Acorn

So every week I talk to the ladies about what to wear, what not to wear and everything in between, but this week, I decided to give a shout out to the boys. A friend of mine was complaining that I never give guys the tips they deserve, and sometimes desperately need.

Monday was a wonderful day � the first day of spring. Amen! Perhaps I suffer from a mild case of undiagnosed seasonal depression � or maybe I�m a hypochondriac � but I yearn for warm rays beating on my face, cool breezes, and days with no coats. Finally that time is here.

Men, just because the warm weather is on the way doesn�t mean you can abandon any sense of style, fashion or taste and throw on your gym shorts. Save those for the weight room.

There are a few trends this season that are classic and, most importantly, easy.

One of my favorite places is the beach. Who can resist warm sand, the sound of the waves, and a classic nautical wardrobe?

This season�s gritty take on nautical style is more Marseille than Martha�s Vineyard. Think rough-edged striped tees, a great diving watch and white linen slacks that hang loosely to your beat-up navy chucks you�ve had since tenth grade.

Don�t think you have to run over to Chanel, spend your last four paychecks and sell your car to get this look. It�s permeated the Fashion Avenue boundaries to your local J. Crew and Gap.

That brass-buttoned, prep-school insignia-ed blazer you have in your closet is really nice for lunch with your grandmother at the Four Seasons, but when you are dressing for a more casual occasion, or even lunch with your girlfriend at the Four Seasons, go for something a bit edgier.

You can find great pieces for affordable prices from retailers like Old Navy, who�s Twill Blazer, in a handsome navy pinstripe, will take you from backyard casual to beachfront chic.

This jacket is also great for slimming � its high stance creates a flattering V-shape. I love a man in blazers. Who doesn�t?

If you�re feeling a bit daring, pair it with a striped polo shirt in royal blue and white. For a more toned-down look, go for a graphic tee shirt. You can complete the look with a pair of beat up deck shoes.

Another great style surfacing on the shifting sands of fashion is desert-chic. It sounds a bit cheesy, but it�s a masculine, comfortable look.

Rumpled suits in earthy tones form the foundation. The accessories are simple and understated � a striking combination.

This outfit is perfect for a day of sightseeing, or a Saturday business lunch. Wear a slightly unkempt linen suit in a warm taupe color. However, don�t run the risk of looking slovenly.

Contrast the casual suit with a starched white oxford shirt, a link-bracelet watch and simple suede shoes. Desert chic is an easy look if you balance desert-ness with chic-ness.

Look for retailers like Kenneth Cole, and Calvin Klein, who design hot runway looks at reasonable prices

Whether you are in a nautical oasis, a desert dune or your aunt and uncle�s house, you can look classically chic and take solace in the fact that it didn�t take you an hour to pull it together.

So skip the board shorts and Guinness T-shirts � spring is here, and dressing for the occasion is easy as pie.

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