Hello, spring—I’ve missed you. With a fresh, new season comes new-season dressing, and if I’m struggling for ideas on what to wear now, my first port of call for outfit inspiration has to be social media. Instagram and TikTok might specialise in OOTD posts and easy-to-replicate looks, but they’re also a handy tool when I need guidance on what’s actually worth spending my money on, and at this point, I’ve racked up a list of influencers who always get it right, making my well-curated feed a very valuable resource.
But just as easily as new trends are introduced, so too does my algorithm change. This makes it that much easier to discover new creators, styles and pieces to bring to the mix, and 2023 has been a good year for a generation of influential icons. When I struggled with getting stuck in a fashion rut this week, I immediately set about finding the most popular content creators currently resonating with Gen Z in a bid to shake up my style and came back with a list of some seriously stylish women with covetable feeds. So who better to ask for shopping inspo than the women who not only set trends but also stay one step ahead of them?
The beginning of the year is the best time to take stock of your wardrobe, clear the clutter and invest in the kind of fresh pieces you’ll want to wear for the next 12 months and beyond, so I asked seven influencers for the crush-worthy pieces they’re buying or dreaming of now to inspire my own spring wish list and, hopefully, yours too. So keep scrolling for the hero buys these style insiders are after now and to hear how they’ll be incorporating them into their wardrobes for the season ahead. Double tap–worthy pieces incoming…
“This is the best bag I’ve ever bought. It’s quite worn and vintage looking, and no one else has it apart from my best friend Melissa, who I made buy it too because it’s such a Mary Poppins bag. Not only does it have a zip, but it fits the most ridiculous amount of things into it. It’s relaxed and can give a cool-girl look or a boho vibe. It’s understated and relaxed, which I love, and it doesn’t matter if it gets scratched because it looks cooler that way. I wear this every day. I’m just so into brown leather this spring.”
“I like that they’re a bit worn, and they’re not too chunky heel-wise, so I don’t trip over or feel taller than Jamie. They’re also different to the chunky Prada ones that most people are wearing at the moment.”
“I love these. They’re really flattering, and I don’t think I’m quite Gen Z enough to wear big, baggy cargo pants, but these are super cool with a bit of edge. You can wear them with heels as well if you wanted to smarten them up, and I love that they’re so comfy and look good.”
“Cool, comfy and go with just about every outfit. And honestly, I feel like Hailey Biebs when I wear these, so they are a must.”
“I am finally starting to get excited for spring with the sun peaking through. This two-piece from Whistles is the perfect weekend outfit for the warmer months ahead. I love how you can wear it together or mix it around with other pieces in your wardrobe.”
“These Ganni flats have been on my wish list for over a month now, and I think it’s time to bite the bullet to finally add these to my wardrobe. I love ‘dressed-up’ flats so much. [They] elevate a casual outfit completely.”
“Bags are my actual weakness, and when I came across this Loewe Paseo bag in-store, I slightly injured my neck looking back at it. It is the perfect statement bag, but also, it feels classic and a wardrobe staple. I love the lime-yellow colour that will add a little sparkle of dopamine to any outfit.”
“A long black satin skirt is a wardrobe staple. I love how they can be dressed up or down for day to night. During the day, I would wear it with a simple white tank, a belt and some sandals, and at night, I would opt for a black satin blouse and a pair of kitten heels for something a little sleeker.”
“[This is] a classic belt I want to immediately add to my spring/summer wardrobe, and the colour makes it versatile and easy to style. Loewe is definitely having a moment!”
“Ballerina flats are back, and I am loving it. They make any outfit look more feminine and chic. Chanel ones are my favourite, and I would style them with jeans in the city and a beach dress in Italy.”
“From the airport to the beach, a large bag is a must. The Numéro Douze from Polène is chic and versatile, perfect for those spring/summer days.”
“As someone who wears denim almost every single day—all year round—I’m always keeping my eyes peeled for cool new denim brands, preferably sustainably made ones. So when I came across these Dala Reversible Carpenter Jeans online, I became immediately obsessed! Baggy, wide-leg jeans that are high-rise and reversible? Yes, please. Dala also partners with London-based tailoring service Sojo for alterations, so basically, it’s a full-service operation.”
“These JW Anderson Bumper-Tube Mules have been on my wish list since last year, and I’m thinking it may be finally time to add to cart and actually check out. Though they may not be to everyone’s taste, to me, they’re extremely versatile. I’ll be styling them with baggy jeans, tees, dresses, suits… The list goes on.”
“‘Naked’ print pieces have been a hot trend for a while now, and although I tend to follow the beat of my own drum, the bright colours, X-ray print and belt detail on this Sinead Gorey top really caught my eye! I’m tempted.”
“I tend to wear the same pieces of jewellery every day and have recently been on the lookout for a unique standout piece to dress up or down. This Chopova Lowena beauty checks all the boxes.”
“The most impractical, iconic box bag from the Parisian powerhouse that is Saint Laurent. When I saw this piece hit the men’s section, I didn’t debate it for a second. Most certainly not an item for everyone, but I adore its pop-culture take and an incredible collector piece for the die-hard YSL fans.”
“I have forever been an admirer of the silhouette a flare gives. It offers something dramatic yet elegant, vintage yet modern. These Madgda Butrym trousers hug the waist and offer a mega flare.”
“My Brass High Waist Harness is a hero staple item of mine. I love the combination of leather and luxe brass and how it can totally transform or elevate an outfit.”
“Loewe is having a real moment trending right now, but I think this shirt is a beautiful classic piece for the capsule-wardrobe lover’s closet. Its simplistic design is nothing short of elegant and chic, making it the perfect addition to any outfit.”
“Your boyfriend’s boxers, but make it fashion. I love these shorts, so cute! I would pair them with a blazer, baggy tee and trainers for a cool-girl spring/summer look.”
“I was recently loaned these for a shoot and completely fell in love. The delicate design added an air of sophistication to even the simplest of outfits, and I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they were to wear!”
“I love wearing co-ord linen sets, especially during hot summers, and these PJs would look amazing in the day with a pair of black sandals.”
“Silk scarves are so nice and versatile that you can use a chic one like this in so many different ways.”
“I’ve been looking for the perfect summery dress for warm days but prefer long maxis. I think I just found the one.”
