I felt like Snow White when I stepped outside this morning. No, not because I’m ghostly pale after four months of single-digit temperatures, but because I heard the fairytale melody that signals the beginning of spring: birdsong.
That’s right, spring is in the air, and there’s a lot of chat among the Who What Wear team about what this means for our wardrobes. Unsurprisingly, each of our editors already has a lengthy wish list of pieces they’re dreaming of wearing through the seasonal shift—and into those long-awaited warmer days. Goodbye bulky coats and 60-dernier tights, hello light layers and cotton fabrics.
Of course, we have to be realistic, and our budgets don’t allow for every piece we’re coveting to make the cut. So, I asked our editors to whittle down their wish lists and share the key items they’ll be prioritising, or those they’ve recently snapped up with springtime dressing in mind. In a predictable twist, this exercise resulted in my own wish list doubling in size. You’ve been warned.
Keeping scrolling to see the high-street and luxury pieces that have stood out to these fashion experts.
As our Editor-in-Chief, Hannah can always be relied upon for high-quality recommendations from both high street and designer brands. This season, leather and co-ords are high on her style agenda.
“I love dresses but there’s something about a knitted skirt-and-top set that makes me feel a little more modern this year. Navy is my weakness, so this COS co-ord was something I couldn’t resist buying…”
“The kind of easy heels my wardrobe always welcomes—I’ll get so much use out of these.”
“It’s weird how much I invest in coloured leather… I don’t know why but these red trousers just speak to me. I’ll wear them with a white bohemian painters blouse and strappy sandals.”
“I’ve become strangely obsessed with cord necklaces. I just bought a vintage Leslie Block version from a cute antique jewellery place in Portobello, but there are plenty of new and old options on Etsy right now.”
“There’s no way I can afford it, but I JUST WANT IT!”
If you’re on the lookout for soft, feminine pieces with a fashion edge, Poppy can help you find them. Her wish list’s cherry-blossom colour palette has spring written all over it.
“I recently invested in Frankie Shop’s Bea blazer and have kicked myself for not doing it sooner. No wonder everyone raves about it! For spring, I’d love to add to my collection with the Gelso style in this soft pink hue. I’ll wear it with blue and white denim as well as over dresses and midi skirts. A wise investment…”
“I’m continuing the pink theme with this cute mini dress. I just love the slightly voluminous skirt, which I think makes it look so much more expensive than it is. It’s the perfect mini for springtime dinners, parties and holidays but I’ll also re-wear it come party season (yes, I’m already thinking about it!) with metallic hues and sparkly accessories.”
“In my opinion, spring is the perfect time to invest in denim. I’ve got my eye on this classic tapered-leg pair, which I’ll style with oversized shirts, blazers, cardigans and evening-appropriate tops.”
“Striped knitwear is my one true love and it doesn’t get much better than this Arket style. I’ll wear it with jeans and heeled boots to the office before swapping in Birkenstocks when the weather finally warms up.”
“Can you tell I have spring on the brain? Denim dresses are a trend I can get behind for SS23, and this white midi is just what I need during the transitional months. Picture it with knee-high boots now and a chunky cardi and sandals later in the year.”
Maxine’s style is as classic as it gets: think lots of neutral hues, stripes and timeless blue denim. If you can relate, you’ll probably struggle to resist her wish list picks.
“Classics like this trench coat are what I’ll be investing in for spring. I plan on wearing this elegant piece with everything from jeans and a tee to printed midi dresses.”
“When it comes to accessories, I always favour simple designs that stand the test of time, and this Saint Laurent beauty is exactly that.”
“I’m thinking of scooping up this beautiful linen suit for a wedding I’m attending in April. Watch this space.”
“Perfect for the season we’re in, but I can also see myself styling this with boots, tights and a coat once winter comes around again.”
Remy’s style is a masterful blend of trend-proof staples and fun, colourful pieces. Time and time again, she seeks out ultra-current designs that feel like they’ll stand the test of time.
“One minute it’s too cold, the next it’s unpredictably mild, but one thing that always works is a shacket. I’d wear this now with a turtleneck underneath and swap it for a cami once the weather warms up. Either way, it looks incredibly chic belted at the waist and paired with a wide leg trouser.”
“For me, spring is when I come out of hibernation and get back to filling my social calendar, and I always reach for a slinky midi to dress for evening plans. Christopher Esber specialises in contemporary styles with flattering silhouettes that are guaranteed to invite compliments.”
“This controversial shoe has been filling my timeline a lot as of late, and while the jury is still out on the ankle boot tabis, the ballet flats are the much more wearable and on-trend alternative.”
Impeccable tailoring, exquisite fabrics and directional footwear are where Rebecca’s heart is, as her spring wish list demonstrates. Those loafers though…
“I bought these trousers last summer and honestly haven’t taken them off since.”
“Anyone who knows me will tell you how much of a loafer obsessive I am. As soon as it hits above 18 degrees I wear them with socks and shorts as if I was a schoolboy on the first day of term.”
“The perfect size to carry everything into the office.”
“I’m always amazed at how flattering this skirt is.”
“Rails is my new favourite brand for elevated wardrobe staples. I just know I’ll get so much wear out of this dress, styling it with chunky sandals for the office, or heels and gold hoops for the evening.”
