Spring is here in Oklahoma, add a little color to that suit

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Feb 29, 2008 by Kelley Chambers

Despite recent cold weather in Oklahoma, spring really is just around the corner.

For men it will soon be time to hang up the wool and break out the linen.

And while men's styles are nowhere near as fleeting as women's, some things vary slightly over the years.

Brooks Brothers rolled out its spring lines with a theme of elegance and old Hollywood. The Brooks Brothers outfits feature layers of color and varying textures, many overlaid with a tan or navy blue blazer or sweater. Warm neutral tones and pastel accents are also present in the Brooks Brothers spring line.

James Hicks, at the Teena Hicks Co. in downtown Oklahoma City, said as winter moves into spring, men will be looking for neutral- colored sport coats that can be mixed with several colors and fabrics.

Vivid colors are also on display at Teena Hicks, to liven up traditional outfits with a flair for spring.

Hicks said many customers wear traditional dark suits all year, but use spring as a time to look conservative while also saying spring is in the air with a lively shirt or tie.

Several designs on display at the store feature bold colors and pastels, some that almost jump off of the shirts and ties.

"Interesting is selling," Hicks said. "The more interesting it is the quicker it sells."

Spencer Stone, of the Spencer Stone Co. in Nichols Hills, said look for clean colors this spring in men's fashion.

"You're going to see real classic styles and fabrics, especially in shirts and ties, but with a much more contemporary fit," he said.

Stone said as the weather warms toward summer, men will sport more colorful earth tones and employ shades of camel, brick and grey.

Spring and summer also call for hanging up Shetlands and cashmere in favor of cottons and linen.

"You go from more country tweeds and plaids to sandier tones," Stone said.

Stone said he also sells traditional grey suits all year, which can also be livened up with a splash of color during warmer months.

Hicks said men also incorporate a casual look in the spring that is in some cases a throwback to the 1980s with pastel-colored shirts and loafers with no socks.

And while going without socks can be a nice springtime and summer look, Hicks said it wears out the shoes more quickly due to sweat.

As the weather gets warmer, the experts say stick with neutral colors, liven up the traditional with color, and have fun but chose wisely to avoid coming up with an outfit that is garish or over-the- top.