It might be chilly and dark in the morning, but we find ourselves less enamoured with the thought of wearing sweatpants and hoodies—at least, not on a daily basis. So in an attempt to reignite our fashion fires, we’ve started thinking up all the ways we can start making our outfits feel more springlike and, in turn, more joyful. Of course, there’s our big shakedown of the S/S 21 trends where you can mull over for high-fashion inspiration, but we’re aware that, before such advanced outfit stages, a few practical, minor tweaks can be made so you feel up to speed.
From the achievable level of bare-leg exposure (we don’t think anyone is ready for full thigh in this weather) to the simple coat switch you can employ for instant warmer-weather power, we’ve worked out the nine easy moves a girl can make to shift into gear right now. Many of these swaps include pieces you’ll have languishing at the back of your wardrobe. Just in case, I’ve added a few shopping options, but feel free to peruse your own rails for the easiest updates.
Keep reading to see what you should put on hold until next winter and what you should wear right now instead.
Style Notes: Nothing says “new season” quite like a small accessorising update or two. Headbands have replaced warmer headgear as the fashion set’s top outfit topper, with velvet- and satin-padded styles proving to be the leaders of the pretty pack.
Style Notes: This year’s statement earrings are basically hair clips—the more barrettes the better.
Style Notes: If waving goodbye to 60 deniers seems daunting, take a two-step approach to ease in: A below-the-knee skirt or dress and some boots will still feel on the sensible side of spring.
Style Notes: Opt for a belted skirt and boots. This is a combination that can be easily tweaked well into the summer.
Style Notes: Wave buh-bye to feather-down outerwear (at least for some of your outings), and instantly upgrade any look into spring territory with the simple swap of a trench coat that’s roomy enough to layer under.
Style Notes: Sylvie ensures her trench ensemble looks the epitome of chic by wearing it with black accessories.
Style Notes: One of the boldest spring moves you can make is to wear a single colour from head to toe. We were sceptical about pistachio to begin with, but this is rather beguiling.
Style Notes: Often, pastels are easier to wear in print form. Case in point—Emma’s rainbow midi.
Style Notes: With khaki chinos and neutral denim taking up two important sports in the trouser-trend leaderboard this season, we urge you to put indigo jeans aside for a moment and try out something different, like a full-on ecru-and-camel look.
Style Notes: We love how Fia gives her pastel and ecru get-up some edge with black leather footwear.
Style Notes: If you’ve already consulted our bi-annual trend report, then you’ll know second-skin tops are an essential purchase for 2021. Usually found in mesh or fine jersey, use yours to unlock potent new layering combinations, just like Imani has done so here.
Style Notes: Grece has championed the second-skin top for a few seasons.
Style Notes: We love black ankle boots—we really do. But when you’ve been wearing them day in and day out, it’s nice to know that some exhilarating options do exist in the footwear world. Swapping in fresh, white shoes and boots will instantly do the trick.
Style Notes: Wear them post-lockdown to any occasion. Trust us—white shoes will see you right.
Style Notes: Bright hues loan themselves well to leather thanks to its muted finish, but there’s nothing more timeless than tan or beige.
Style Notes: If tan isn’t your thing, make like Hanna and embrace bright hues—how cool are her turquoise suede trousers?
Style Notes: Leopard print will forever be a fashion mainstay, but its muddy colour palette often feels wintry. What better excuse do you need to reinstate polka dots into your daily wares?
Style Notes: Polka dots are a huge trend for spring/summer, particularly when they’re set against bold hues.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
