Step Up Your Spring Style with a Thrifted Find

I’ve always had a soft spot for spring. I think that I like its unpredictability and how it feels like a chance to present the new you each year. After a full year of lockdown and the bingeing of multiple TV series that came with it, I found myself wanting to—as Tan France likes to say—‘step up’ my daily attire. Here are some quick tips on how to introduce some thrifted gems into your outdoor-inspired tastes and step up your style for spring.

For this little exercise, I started with some key pieces from Topo Designs' 2021 spring lineup, including several items from their beyond-comfy new Dirt Collection. I paired those with some other essentials as well: the versatile Mk II Hawkinge AGL field watch, a variety of leather and synthetic straps from the Windup Watch Shop, and some handmade leather slip-ons from Sabah. On top of that, I included one, maybe two, thrifted finds to take things to the next level.

The Blazer

One of the easiest add-ons to thrift for is a blazer. Sure, it might not fit like a bespoke suit jacket, but when paired with more casual wear the overall effect ends up somewhere around… “Well, he’s obviously trying… I mean, look… he put on a jacket.” It’s like a Jedi Mind Trick or one of those optical illusions where you’re supposed to squint and see something else. When you pair a blazer with your regular getup it’s a simple way to make people think you’ve got it all together.

Get The Look

• Jacket: Thrifted Khaki Blazer
• Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Shirt - Short Sleeve
• Shorts: Topo Designs Dirt Shorts
• Hat: Topo Designs Nylon Camp Hat
• Bag: Topo Designs Cinch Tote
• Shoes: Sabahs
• Watch: Mk II Hawkinge AGL
• Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass

The Trench

If you can’t seem to find the ideal blazer, a trench or long coat is the next best thing. There’s something about a camel-colored coat that takes you straight back to the days of briefcases and bowler hats. It just elevates your game and feels ever so slightly more like you mean business.

Get The Look

• Jacket: Thrifted Khaki Blazer
• Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Jacket
• Pants: Topo Designs Dirt Pants
• Hat: Topo Designs Ski Cap
• Bag: Topo Designs Cinch Tote
• Shoes: Sabahs
• Watch: Mk II Hawkinge AGL
• Strap: ADPT Strap Single Pass

The Tie

Let’s ‘knot’ forget one of the most basic and elemental ways to take your attire to a more formal place… the necktie. Easy to thrift and fun to pair, I went with a classic knit tie that spans the gap between casual and formal. Tie it up and show your crew who’s boss.

Get The Look

• Jacket: Thrifted Harris Tweed Blazer
• Tie: Thrifted Knit Tie
• Shirt: Topo Designs Mountain Shirt Chambray
• Pants: Topo Designs Boulder Pants
• Hat: Topo Designs Nylon Camp Hat
• Bag: Topo Designs Classic Duffle 20”
• Shoes: Sabahs
• Watch: Mk II Hawkinge AGL
• Strap: Worn & Wound Model 2 Premium

The Tuck

Yes, I know what you’re going to say, Tan is a fan of the ‘French Tuck’. Well, I’m a fan of the full tuck. It’s a simple way to step up your game and make it all feel a little bit more put together. And that way, you can also show off how your belt color-coordinates with your shoes and watch strap, of course. See my previous post on style mythbusting for more matchy-matchy accessory action.

Get The Look

• Jacket: Thrifted Wool Blazer
• Belt: Thrifted Leather Belt
• Shirt: Topo Designs Route Shirt
• Pants: Topo Designs Cargo Pants
• Hat: Topo Designs Nylon Camp Hat
• Bag: Topo Designs Accessory Bag
• Shoes: Sabahs
• Watch: Mk II Hawkinge AGL
• Strap: Worn & Wound Model 2 Premium

The Layered Look

On the day of this photoshoot, it was legitimately in the mid 30s and had rained just the day before. Another thrifted trench layered over other inclimate weather gear allows you to combat the unpredictability of spring. Springtime attire is all about being properly positioned for any condition.

Get The Look

• Jacket: Thrifted Off-White Trench
• Shoes: Thrifted Driving Mocs
• Shell: Topo Designs Global Jacket
• Pants: Topo Designs Dirt Pants
• Hat: Topo Designs Sport Hat
• Bag: Topo Designs Carabiner Shoulder Accessory Bag
• Watch: Mk II Hawkinge AGL
• Strap: Worn & Wound Model 2 Premium

About the Author

Kyle Snarr is a marketer and creative consultant who’s worked with digital platforms and publications such as Vox, The Verge, Eater, Flipboard, Gear Patrol, and Watchonista. He’s also the cofounder of the accessory brand Cantonment. Kyle lives just outside of NYC and spends his free time car-spotting, gear collecting, and camping with his wife and their four kids.