How I dress for spring weather in Toronto

A reason I love Toronto is that it has distinct seasons. Frigid winters for skating and hot buttered rum, sweltering summers for swimming and mojitos. Style-wise, I get both sides of the spectrum: my three-piece heavy chalkstripe flannel for those cold January days, and I love the feel of linen and sock-less loafers in July. But the price we sartorially concerned pay comes in spring and fall, the so-called “shoulder” seasons, when these diametrically opposed wardrobes just won’t do.

With the recent rise in temperatures, while I felt comfortable in my peacoat and beaver hat outside, as soon as I got on the subway I could feel the heat coming on. But until the temperature is firmly in the teens it is too early to put away the tweeds and bring out the linens (more on swapping seasonal wardrobes).

So we need a third way, a solution to the not-quite-freezing/not-that-warm weather of a Toronto spring. The trick is that it’s different than fall: instead of slowly bundling up in autumnal colours we are shedding our heavy outer layers. Here are my 5 tried and true suggestions to ease your wardrobe into summer:

Tip #1:  Replace the overcoat with a lightweight topcoat

I love the way overcoats complete an ensemble in winter. Whether a double breasted or more casual pea coat, they give warmth and elegance. Until recently I didn’t know about the overcoat’s lighter and shorter cousin, the topcoat. They are typically of thinner material, single breasted and stop above the knee. They are excellent for days that might turn a bit cooler and look great open when it’s a bit warmer. Another option is raincoats like the London Fog I am wearing, although I would recommend a tan colour which is less raincoaty than grey. For an even more casual look, waxed jackets look great over sweaters. All provide some protection from the elements without the excessive warmth.

Tip #2: Drop the 3-piece

I love me a three-piece ensemble, whether a full suit or a cardigan or vest used as a contrasting third layer. But it’s too warm outside for all that. Captain Obvious here, but since layers are a great way to stay warm, shedding them is a great way to cool down. Keep the suits wool but two-piece to stay cool.

Tip #3: Put away the double cuff shirts

These are the first parts of my winter wardrobe that are retired for the season. That extra fabric around the wrists isn’t what’s heating you up, but it’s not helping cool you down either. In the heat of summer I will even leave my cuffs unbuttoned for extra cooling potential, but for the spring I’ll just lose the extra fabric of double cuffs.

Tip #4: Thin the gloves and lighten the scarf

Gloves and scarves, apart from being wonderfully practical and warming, can also add dash and elegance to an outfit. So when it starts to warm up, I don’t like to immediately lose that option. Pictured above are my very lightly lined leather gloves and lightweight silk scarf. They will do an adequate job of keeping my hands and neck warm if it’s breezy, but also won’t burst my pockets when it warms up and I have to take them off.

Tip #5: Go for an “in-between” hat

I never leave the house without a hat. But I also build up a lot of heat on my head so spring is a challenge for me. My answer is this black paper hat from Goorin Brothers. There is a definite relaxed nature to a woven hat, so while I still hold on to my beaver felt dress hats for business meetings and formal events, much of the time this hat does the job of keeping my head covered. Being black and tightly woven, it’s a bit too warm for summer, but perfect for spring and fall.

And it should go without saying that spring is also the time of year galoshes were made for.