How to build an everlasting, versatile wardrobe for the transitional months

Words: Josh Lee

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Brighter days have finally arrived: the evenings are longer, the moods have lifted, the heat has been dialled up. And the key to dressing during this in-between season – not as biting as winter, yet not as oppressive as the height of summer – is versatility. Getting your layering on point and finding the right pieces that can move smoothly between different scenarios and temperatures is a sartorial art form, and in such cases we often turn to MR MARVIS, the Amsterdam brand revising and perfecting modern-day menswear essentials.

Here, we look at a small curation of items that you might want to build your current wardrobe around.

Let’s begin with the big-ticket item: your main piece of outerwear. With this being a time of the year that doesn’t require padded coats, but might still throw a breezy day or two your way, it’s best to plump for a lightweight jacket. The Iconic Jacket takes its cues from the classic Harrington and is the type of thing James Dean would’ve been drawn to. Moreover, it’s produced from a technical twill that’s both windproof and water-repellent, making sure you’re covered on mercurial-weather days. Alternatively, try The Flannel Bomber whose unfussy, pared-down appearance allows it to be easily dressed down with a plain T-shirt, or made more formal with a button-up.

It’s very easy to see why the polo has long been a menswear go-to: its short sleeves ensure it has the laid-back spirit of a T-shirt, yet its collar lends a smart touch. We rather like The Buttonless Polo for its completely stripped-back design that is at once effortless and refined. The pure-merino-wool makeup is light to the touch and the ribbed cuffs and bottom hem create a complementary fit. It’s a great piece that works equally well with either shorts or a blazer and pleated trousers.

Winter has chequered flannel and black-tie dinners call for the double cuff – spring and summer, meanwhile, are just meant for The Linen Shirt. Breathable, featherweight and designed with pleats at the cuffs and pearl-style buttons, it is a hero piece that keeps you both cool and put together when the heat is on. Of equal note is The Oxford Shirt, the label’s take on the preppy classic that can easily transition between the boardroom, the bar and the mini-break. We particularly appreciate the darts at the back that create a tailored silhouette, as well as the contrast stitch around the bottom button that offers a subtle touch of visual interest.

There’s just something about a crewneck jumper that will always give it a universal appeal. Perhaps it’s the minimalist, evergreen design that can go with pretty much anything. Or maybe it’s because it can act as a mid-layer during winter, a main piece throughout spring, and a throw-on garment on chilly summer evenings. MR MARVIS’s The Midweight Crew is a fine interpretation of the item as it’s made from 100 per cent organic cotton and is available in classic colourways such as navy blue and off white.

Finally, we conclude with the baseline – the trousers. If you go for something too thick, such as wool, you’ll no doubt overheat throughout warm days; something that’s a little too light, then any harsh breezes might cut through. The Easy Chinos hit the sweet spot – the twill fabric from which it’s crafted is light yet durable, and the fit is somewhere between loose and tapered. Adjustable drawstrings and a partially elasticated waistband turn up the comfort factor, yet the sleek, unembellished design makes the trousers appropriate for myriad scenarios.

MR MARVIS

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