises, remove the knit layer and drape it over your shoulders. It’s the chicest way to elevate your outfit while also dealing with a temperature change as the day warms up. If your plans take you into the colder evening temps, just add the sweater back into the look. Kelsey Ellstrom, a celebrity stylist who has dressed Zac Efron, Ben Affleck and John Krasinski

Nike

Manoa Leather Boot

from $70

$70 at Finish Line$89.97 at Nike

If you’re on the hunt for a waterproof boot you can wear in rain puddles and the office, we love this leather pair from Nike, which came recommended by senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.

Alex Mill

Standard T-Shirt

from $68

$68 at Alex Mill$68 at Shopbop

In the early spring, it’s best to brighten your color palette gradually. Instead of diving straight into spring colors, start by swapping your black for your charcoal or navy or adding creams, taupes, or soft blues. Avri Bland

Quince

Quince Cotton Pique Knit Blazer

$104

$104 at Quince

A lot of men tend to underutilize the power of layering. It can even be something as simple as a lightweight overshirt, a knit draped over the shoulders, even a lightweight casual blazer with a structured T-shirt underneath. Avri Bland

Kuhl

Stretch Voyagr Jacket

$199

$199 at Kuhl

“The men’s cut skips the taper but still looks sharp”, and the fabric is “gloriously soft and quiet, with none of that crinkly rain-jacket vibe”, Filter US contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort wrote of this Pfas-free rain jacket.

Lacoste

Men’s Golf Quarter-Zip Windbreaker Sweater

$107.99

$107.99 at Lacoste

“You heard it here first: the quarter-zip is now fashion-approved. Wear it preppy, not boardroom, to make sure you beat any corporate allegations,” wrote Filter UK contributor Peter Bevan.

Cos

Cotton Wide-leg Pants

$129

$129 at Cos

A relaxed trouser in a soft fabric like cotton twill, washed linen, or even lightweight wool, make any outfit look effortless and cool. Wear it with a white tee and your favorite jacket, a sweater, or a relaxed fit button-up, worn untucked and loosely buttoned. Lily Montasser, a stylist based in New York City

J Crew

1983 Oxford Shirt

$148

$148 at J Crew

The Love Story and JFK Jr effect isn’t showing any signs of slowing down for spring. A striped Oxford shirt in a pastel colourway is a nice entry-level nod to the preppy mood. Tie optional. Chloe Mac Donnell, deputy fashion and lifestyle editor at the Guardian UK

Uniqlo

Washable Knit Polo Sweater

$39.90

$39.90 at Uniqlo

Color plays an important role in spring. If brighter tones aren’t your preference, consider deeper, more muted shades like olive green, navy, or burnt orange. These still feel seasonal but are easier to integrate into an existing wardrobe. Katy Anzola

Mango Outlet

Water-repellent Belted Trench Coat

$183.99

$183.99 at Mango Outlet

If you live in a colder climate, there are adjustments you can make to participate in the fun that comes with dressing for spring. Layering is very key here. Think trench coat, crewneck or polo knit (play with color, texture, and pattern here), a white tee, denim, and loafers. Kelsey Ellstrom

Buck Mason

Fox Sateen Ford Standard Pant

$188

$188 at Buck Mason

One thing I always tell guys [is] to go ahead and invest in a lighter-weight pant. You’re coming out of winter, so you’ve been wearing heavier denim. When springtime rolls around, it’s really good to just have some lighter-weight canvas and then also to start to wear off-white colors.Bentley Caldwell, a personal stylist based in Nashville

Rhythm

Awake Herringbone Jacket

from $100

$100 at Amazon$100 at Shopbop

Two words that I’m constantly using with my clients are: structure and texture. Especially in those early spring months, it’s sometimes best to mix your winter structure with your spring textures. This means pairing your heavier pieces like coats or structured jackets with lighter fabrics like cotton or linen underneath. Avri Bland

Vans

Sneakers

from $54.99

$54.99 at Journey’s$60 at Zappos

Invest in a pair of warm-weather footwear like fisherman sandals, canvas deck shoes, or a suede loafer. Jabari Sandifer

Madewell

Linen Zip-front Jacket

$168

$168 at Madewell

I think a linen jacket will be just enough insulation for right now, but it can very easily carry you into the warmer weather, or summer nights.Kin Moy, a personal stylist based in Boston

Akila

Eyewear Ascent Sunglasses

$160

$160 at Akila

Every man should have one or two pairs of colored shades this summer. Dan Lee

Cos

Short-Sleeved Cotton Shirt

$89

$89 at Cos

We typically view layering as a cold-weather concept. However, layers add a necessary dimension to your look. Adding an oversized short-sleeve button-down over a white tee can be a great spring look that feels relaxed and stylish. Erin Watton

Rodd & Gun

Fordell Jacket

$149

$149 at Rodd & Gunn

If you were to add one piece that you could use to make many outfits from what you already have, I recommend this cropped, lightweight jacket with a double zip. The zipper allows you to show more of the rise of your pants. It can do a lot for tweaking the proportions of your outfit. Kin Moy

Levi’s

501 Jeans

from $48.65

$48.65 at Amazon$55.21 at Kohl’s

Jeans have never been more confusing. Go back to basics with a straight leg in a dark wash. Levi’s 501s are a classic for a reason. They now run from a waist 28 to 56 and length 28 to 38 which makes finding your ideal fit even easier. Chloe Mac Donnell, deputy fashion and lifestyle editor at the Guardian UK

Les Deux

Boston Ombré Stripe Cardigan

from $199

$199 at Nordstrom$199 at Shopbop

I’m all for versatility. Lightweight layers, like structured blazers, light cardigans, button-downs, and elevated knits. This allows you to transition throughout your day while adding dimension and polishing your look. Brian Lamont Daves, a wardrobe stylist and personality shopper with over 10 years of experience

Pairs

Wool Knee High Socks

$35

$35 at Pairs

Filter UK contributor Peter Bevan recommended a colorful sock to add a vibrant touch to your outfit. To style, he recommended pairing them with shorts and loafers.

Todd Snyder

Cotton Gurkha Short

$178

$178 at Todd Snyder

The dress short will be at the forefront of a lot of spring and summer men’s wardrobe decisions. You can wear it with a T-shirt and a cool hat and some sneakers, but you can also wear it with a button-up and a pair of loafers. It elevates the look more than your normal cargo or khaki short. Dan Lee

J Crew

Camden Leather Loafers

$168

$168 at J Crew

A lot of times, guys wear boots in the wintertime, and then they wonder: “How do I transition from boots?” And they usually just go to sneakers. A chocolate-brown loafer is a really great way to dress up even a very casual outfit. Bentley Caldwell

Banana Republic

Jacquard Chore Coat

$150

$150 at Banana Republic

Celebrity stylist Kelsey Ellstrom recommended this chore jacket for dressing down a pair of loafers. To complete the look, she also advised styling with a simple white tee.

AIf you’re new to loafers, the key is not to overthink the outfit. Think casual jacket, your favorite white tee, and a suede loafer. Kelsey Ellstrom

My Theresa

Box cotton jersey T-shirt

$180

$180 at My Theresa

Earthy neutrals are a great way to have fun with color. Tobacco browns, mossy greens, warm terracottas, dusty greys. You can’t go wrong mixing and matching, and it still goes with everything else in your wardrobe. Lily Montasser

Buck Mason

Japanese Denim Standard Jean

$198

$198 at Buck Mason

You would be surprised at how much of an upgrade straight-leg denim can be from a tapered pant. Denim is typically worth investing in, as well-made pieces can last you decades. Erin Watton

Into the AM

Graphic Tee

$29.95

$29.95 at Amazon

Filter US contributor Jon Chan sung this graphic tee’s praises, writing, “I wasn’t trying to invest in ironclad clothing when I bought my first Into the AM graphic tee in 2019 – the company’s in-house artists just made some real bangers I couldn’t resist.”

Mango

Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater

$79.99

$79.99 at Mango

Get rid of the jacket and then incorporate a turtleneck. If you run warm, leave the jacket at home. Jeffrey Ampratwum, a celebrity stylist and adjunct professor at Fashion Futures CUNY

Wrangler

Cowboy Cut Denim Jacket

from $57.74

$57.74 at Amazon$59.99 at Wrangler

Another recommendation from our Filter UK colleagues was incorporating denim into your spring wardrobe: “Wear it as a clean, understated layer that adds depth instead of taking over,” wrote contributor Peter Bevan.

Marc

Men’s Holden Hooded Parka

from $157.97

$157.97 at Amazon$450 at Macy’s

If the weather isn’t warm enough to ditch your winter coat, stylist Avri Bland advised wearing it open and styling it with “relaxed layers underneath.”

“It makes those heavy pieces feel less winter coded, which is what we want,” she continued. For a stylish option, this jacket was recommended by senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci.

American Eagle

Open Knit Sweater t-shirt

$52.50

$52.50 at American Eagle

Open-knit T-shirts are a great way to take a really basic piece of a T-shirt and elevate it to make it more interesting. Kin Moy

Uniqlo

Washable 3D Knit Polo

$59.60

$59.60 at Uniqlo

[Try] a full-sleeve polo when a T-shirt feels too casual and a shirt feels like too much. Sindhu Sridhar, a menswear designer and stylist

Abercrombie

Cotton Baggy Trouser

$95

$95 at Abercrombie

Don’t be scared of lighter pants – spring is the perfect time to brighten up your outfits and switch things up. Think light-wash denim, cream trousers or even a great olive pair of chinos to keep your look fresh and elevated. Madison Gustini, a wardrobe stylist based in Los Angeles

Brunco Marc

Fashion Casual Dress Sneakers

$45.99

$45.99 at Brunco Marc

Leather laces elevate the look. Jeffrey Ampratwum

Buck Mason

Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee

$62

$62 at Buck Mason

In the spring, you’re wearing fewer pieces, so your basics really have to carry the outfit. That means investing in high-quality T-shirts and well-fitting trousers. When the foundation is strong, the whole look feels intentional. Madison Gusitini

Royal Robbins

Men’s Vogelsang

$110

$110 at Royal Robbins

[My husband] appreciates the warm yet breathable nature of this flannel’s fabric, which has stayed surprisingly soft after multiple wears and washes. Despite being a “performance tech flannel”, the Vogelsang’s attractive pattern and flattering fit make it blend in nicely at social and professional events, wrote Filter US contributor Paige Triola.

Wax London

Ladder Stripe Turin Polo

from $61.67

$61.67 at Jules B$205 at Stag Provisions

It’s a great way to do something that’s not a T-shirt. I think a lot of time in warmer weather, guys get caught in this thing of like, ‘it’s either a short-sleeve button-down or a T-shirt’. Bentley Caldwell

Suit Supply

White Leather Sneaker

$229

$229 at Suit Supply

Paying attention to footwear is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a spring outfit. In the winter, you can rely on the same boots most days, but spring gives you the opportunity to rotate into so many different shoe styles and really play with your looks. No matter how good the outfit is, the shoes are what people notice first. Madison Gustini

Cos

Mock-neck Twill Blouson Jacket

$229

$229 at Cos

Invest in a lightweight jacket before anything else. It’s the piece my clients are almost always missing because there’s this idea that transitional seasons are minor and we just need to “wait it out”. Sujin Kim

Toast

from $430

$430 at Toast$510 at Toast

Cotton Linen Trousers:

Linen Blazer:

Loose summer suits were a hit on the Fendi and Boss catwalks. Get the look via Toast with its cotton/linen blazer and matching trousers. Wear them as a set, wear them as separates, wear them to work, wear them to dinner. Chloe Mac Donnell

Billy Reid

Billy Reid Waxed Lodge Jacket

$798

$798 at Billy Reid

It’s got like a little bit of camouflage. It’s a great way to have utility but also be stylish. Bentley Caldwell

Coach

Mott Messenger Bag

$550

$550 at Coach

I think it’s so chic for a man to carry a big bag. Whether it’s for weekend trips, travel, or an easy Sunday. It’s very cool when worn with a casual outfit. (Think Jacob Elordi). Lily Montasser