The 10 Style Risks You Should Take This Spring

With as weird as the weather has been, it's a wonder if spring will ever show its pollen-filled, allergy-inducing face. We also could finally use some warm weather up in here. Since we've been stuck rocking gear meant for colder climes a bit longer than usual, we've been thinking of ways to step up our style once spring hits.

And when it does, we'll be ready. We kept our ears to the ground and eyes to the street to see what your favorite style bloggers' favorite style bloggers were going to rock once the mercury rises about 50 degrees. What did we find out? It's anything but boring. Here are The 10 Style Risks You Should Take This Spring.

For a while, Hawaiian shirts, floral, and polka dot patterns ruled the streets heavy. They still have a presence, but on some Marcus Garvey shit we've seen a lot of dudes rock African print-inspired gear. We especially dig it when the short-sleeve shirt gets an ethnic twist, and accentuated by a dope wood necklace. But unless you've got melanin in your system or your name is Michael Rapaport, we suggest just sticking with the shirt, lest you avoid looking like a would-be extra in Do The Right Thing.

Woolrich Woolen Mills African Print Sport Shirt
Buy It Now at Barneys, $195

Good Wood NYC Pharoah Pendant
Buy It Now at Good Wood, $50

Why take it to the tailor when you can do it yourself? Hack off the end of jeans that are too long for you for a rad, warm-weather appropriate undone look. This is especially a good look on skinnier silhouettes, like this cut by BLK DNM.

BLK DNM Jeans 5
Buy It Now at Park & Bond, $150

One color is too boring these days. Now that every other dude has boat shoes thanks to menswear bloggers, you can stand out from the pack by rocking multiple colors. Whether with jeans, chinos, or critter pants, this is one way to rock the comfortable seafaring kicks while letting people know you're not some douchey prep bro.

Sperry Topsider Salt-Stained Boat Shoe
Buy It Now at Sperry Topsider, $90

The shirt tied around the waist is good for cooler days and '90s teen heartthrobs, but real G's now just throw their jacket on over their shoulders. It's a non-commital way of rocking a layer for transitional weather.

Mando Army Jacket
Buy It Now at Park & Bond, $740

Before, a bright neon shirt or socks was a way to show the world you knew what the fuck was up. Now it's all about patterns. How do you channel the trend without going overboard? Keeping it simple, duh. Go for a bold printed shirt like this paisley joint from Epaulet and rock it under a blazer, jean jacket, or military-inspired coat. Balance it out with jeans or solid chinos, and let the shirt do all the talking (it's probably saying "yeah, I know I'm the shit").

Epaulet x Liberty of London Bouton Paisley Print Shirt
Buy It Now at Epaulet, $175

You know that sweats have shaped up for a minute now, with all sorts of well-dressed dudes rocking them with everything from double-breasted sportcoats to Nike Free Run sneakers. We prefer it with a nice, well-cut coat in the vein of a reliable M-65. Whether you throw a crewneck sweater or your favorite graphic tee underneath, it's a streamlined, modern update to a classic streetwear look.

Ten C Dress Jacket
Buy It Now at Union Los Angeles, $1,398

Wings+Horns Sweatpant
Buy It Now at Farfetch, $156

This season is all about mixing the plain and unorthodox. A preppy staple like a plaid madras button down can be cool by itself, but when contrasted with something like a tribal-printed backpack, the sum becomes more stylish than its parts.

Read's Clothing Project Blue Madras Shirt
Buy It Now at Read's Clothing Project, $165

JanSport Superbreak Backpack
Buy It Now at Zappos, $35

This trend has its roots in the '80s. Essentially, before you cuff your pants, fold one of the ends into itself first, then cuff it for a tighter fit at the ankle. Still don't get it? Peep this video. Like the '80s, this looks dope with lighter washed jeans, but doesn't look bad with chinos either. Given the slimmer cuts offered today, the result is a new twist on a throwback.

RRL Slim Fit Carolina Wash Denim
Buy It Now at RRL, $340

It's spring, so ditch the button down shirts and opt for a nautical Breton stripe shirt under that blazer. You can't go wrong with a navy sportcoat, and if it's double-breasted, you get extra street cred and most likely have a tumblr. It's a casual twist on dressing up that is yet to be played out, unlike sportcoats and v-neck T-shirts. Keep things classy with a printed pocket square, and don't forget that you can actually use it to wipe your forehead on especially warm days.

Beams+ Double-Breasted Cotton/Twill Blazer
Buy It Now at Mr. Porter, $640

Topman Blue and White Breton Stripe Sweater
Buy It Now at Topman, $55

The Hill-Side Jacquard Double-Face Bandanna in Green Fair Isle
Buy It Now at Hickorees, $46

For the truly bold, throw on a pair of patterned pants to be super next level. Beginners can just pair it with solid tees, button downs, and the like. If you want to start mixing patterns like the big boys, try rocking these pants with a camo jacket or fair isle knit.

Christopher Shannon Kidda Chain Print Track Pants
Buy It Now at ASOS, $164