As I look through my closet preparing for Spring 2010, I find myself carefully evaluating my clothes from previous summers with almost complete regret. Aside from my Lacoste polos, which are timeless, I find summer clothing so casual it’s sad – a collection of overly pocketed shorts from mall stores like American something and that place next to Aber-whatever. Mall stores are apparently all buying from the same manufacturer in China, and everything looks falsely worn out and utterly temporary. Maybe it’s my age, but I’m wondering if I’m suffering from mass produced burn out.

I used to love a clean pair of Nike runners each summer, but now they seem ho-hum. I enjoy the ironic t-shirt as much as the next dude, but it’s starting to feel played out. And the pseudo-frayed polo from the generic brand of the week just feels tired. I find myself looking more at the quality of the goods and less at price, and also thinking about whether I will like the item next summer. As I think through my look for this spring, I’ve come up with the following as acceptable items that can be found in Wichita.

1. Shoes: Adidas Stan Smith. Granted, they’re no Common Projects Achilles, but you can find a pair of (almost) all-white Adidas Stan Smith’s at any shoe store in the mall for under $70.

2. Shoes: Sperry Top-Sider. These are definitely the trend this summer, and while I’ve never been one for boat shoes, I may finally have to commit. They’ve updated the colors and materials, and Sperry is popping out some of the hottest shoe trends this year. Cost: Between $70-100 at Dillards and Von Maur.  (Also, if anyone knows a local retailer that carries any of these, please post a comment.)

3. Shoes: Driving Mocs. Banana Republic is carrying some and I typically find them at Dillards and Von Maur. They’re great if you’re wearing pants that actually fit. Note: if you still think pants need to be wide legged, you can’t wear driving mocs or Sperry boat shoes. Stick to Air Force Ones.

4. Pants: Selvage Jeans. Good luck getting me out of these, especially this summer. I will however, be rolling those bad boys up. Where to buy: not here. Cost: $150+

5. Pants: Lightweight Khakis. I love these pants from J.Crew. I’m sure there are good ones to be had elsewhere, but Von Maur and Dillards carry old-guy pants, Gap stuff feels cheap, and I’m not sure what happened to Banana Republic but they just don’t do khakis like they used to. Gap is probably the best bet in Wichita, unless you’re okay with pleated pants. Cost: $70+

6. Shirts: Brooks Brothers Sport Shirts in Extra Slim Fit. Any pattern works, they are well made, wrinkle free, and last forever. Plus, the weight of the (typically) all-cotton shirts is great for spring/summer. Trim up the italian chest beard and go without an undershirt. Cost: $80

7. Shirts: Lacoste Polo Shirts. Here is the thing, if you can get through a couple seasons without shrinking them, these will be the best investment ever. They go all spring/summer, you can get away with them untucked because they are neither too-long or too-short (if they are a tad long on you, go ahead and let them run through the dryer on low heat. This should raise the hem-line perfectly. DO: get colors and wear untucked. DON’T: Wear two and pop the collar. Cost: $75, buy them at any department store.

What I’ve found is that the classics in summer and spring styles are somewhat conservative, but put an emphasis on fit and quality. A crisp navy polo and khakis can look overly mature – tucked in, belted, pleated, a bit baggy – or look modern – well fitted, plain/flat front, proper length. Throw on the right accessories and no one will think you look old.

Related posts:

1. [wear] Women’s Spring/Summer Fashion – The “I Love Dresses” Edition
2. [wear] Women’s Winter Fashion Essentials
3. [wear] Men’s Winter Fashion Essentials
4. [wear] Shoes: Rules for Dudes
5. [shop] Where to Buy Men’s Clothing in Wichita