By SHANEIA CALDWELL

Contributing Reporter

The phrase “mixing business with pleasure” has been put to the test with the spring season’s wardrobe essentials for men. 

This spring has brought versatile narrow-fitting clothing to store shelves. Pairing a piece that is usually worn in the office with an item that might be worn during a leisure activity is in.

“This season it’s about mixing business and casual, whether it is a graphic tee and dress pants or jeans and a dress shirt,” said Kyle Patterson, sales manager at Express. 

This year’s cool, comfortable and clean must-haves range from light-weight jackets to weightless denim, blazers and oxfords. 

Men are sure to step out in style this spring with the right pieces.

As below-zero days begin to fade away, lose your bulky coat and grab a lightweight jacket. 

Take your pick from the short-zip barracuda, jean jacket, military-inspired fatigue or cotton peacoat. All four jackets can be found at Gap and range from $59 to $98. 

And don’t be alarmed if jackets fit more snug than usual.

“Everything is supposed to fit tighter this season. The shirts and coats are made slimmer,” said Patterson. “Slimmer and sexy is our [Express] season theme.”

This spring, oxfords are more tailored than usual, while relaxed in weightless fabrics. The button-up is timeless, yet striking in the season’s hues. 

Button-ups range from $40 to $100 at Club Monaco, Macy’s, Banana Republic and Bachrach.

“Lavender, orange and aqua blue are the season’s colors,” said Zhanna Good, senior assistant manager at Bachrach. 

Throw on a paisley tie and cuff links to complement the oxford. 

“Embroidered paisley ties and shirts are very popular for men,” Good said.

Finish the look with a pair of distressed denim or cargo shorts and head out the door. 

If you aren’t ready to take it to the next level with shorts or are simply a denim man, there is a pair for you. “It’s definitely all about jeans,” said Good. 

Jeans are not only offered in lighter shades this season but are light-weight. Whether it’s straight, boot-cut, relaxed or original fit, feel weightless in a pair of denim at Levi’s for $40-$180. 

Among the most popular is denim that looks worn, according to Patterson. “My favorite are the new jeans, King of Pride. 

They are distressed and have a worn look,” he said, when asked his favorite denim in Express Men. Express jeans range from $59-$100.  

Sport your denim style of choice with a graphic tee and vest or match with a striped blue oxford and grey cardigan.

“It’s about wearing French cuff shirts or graphic tees with jeans,” said Good. Add a blazer to the ensemble for more layers.

The loose-fitting, lightweight sports jacket has been worn by men since the turn of the 20th century. Whether you are bold enough to sport it with a pair of colored jeans and converse sneakers, keep it preppy with a V-neck argyle sweater or go the classic route with dark denim and an oxford — there is a blazer suitable for almost every look.

Choose from an array of grey, muted navy, patchwork plaid or light-colored cotton for spring. 

If you have a double-breasted blazer in the back of your closet stored away from a formal event, this is the time to throw it on and give it an informal look.

Shop Express, Club Monaco, J.Crew and Gap for blazers starting from $80.

This spring is about narrowing down those baggy clothes and moving toward a clean look.  

Take advantage of versatility by combining business professional with street wear. 

Don’t let the season pass without adding these essentials to your wardrobe.