New Season Dressing Spring Style Updates
We’ve already waxed lyrical about the return of cargo trousers a few times but there’s a reason why we keep going back to them – they really are an item with forever potential. This time round, they are so much more versatile, and the right pair will weave into your wardrobe effortlessly. The key is to make them the star of your outfit – keep the rest of your look pared-back and simple. A full-length leg works well with heels, while a cropped leg is more flattering with flats.
A classic wardrobe is well served by statement accessories; that’s why a bold necklace is a perennial piece for us. There are no hard and fast rules – it’s about finding the piece that works with and for you and how you dress. Think about the necklines you wear the most to inform the length you go for.
A neutral bag is a purchase you will never regret, and a piece we pull out every spring when we begin to wear lighter, brighter colours. Loewe’s Flamenco clutch has a beautifully soft form that’s complemented by its statement knot detailing and gentle ruffles – the perfect juxtaposition to the dark, heavier bags we tend to wear in the winter. The ultimate investment but one that’s worth it.
All white can be a tricky trend, but as the SS23 catwalks proved, it’s incredibly versatile when done right. Taking a high-low approach and pairing crisp white tailoring with low-key basics – like a plain white tee – is the way we love to do it. Add heels and statement jewellery to take it into the evening or pair with backless loafers or sandals for a chic daytime look.
There aren’t many things in life we can be certain about, but we do know we will always need a trench coat. This season, the fit to go for is oversized so that it can be elegantly cinched at the waist to create a slightly voluminous silhouette. Camel is a classic colour, but not a necessity – find the hue to best suit you, be that an olive green or slate grey. This is a piece you’ll wear for years, so it’s worth getting it just right.
Everyone needs a midi heel, an easy way to elevate a daytime look and a more comfortable option for evenings out. Prada’s version is pretty perfect and nods to the ’90s minimalist trend. We love the subtle logo plaques and the delicate wraparound strap that flatters the ankle.
A true evergreen, stripes never go out of style – so much so that we like to think of them as a neutral piece in our wardrobes, which makes them the perfect partner to more trend-led pieces, as they have an anchoring effect. This season, we’ll be pairing an oversized lightweight knit with one of the most-seen pieces on the SS23 catwalk – the denim midi skirt. It’s a simple way to add a classic edge to a contemporary look.
With midi skirts back on the scene, knee-high boots are getting a glimpse of springtime this year. Until the weather warms up, we’ll be wearing ’70s-inspired styles in place of the chunky, lug-soled boots that have reigned supreme for the last few years. Gucci’s horsebit style is as timeless as they come, with a comfortable stacked heel and refined metal detailing.
This is the most wearable trend of the season, with many pieces that will slot into our existing wardrobes, so we’re diving into it headfirst. Our advice? You don’t need to stick to head-to-toe beige and cream to do it justice. Adding in darker pieces, like black and navy, alongside the traditional pale utilitarian palette gives the look another dimension and adds a fresh, contemporary feel.
Sometimes, all you need is a tiny tweak to freshen up your look. One such change is to mix metals – it’s simple but the contrast can give a simple outfit a much-needed twist.
There’s something about a slingback that remains unmatched in terms of sophistication. A timeless shoe style, it adds a ladylike quality to any outfit with minimal effort – we particularly love them when paired with denim for a laid-back evening look. As ever, look for a style that has minimal detailing in a colour that will mix and match easily with other pieces in your wardrobe – you want this to be a grab-and-go shoe when you need a quick outfit boost.
The oversized blazer has transcended trend status to become a wardrobe staple in recent years, so you can be sure that it’s a sound investment. The Frankie Shop has led the way with its generously cut styles with strong shoulders and thigh-skimming lengths. It’s a relaxed way to do tailoring that teams particularly well with denim.
A key detail in the utility trend, pockets are worth a shout-out in their own right. Historically, we’ve been underserved when it comes to pockets in womenswear, so the multitude of them on clothes at the moment is a refreshing change. The pocket-heavy khaki cargo jacket is not only a key piece for the season but also an item you’ll find yourself returning to every spring, thanks to its transitional prowess. Throw it over light spring dresses for a tougher feel and an extra layer of warmth.
Few items are as adaptable as a really great shirt dress. The beauty is in its simplicity - and that’s the key feature to look for when you’re buying on; opt for styles in neutral colours that can slip easily into your existing wardrobe. You’ll soon find it becomes the piece you turn to when you need to look put together in a hurry. This Raey version slots into the utilitarian mood that we are loving this season but is simple enough to withstand the test of time.
Chunky sandals have dominated for the last few summers and become a mainstay in our warm-weather wardrobes. This year, however, the simple black sandal is back in the spotlight. Whether you go flat or mid-heel, look for fine straps and slim soles and avoid any hardware – this piece is all about understated elegance. We love them paired with silky separates for the evening and, by day, we’ll be rotating them with our chunkier sandals to wear with spring and summer dresses for a more delicate feel.
Silk and satin pieces play a huge part in a classic wardrobe, adding easy texture, depth and fluidity. So, this spring, we’re investing in pieces made from parachute-style silks and satins, a lighter alternative that’s perfect for warmer weather. For evening, Varana’s deep-navy barrel-leg trousers are an exciting switch-up from a satin skirt. Just add an understated knit or tank and some simple sandals and you have an easy, elegant look.
We gravitate towards pieces that offer comfort and style in equal measure – after all, comfort is a key factor to ensuring an item is worn again and again. That’s why this season’s soft tailoring trend works so well – it takes classic pieces and gives them a more informal, wearable and contemporary feel. Opt for neutral shades of brown, beige and pale grey in lighter fabrics like linen and cotton and keep the cuts loose and slightly oversized.
Minimalist sandals may be back, but chunkier styles are now a constant in our spring wardrobe – and there’s room for both. We love the boldness, balance and contrast they add to a more feminine outfit, and they’re the perfect swap for trainers when the sun comes out. They’re also super-practical for days when you’re running around town. Prada’s Fussbett style is beautifully crafted and will last for years
If you’re a fan of double denim, why not take it a step further and go triple? Denim is a wardrobe constant, but it’s particularly big this season. Our advice? Approach it as you would any other classic outfit and go for pieces that you would usually wear only in denim. As seen here, a classic trench-style coat, simple shirt and wide-leg jeans make for a vintage-inspired look with a modern edge. Aim to stick to the same wash for each piece, to avoid shade clash, and keep accessories pared back – this look is all about the denim.
A basket bag has always been a spring and summer essential for us, partly because of its blendable neutrality, but also because of its capacious interior that makes it so practical for everyday life. So this season’s return to jumbo-sized totes is a welcome one. Loewe’s canvas-trimmed raffia style is the perfect hybrid between a traditional basket bag and roomy tote, great for the beach, office and off-duty looks.