Call me an optimist, but the appearance of blossom has me well and truly in spring mode and I’m eagerly awaiting the chilly temperatures to follow suit. I’m ready to swap hardened footwear and woollen outerwear for lightweight trench coats and blazers. If the weather was no object, I’d also revert to wearing natural fabrications and outfits sans coats but, in the meantime, I’ve discovered styling techniques and pieces that are both weather appropriate and freshly inspired.
Fashion month has drawn to a close. Although it’s been a thought-provoking season, it’s succeeded in its mission to inspire on the design front. One of my biggest takeaways from fashion month (and a common thread across all fashion capitals) was the prevalence of excess in the most demure way. Swathes of fabric, draping and fluid silhouettes were introduced as the spring equivalent of the cape and scarf coats. Tove, YSL, Loewe and Sinead O Dwyer spearheaded this regal approach to clothing by showcasing long, liquid-like silhouettes and retailers were quick to react to the fashion forecast.
Currently, I’m most excited by textiles and going forward I’ll be juxtaposing fuzzy knits with lightweight fibres – like linen and silk – particularly in skirt form. I’m also introducing pale hues into my collection, as an intentional nod to warmer months. I can’t help but be captivated by the statement accessories on offer, either as many of them boast a timeless appeal and many accessories can be integrated into a look, no matter the weather. Spring is also the time I experiment with (albeit muted) colourways and inject some unconventional hues into my pre-existing wardrobe. Green, ochres and cocoa hues are coaxing me out of my neutral colour pallet hole and I’m enjoying the switch-up.
If you’re feeling inspired by warm weather dressing like me, keep scrolling to see my edit of the pieces to keep on your radar for spring – including some good quality high street gems!
Although I’m a sticker for natural fabrications, I had to make an exception for this piece. It’s the most elegant design that would be in my collection for years to come.
As someone who favours timeless dresses, I rely on simple features and textures to elevate designs. I recently acquired this stunning dress and I can’t wait to wear it with knee-high boots now and heeled sandals when the weather picks up. This style is available in sizes XXS-XXL and fits true to size.
I was stunned to find these on the high street as they look so premium. Bookmark this page to keep an eye on increased stock levels.
It’s very seldom I shop from H&M but if I do, I make sure they’re forever pieces with better fabrications. This piece is truly standout and one I can see being passed down generations as the ‘special dress’.
I mean, stunning!
These are the only ecru jeans I’m recommending right now. They’re a chic fit and available in a wide range of sizes.
The dreamiest floor-length gown.
The panelled skirt is doing the rounds lately, so I had to include Raey’s offering.
This Totême offering has me particularly excited about lighter footwear. This buttery slip-on (in suede no less) is springtime in a shoe.
Maxi’s are garnering quite the fanbase but on-the-knee skirts are also proving popular. This style by the master of directional pieces, Jacquemus, comes complete with a chained waist accent and lingerie-inspired strap for a sexy illusion. Add a white shirt, or fitted jumper and mules for a finished look.
The taught neckline is inspired and perhaps my favourite style of top this season. It may be considered basic but it feels anything but. It has a dressed-up feel because of the subtle design features. There are so many ways to wear this – I’d pair it with 2023’s much-coveted column maxi and statement earrings for an easy-wearing and glamorous look.
If only all basics looked this good.
Rose Adorned appliques on a wonderfully ’80s style blouse – there’s something wonderfully Sixteen Candles about it. Add jeans and pumps and don’t hesitate to finish the look with bold earrings or lip paint to fully commit to the vintage look.
Ghosts’ Archive collection includes gowns you can wear for occasions and evenings out alike. The teardrop cut-out is a subtle nod to the much adore cut-out signature we were all enamoured by last summer.
Crescent bags fit the big bag brief and they’re equally chic with a noughties feel. This COS offering is of high quality and I can tell it will age well.
Bustiers are on everyones wishlist this spring but if you prefer something with more coverage this style by Pixie Market lends the same desired effect.
I adore the two-tone colourway and bodice feature of this Anna Quan number (although I would size up for a more relaxed fit). I have a similar frock by Totême that I plan on wearing in the coming months.
Tove introduced full-skirt styles into their arsenal since its inception in 2019, and they’re still pieces I’d reach for years later.
I’ll always appreciate a silky maxi skirt. They’re versatile and never date. This one is particularly special as it has a fluted and weighty hang – a detail I often attribute to designer pieces that far exceed this pricepoint.
The colour and relaxed silhoutte makes this feel more relaxed for non-shirt wearers like myself.
A classic that’ll remain in your collection for years!
If anything would convert me to a trouser wearer this season it would be A Days March’s latest drop. The fluidity and composition are second to none. You can tell from the e-com alone.
Add this to your slinky slip dresses to break up fabric heavy designs.
Gym+Coffee’s newest sub-brand, GPC has launched a capsule lounge collection in two colourways – Ashwood and Earth Green. The range comprises organic cotton pieces if you’re looking for off-duty loungewear for home and travel. Keep your eyes peeled on the site as the doors to this exclusive collection open every Thursday.
It never ceases to amaze me how much the high street excels when it comes to the production of timeless accessories. Massimo Dutti is always my first port of call when it comes to attainable accessories. This coffee and ochre hybrid is a splash of colour to introduce into a monochromatic capsule.
Sometimes I like my basics with added flair. This top will also make an apt ‘going-out’ top if you prefer basic shapes and fuss-free fabrications.
I’m looking for a classic band that I’ll wear every day and this piece fits the bill. It’s barely there and if it’s anything like the other Astrid & Miyu pieces I own, it’ll age beautifully.
Granted, the shirt dress is a perennial staple but fashion-forward designs like this elevated the classic style with a feminine silhouette.
I’m a big fan of a woven bag but I’m more accustomed to the shopper shape. This padded style feels contemporary. It’s chic, big enough to house all my essentials and it bears a timeless appeal. With every look, it’s climbing up my wishlist.
Even Miu Miu has appeased lovers of extended hemlines. This one is almost as good as new!
Larger-than-life décolletage decorations have dominated the accessory market since 2022 and the theme continues this year. There’s something ’90s and bohemian about the puffy heart jewel. Perhaps it’s the rope chain or oversized pendant but it’s complete throwback nostalgia.
There are so many ways to wear denim and this jacket is a prime example. Whereas most denim jackets offer a trucker look, this collarless design is a modern twist. I’d wear this cropped style with a long-line skirt (like the Miu Miu one in this edit).
Is it spring dress season yet? Dissh certainly say so with their linen offerings. The cinched waist and asymmetric shoulder are details that marry this natural textile with contemporary details. It’s quite the pairing!
I have summer sun on my mind, so I was pleased to discover Reina Olga – a brand hailing from Italy, with a curation of high-quality swimwear. The pieces will stay in your swimwear wardrobe for years to come due to their timeless silhouettes and quality. With clever styling, you can wear this as a bandeau and be in keeping with this season’s trends.
Gabriella Hearst’s designs are always considered and this clementine hue will bring a burst of sunshine whilst we wait for the forecast to follow. In the meanwhile, pair it with mahogany accessories and gold jewels aplenty.
Free-flowing maxi skirts that you can frolic in (and tiered, no less). Count me in, Raey!
I’ve been eyeing this Longchamp tote since seeing it modelled by a very chic travel companion last year and I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen them worn in Paris. I think it’s about time I invest in one of my own – they’re travel and errand friendly and therefore a worthwhile investment piece.
I can attest to the quality of Sheertex and have even put their ‘rip-proof’ claims to the test with a sample. As someone who is conscious of their consumption, buying a good quality pair of tights will prevent you from replacing laddered pairs often. I’ll be popping these under all of my skirts and dresses for the foreseeable.
Allow me to introduce you to Ura – a fresh brand with a unique take on capsule items. Take this shirt, for example – instead of standardised buttons, it comprises the hook and eye closure, which pulls in the waist. It’s also in the chicest colourway with an impressive composition to match.
