The Saviors of the Transition Season

What We Are Wearing This Spring

The Navy Blazer Club, Isaac Theodore Reicin, and Jack Hidde

Mar 27, 2026

Jack:

We are entering the season where you are freezing in the morning and sweating in the afternoon, all while wearing the same clothes. Nobody really knows what to wear, and in this confusion you are not alone.

The heroes of this season are those that can be flexible, wick moisture when needed, and hold heat in when necessary. We spoke last year in the transition season of merino and cotton sweaters, and they will make a reappearance in this inverse version.

Flexible layers like a vest are invaluable in this season for their ability not just to keep your body warm in the morning, but to dress up a simple shirt in the afternoon. This one from Lauren Ralph Lauren (admittedly a synthetic microsuede) serves exactly that purpose. It features equestrian details, an activity which resurfaces in the sunlight of March. A staple of mine this season, my fiancé thrifted this for $1 with me in mind.

LRL microsuede vest, styled with a J. Crew OCBD and LL Bean Chinos

There is nothing more valuable in most times of year than a good sweater. The in-between seasons are when they can serve their purpose best, whether made of cotton or wool. This sweater from Polo Country is 100% cotton in a looser knit than what you might find at PRL today, which helps air flow and keeps you cool. This can be flexibly layered over an OCBD or nothing at all; if you want to look cool you can throw it over your shoulders as well, should the climate dictate. The cotton fabric also makes this sweater a little easier to care for than something like a linen blend or wool.

Polo Country flag sweater, styled with a J. Crew OCBD and LL Bean chinos

Something that comes to mind the most in winter, but can be flexed into the spring if not too heavy, is a pair of grey flannel trousers. Wool embodies the characteristics we spoke of in the intro: it can wick moisture when needed to keep sweat off, and can also trap heat in when the temperatures dip. While brushed flannel focuses more on keeping heat in, a midweight pair like this one, that is part of a vintage suit I own is supremely wearable well into April. Spring and summer collections often feature lighter colors and breezier fabrics, leaving a gap for the in between months - a heavier staple like these trousers can not only help keep your color palette grounded, but provide a warmer shell for those chilly mornings.

1970s Flannel trousers, styled with a 1950s Navy blazer, PRL Shirt, and PRL tie

Theo:

Something I have learned over the past year is that denim is most definitely in style. While denim never went out of fashion per se, recent trends have made it hard to dismiss.

This is not the ‘skinny jean’ that was in fashion during the 2000’s, this is the real deal. High-quality and full cut denim is having a moment, and I have jumped on the train.

While I always had a pair of jeans lying around I never invested in a proper pair of high-quality denim jeans. That was until I recently purchased a pair of Levi’s 501 Shrink-to-Fit jeans in the classic blue, and a more modern black.

With spring coming it may be time to sport some more casual outfits and I have been really enjoying the versatility of denim as a spring replacement for the corduroy trousers.

On the few warmer days we have had so far, the texture of denim has been a drop-in for my existing favorite outfits, when the cold crept up it proved no match for the tight knit of the cotton.

After the jeans arrived at my door from Levi’s I was left with a pair two sizes too long and one waist size too big, although that was by intention. The ‘Shrink-to-Fit’ version allows you to shrink the denim yourself which helps it to mold to your body as you wear it.

Already I have noticed the knee creases change shape, and the thigh has become more comfortable when I sit. I imagine with more yardwork and weekend errands it will be perfectly tailored in due time. Perhaps lending a hand in repainting a friend’s sailboat this spring will help break them in (A project which I am eager to help with).

The jeans are not the only piece of denim I am looking forward to this transition season. A Brooks Brothers Chambray shirt is one of my favorite pieces to wear come springtime. The light fabric is what helped build the Empire State Building and power hardworking Americans into the new-age, but I cannot say my shirt goes through the same wringer.

Worn under a jacket or sweater it provides enough warmth, but if the weather turns, it will not leave you sweating. The breezy fabric allows air to flow and the shirt develops a nice wear pattern just like jeans. With the sleeves rolled up you can feel good knowing the summer weather is just a short time away.

The last piece I am excited to wear is my linen-blend Polo Ralph Lauren crewneck sweater. In a nicely muted green color it is light enough to be worn throughout the year although provides a nice layer under a jacket for the colder mornings.

The weave has loosened over the years, making it a soft and plush wear. Although over the years the neckline has gotten lower, fitting more like a shirt now than a sweater. This makes layering underneath difficult, but just like our clothing choices this time of year, it is just a sacrifice that has to be made.