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I never feel more euphoric than on the mornings when I wake up, check the weather and learn I don’t have to reach for the puffer jacket in my closet.
From denim jackets and barn coats to trenches and light overcoats, I have accumulated quite a collection of outerwear primed for transitional weather, all of which I find more dynamic than my winter coats in terms of color, material and overall design.
It’s part of the reason spring is the season when you can (and should) take the most style risks, especially if you live somewhere like the Northeast. We have such a short window to show off all of our “flex-worthy jackets.” Don’t waste what few opportunities you have wearing a drab hoodie or grey Patagonia pullover. Pull out all the stops with plentiful pockets, intricate patterns and a new color palette — emphasis on that last bit.
Take It From a Woman: Your Khaki Shorts Have Got to Go
Try a baggier, colorful short insteadBecause as much as I enjoy a classic blue jean jacket or a handsome brown barn jacket with a contrast collar, I am looking for one specific color of outerwear this spring: pastel pink.
I know — pastels for spring, how groundbreaking. But there is really no other time to adorn yourself with warm hues of pink, light blue, yellow and green than April and May. Also, men don’t generally wear pastels as often as the ladies do, so here is ample opportunity to get your numbers up.
Why pink in particular? Well, there is a chance you already own a light blue-and-white-striped linen button-down or maybe even a mint green polo. I’m assuming pink — especially pink outerwear — is more of a rarity in your wardrobe. I could also argue that a man in pink is a man secure in his masculinity. It’s also a symbol that you’re not an absolute loser who dresses himself in accordance with outdated ideas of gender. It’s embarrassing if, in the year 2026, a grown man refuses to wear a color like pink (or any shade other than navy blue, khaki or gray) because he deems it too feminine or “girly.” If you have hang-ups on colors, man, you’ve got bigger problems.
Mainly, I’m wishing for more pink outerwear this spring because as I was scrolling through my Pinterest feed this weekend, I came across a very good-looking jacket that stopped me in my tracks. The outer layer in question is a limited-edition piece from L.L.Bean Japan Edition, a collection that uniquely melds L.L.Bean’s classic outdoor apparel with the very cool, nonchalant styles you’d find walking the streets of Tokyo.
The Japan Edition Prospect Harbor Field Coat is exactly that — a canvas coat with a slightly baggier fit. It features a corduroy collar and cuffs, plus lots of pockets, including two stylish patch angled pockets. While the layer is available in multiple colors, I find the pink colorway to be an eye-catching juxtaposition, a blushing canvas coating a rugged hunting jacket. It absolutely sings, like a seductive siren call.
If you’re not interested in a field coat this season, you can still find pinkish hues splashed onto a variety of spring-ready, lightweight layers, like Harrington jackets, blousons and even denim.
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