It’s spring, and we can hear the sound of flip-flops on the concrete. When the weather soared above 80 degrees last week, I personally breathed a sigh of relief, hanging up my winter coat for the remainder of the school year.

I’m sure readers automatically associate my column with women’s fashion. While I tend to favor those trends, VillaVogue is not limited to female style. I think in general, people forget fashion doesn’t exclude menswear. This is an excruciating fad. Everyone wears clothes. Everyone has a sense of style. Expressionism is a power accessible to all.

Many fashionistas often forget the power men hold in fashion. There is so much versatility, and it opens the door to endless variation. I’m not saying the flip-flops and khakis pairing isn’t an acceptable wardrobe choice, but I think there is major potential to work with here.

At a school where most people wear similar things, it could be fun to stand out in the crowd.Whether you want to revamp your style as the summer begins or wish to stick with what you know, here’s what I think you should stock your closet with as we reach the back end of April.

Minimalistic and Sophisticated

Growing up in a house with three brothers, I quickly learned how boys dressed. As we grew up, their sense of style definitely did too. It was almost as if they each had their own clothing revelation upon entering college. Suddenly, the “Westfield High School Football” t-shirts and “CYO Basketball” sweatpants were nowhere to be seen (and honestly, thank goodness).

I noticed they all started showing up to family functions in plain old shirts. No graphics. No corny pictures. It was fascinating. And I loved it.

This leads me into my first point: have a capsule wardrobe. Take a trip to Gap or Old Navy to find a basic pair of jeans or pants. Grab a 5-pack of solid colored t-shirts from Abercrombie & Fitch. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your style. It takes little effort to look presentable and mature. Hate to break it to some of you, but that’s in.

A Relaxed Fit: the 80’s are back.

For some, this may be a bold choice. Loose-fit jeans, boxier shirts and baggier jackets have taken over. Skinny jeans are out, boys. Oversized sweatshirts and relaxed long-sleeve shirts are in.

There’s a sense of nonchalance that works with the relaxed look. I am addicted to wide-leg jeans and believe it or not, they have made it inside both men’s and women’s closets. Paired with baggier jackets, the look is effortlessly cool. And if we’re being honest, this fit is a lot more enjoyable than stiff, cinched denim.

The vintage influence is pointing more towards looser silhouettes and comfortable materials, and I am here for it.

Casual Trousers

While familiar, the denim route isn’t always necessary. There are other options, like chinos, linen pants or straight-leg cotton, which can elevate the everyday look. They instantly make an outfit feel more put-together without trying too hard. These can be paired with anything. As I said, men’s fashion is versatile.

Basic Beaters That Never Go Out of Style

In my opinion, shoes say a lot about a person. Hate to say it, but you can tell who just threw on their favorite pair of sneakers they’ve had for three years that are nothing short of reliable. Or the kid sitting next to you, who you can tell is in touch with his style to some degree because he is wearing a pair of black and blue sambas.

And then there’s 98% of the school who chose their beaten-up Rainbow flip-flops with their soles peeling off slowly.

If I suggested a classy pair of brown loafers, I think most students would laugh in my face, so I’ll suggest a change from the usual staples. I adore any of the “vintage” style Reeboks, which have a touch of detail. Other brands include the “numeric” New Balance model, which combines white canvas with brown gum rubber soles, and Adidas, the most versatile shoe brand I know.

Timeless Accessories

Another assumption is that accessories are not as important for men. That is false. There’s nothing more masculine than a timeless watch that goes with every outfit, a leather belt that elevates your basic pair of slacks or even a pair of sunglasses for sunny days around campus.

Lightweight Jackets

I know it can be a hot take, but knitwear and jackets can still be utilized as the days get hotter. Let’s not completely rule them out.

For starters, jackets can be a staple piece that brings a basic outfit to life. On a chilly night watching the Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, or sitting around a fire with friends on a Friday night, you might want some extra protection from the wind. I would suggest a thinner coat made of nylon or polyester.