If someone asked me to sum up my spring style, colour isn’t something that comes to mind. Statement shoes? Yes. Leather trousers? Er…can’t you tell?! But colour is something I’ve recently shied away from. As I’ve got older, I’ve edited my wardrobe to a colour palette limited by neutrals. Taking inspiration from the incredibly chic Sara Donaldson of Harper & Harley, whose blog is based on the notion of just wearing neutral hues, it’s a concept I’ve loosely fallen into. There’s something about teaming black, white, cream, blush hues and navy together that looks expensive, elegant and timeless. But as the new season officially starts next week (can I get a hallelujah?!), I’m always drawn to a little splash of colour and a pastel print here and there in my excitement of lighter evenings and blooming florals.
If you’ve found yourself in a bit of a fashion lull lately, you don’t need to splash out on a new wardrobe full of new season buys (unless you want to!). With just a few key pieces, you can refresh your look and make a statement without losing your signature style.
LUXE ACCESSORIES
What is a spring outfit without some key luxury accessories? While the catwalks were awash with over-sized hats and PVC boots, there are more low-key options that can seriously up your spring style this season. After a year of sculptual, arty earrings, 2018 sees the return of feminine shapes and shiny chandeliers. The message of the season? Go bling or go home. If you need a nod in the right direction, these pretty picks are firmly on my spring shopping list.
POPS OF COLOUR
Different shades is definitely an aspect of a new season that excites me. I’m not usually one for bright colours – I’m wary of the style longevity of a yellow jacket or eye-catching green hat. My autumn and winter wardrobe is stacked with moody plums and dark reds while summer calls for fresh white linen and earthy tones. Although I’m coveting lots of natural tones and neutral hues in my wardrobe and house design at the moment, spring is the season where I’m subtly experimenting with more colour.
Colour is something that a lot of us feel unconfident about and with good reason. Depending on your colouring, the cut and fit of the product and the limitations of what you can pair it with, it’s a high maintenance fashion choice. This is why I love to introduce a pop of colour to my spring style with key accessories like these Pretty Ballerina slippers. Renowned for their ballet flats, the footwear favourite has introduced a new range of fun shapes like these turquoise numbers complete with silver studs. I’ve had so many compliments about these shoes since I’ve been wearing them and, as someone who will always favour a stiletto, I love how they pull an outfit together.
BUSY PRINTS
We know that florals are a safe bet for spring and, although I appreciate a blooming rose or a well-placed daisy as much as the next girl, I’ve always favoured a tougher approach to prints. But teamed with leather trousers and a ladylike jacket, this bird and flower print shirt from H&M is my new favourite thing. On the hanger it looks like something Audrey from Coronation Street would rock but when it’s on, roughed up and teamed with an edgy separate, it takes on a new lease of life.
If florals aren’t your bag, there are plenty more prints on offer. Think polka dots, heart motifs and yep, those slogan tees aren’t going anywhere.
A STAND-OUT JACKET
When you find an item of clothing that has serious Chanel vibes, you know you’re on to a winner. This Marc Cain jacket is perfect for the new season thanks to its lightweight material, ladylike gold buttons, unbelievably flattering fit and dreamy blush hue. I’m obsessed with it. In fact I’m currently looking for similar designs in different neutral shades (hit me up if you see any!).
As finally we pack away our teddy coats and puffa jackets, it’s time to get excited for spring jackets. I genuinely miss outerwear during the warmer months as I think it’s another dimension to an outfit that can be a real game-changer. From the timeless trench to a retro denim, you can instantly change an outfit by throwing a spring jacket around your shoulders.
PLAYING WITH TEXTURE
Texture is something I’m really get into at the moment to upgrade my spring style. When it comes to shopping for new pieces, I find that I’m being more conscious of my purchases by taking the time to feel the material, inspect the cut and consider what else I will wear it with. Saving for a wedding and having a house project that’s draining my finances means that any additional spending is done so with serious thought!
While winter is all about waterproof materials and cosy knits, spring and summer is a time where you can throw caution to the wind and embrace the more risky textures like silk, satin and (gasp) suede! Accessories this spring are less ladylike and more geometric with blocks of colour as opposed to the predictable pastels we’re used to seeing. While I can’t quite pull off the vibrant shades like Megan Ellaby, this soft Tara Jarmon bag (out soon) complete with contrasting hardware is perfect to add a hint of texture to your spring style.
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