We wear our favorite clothes every single day, yet most of us don’t pay attention to one of the biggest things that affects how they look – the texture. We think about color, design, maybe even patterns, but texture? It flies under the radar, and that’s a shame. Once you start noticing it, you can instantly make your outfits look better without adding (almost) anything new to your wardrobe. Spring is that in-between time when winter layers start coming off, but summer’s light fabrics aren’t quite enough, which makes it the perfect season to play around with different textures. And since you already own everything you need, here’s how you can put the right pieces together to take your outfits to a whole new level.
Cotton and Suede
Cotton is probably the most common fabric in your closet, but by itself it can sometimes feel basic. Basic t-shirts, shirts, shorts – you wear them all the time but they feel…well, basic. This is where suede comes in! It is the type of fabric that does a lot with very little, so it works wonders even in the smallest accents such as belts or watch straps. The slight fuzziness of suede plays well with the smooth and clean look of cotton, making the entire outfit feel more like you’ve put a lot of thought into it. A cotton Oxford shirt paired with a suede bomber is an easy win, and a simple t-shirt with suede loafers works just as good when you’re looking for a more casual look.
Knit and Nylon
Knit fabrics found in clothes such as Aran sweaters have that combination of softness and ruggedness that works well against the slightly technical texture of nylon – and please, stop demonizing synthetic fibers, they can be just as functional as natural ones. A knit Aran sweater worn under a nylon windbreaker is a great place to start, and if it so happens that you don’t own such a sweater already, check out Gaelsong and get one to your liking. If you’re looking for a more sporty vibe, get a half zip Irish sweater instead of a classic crew neck and wear it with nylon pants to create the best outfit for the unpredictable spring weather. And don’t forget about accessories: a textured knit beanie with a nylon vest can make any ensemble more interesting without feeling overly complicated.
Wool and Twill
Wool isn’t just for winter, and twill isn’t just for workwear. In fact, the two balance each other out in a way that makes perfect sense for spring. But not just any wool will do – you need a lighter fabric like merino, cashmere, or delicate blends that won’t overpower the twill. A lightweight wool sweater, such as an Aran sweater mentioned above, worn over twill pants like chinos is the best outfit for everyday, comfortable, warm, and visually interesting all at the same time. If you want to swap things around, combine a twill button-down with a pair of wool trousers and you’ll get an excellent Smart Casual look for semi-formal business meetings or networking events.
Leather and Jersey
Leather has always been a staple in the fall wardrobe, mostly worn with heavy knits to create a contrast of textures, but it fits perfectly into your spring collection as well. Leather clothes, especially brand new ones, have that slightly touch vibe, while jersey fabric (the ones used in sweatshirts and t-shirts) feels softer and looks more relaxed. Put them together and you’ll get one of those rare combinations that look equally good no matter if you’re dressing up or putting together a casual outfit. The easiest way to combine the two is to wear a leather jacket over a sweatshirt, but if you don’t want to be that obvious in your fashion choices, wear a leather belt with a jersey knit polo or even leather sneakers with a jersey hoodie.
