This ’80s style look is making a resurgence for spring

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Spring style inspiration: Pedro Pascal, Gigi Hadid and others give fresh cred to old-fashioned favourites and designer flourishes.

Pale rider

Camilla and Marc “Corbett” tailored blazer, $650.

The bold lines of the late 1980s are enjoying a resurgence, with inspiration coming from designers such as Claude Montana and Thierry Mugler. Baggy blazers are making room for cinched styles for monochromatic moments in crisp white. Statement lapels and asymmetric fastenings offer a retro-futuristic update to the wardrobe staple. Lean into the attitude with silver accessories, whether it’s sunglasses or stilettos. Camilla and Marc “Corbett” tailored blazer, $650.

Tailor maid

Structured silhouettes do all the hard work this spring with gently tailored pieces in business-friendly neutrals; the season can’t just be about florals and floaty dresses. Lighter fabrics and sleeveless styles also extend into summer. If the warmer days of December still seem too far away, layer above a white shirt or turtleneck until it’s time to bare arms. Oroton belted shell top, $299.

Feet first

Birkenstock “Boston Big Buckle” clogs, $326.

Make the transition from boots and sneakers into lighter styles without going full flip-flop. Birkenstock clogs are enjoying a revival that takes them out of the health-food store and onto the street-style pages. The footwear classic is perfect for feeling the spring breeze without revealing pale winter toes. Birkenstock “Boston Big Buckle” clogs, $326.

Red alert

Viktoria and Woods “Stardust” tunic top, $450.

Soft lilacs and pale pinks grab all the attention in spring, but if you’re taking inspiration from budding gardens, go straight to the classic red rose. The colour’s traffic-light appeal will stop observers in their tracks, particularly when unexpected design details catch a light, evening breeze. Let a tunic do double duty as a dress on top of micro-shorts or pants. Blooming marvellous. Viktoria and Woods “Stardust” tunic top, $450.

Jewel heist

Louis Vuitton necklace print T-shirt, $1700.

Raid the jewellery box this spring without having to worry about tricky clasps or matching metals. At Louis Vuitton, creative director Nicolas Ghesquière used prints of jewels to catch the light and add luxury to classic staples. Make a gem-strewn T-shirt, worn beneath a suit, the backdrop for an evening event or wear in the daytime with white capri pants or bootleg jeans. Louis Vuitton necklace print T-shirt, $1700.

Brown town

It’s time to give last season’s knitted polo-shirt some well-deserved time off. A softly structured short-sleeve shirt adds definition and structure to spring ensembles while still acknowledging the heat. Layer with a statement white singlet or a seasonal essential, or button up for Sunday lunch. Any colour will do, but if you wear on-trend chocolate, you’re less likely to be mistaken for a waiter or off-duty accountant. Venroy silk shirt, $240.

Nip, tuck

If you’re feeling the pump from the gym, a monochrome moment in a singlet and jeans will make an impression, but we suggest easing up on the flexing and covering up with a white T-shirt or polo shirt. Tailored pants in stone, cream or even stark white are your most versatile item this spring, punching above their weight in the office, backyard or bar. Wherever you are, keep the look modern by maintaining the crispness of your pleats. Charlton pleated pants, $395.

Double trouble

For some men, evening footwear runs the gamut of black work shoes and white sneakers with few stops of interest in between. This spring, merge your interests with the retro combination of black and white, offering greater versatility in your wardrobe. Wear a two-tone loafer with a white outfit to avoid looking bottom-heavy or with black tailoring to avoid looking too corporate. Aquila “Mensa” loafers, $269.

Tied and true

Dolce & Gabbana silk scarf with micro design, $525.

Now that bow ties and even shirts are no longer compulsory for evening events, let a casually knotted silk scarf demonstrate respect for the host without compromising your natural flair. Advanced style-setters can use a tie knot for added interest. Not ready to break with tradition? The right scarf looks just as good with a shirt. Dolce & Gabbana silk scarf with micro design, $525.

Slim shady

LeSpecs “Neptune” sunglasses in gold tortoiseshell, $79.

Classic ’80s silhouettes are pushing graphic ‘90s sunnies’ styles out of the picture. Supercharge your frame game by wearing the softened square shape in a professorial tortoiseshell. LeSpecs “Neptune” sunglasses in gold tortoiseshell, $79.