March 20 designated the official first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, here in the great state of Michigan, our expectations are never high because we understand the mercurial temperament of our weather. And on cue, after enjoying temperatures that fluctuated between 60 and 70, we were awakened to the sight of fresh snow that had adhered to various surfaces. It was nothing new. Yet, the sheer audacity of snow in April was eye-roll worthy. Despite the temporary visitation – it had all melted by late afternoon – the calendar definitely indicates the season is spring, so the time for a gentleman to prepare his warm weather attire is now.

Earlier this month, I was contacted by a representative from Sperry. Their spring collection was rolling out, and I was offered the opportunity to feature one of their shoe selections. Now, with spring in the back of my mind, I wanted to feature a shoe that had spring written all over it. Enter the Bahama II Sneaker. Bright. Bold. Playful. Plaid. I readily admit that this casual shoe may be a bit too much for the average gentleman. There is a lot to consume here. However, I am humbly requesting that you hear me out on this one. Gentlemen – you need a little color in your life. Trust, there is a time when our clothes can confidently compliment dark and dreary. Now is not the time. And now I’m going to tell you why.

Now, regarding the affairs of gentlemanly attire, the utilization of color remains quite the polarizing issue. The mere suggestion of incorporating hints of vibrant color into one’s wardrobe provokes passionate, hostile defiance. We’re not debating politics here gentlemen – calm the nerves. An intelligent deployment of lively hues demonstrate that a gentleman has granted some much-deserved thought beyond the requisite triad of black, navy, and brown. And we’re not requesting that you dress from head to toe in eye-popping pink, yellow, and orange. Not at all. Rather, a smart placement of color can raise the mundane into a realm of thoughtful, energetic style. Don’t you deserve a little lively style in your life? Keep on reading.

For example, a gentleman can coordinate these plaid sneakers with a relaxed, neutral shade of color for his trousers and shirt. Cream trousers with a light blue polo top can nimbly play off the blue in the sneakers while keeping the shoes the highlight of the ensemble. And quite honestly, with the plaid design, a gentleman can select any of the colors woven into its fabric. I don’t know who needs to hear this: It’s okay to assemble an outfit that does not look like you blindly grabbed something from the laundry basket. No one is asking you to dress like a bag of Skittles Sunday through Saturday. The only ask here is that you don’t fight this recommendation so vehemently. It’s not an attack on your manhood. Trust me. It has been argued that bright, warm colors can actually have an uplifting effect on mood and emotion. So why not give it a fair chance?

Sperry is that quintessential brand that offers a myriad of colorful kicks that embrace the renewal and rejuvenation that embodies spring. A gentleman really cannot go wrong with a pair of Sperry Top-siders during the spring and summer seasons. Here, the Bahama II Sneaker offers a salt-washed breathable, canvas upper with hand-sewn moccasin construction. This shoe is built for backyard cookouts, friend & family gatherings at the park, or simple leisurely stroll through your neighbor on a sunny day. Step into spring with the right splash of color with Sperry. They have a little something for everyone. Trust me, you will not regret it.