Spring's most wearable trends
In the perfect world of fashion magazines, early spring is the perfect time to ditch every item in your wardrobe and replace it with the latest styles, fresh from the catwalk. Don’t worry: they’ll definitely suit your 5ft 11in size six frame, and it won’t cost more than a few thousand pounds to achieve!
Back in the real world, the key to feeling bang up to date – without spending a bomb – is to work little elements of the new collections into your existing wardrobe, or style up whatever you already own into a different look.
So, from the hottest colours to the coolest moods, we’ve pulled together our favourite easy-to-adopt trends, which means as long as you take care of your clothes, you’ll be able to stay affordably ‘on trend’ for another year. For tips, take a look at our Spring fashion SOS.
Colour me pink (and yellow and khaki)
Picking the right colours is the fastest route to fashionableness, and this season makes it easy: bright yellow and vibrant fuchsia for the brave among you, and layering shades of khaki for those who prefer something more neutral.
Get the update If you’ve looked through your wardrobe and you’re lacking yellow and pink (and we mean bright pink), go for an accent colour with cheap hair accessories, bright costume jewellery or patent handbags and shoes. Just one item will make an impact.
As for khaki, this really is a look worth investing in, as a khaki parka or trench will look good for years to come. Failing that, a stylish shirt or silky harem pants are versatile pieces.
Keep those colours true by washing them with the right detergent – try Bold 2in1 for vibrant colour and fresh scents.
Prints charming: stripes and flowers
Flowers in spring? No kidding. But this time they’re bolder, brighter – and ever so slightly more 70s in style. For those who like simpler lines, go for deckchair stripes in pastels, primary-coloured panels, or office-friendly pinstripes and shirt stripes.
Get the update Floaty dresses are the obvious floral route, but an easier approach is a selection of cheap-and-cheerful scarves and bags.
As for seaside stripes, you can’t beat a nautical T-shirt in pale pink or blue. For this healthy, natural look, make sure you’re feeling fit and relaxed – try our Daily detox guide for everyday clean living.
To prevent your pinstripes making you look like a city banker, go for alternatives like pinstriped shoes, a sleeveless jacket or a shirt dress.
The must-have pieces for spring and beyond
Every season there are THOSE pieces that anyone with aspirations to style just have to own: denim boilersuits, baggy culottes, reverse-buttoning jackets… Only joking. This season is super-easy: it’s all about the trench coat, the shirtdress and – thank you fashion! – leggings.
Get the update Okay, so a trench isn’t a cheap option, but there are lots of light, unlined versions out there that are more affordable – or look for a dress or jacket with trench-coat detailing.
Shirt dresses look great in crisp cotton or thin denim. Go for a loose, straight silhouette and cinch it with a chunky belt.
And leggings? Well aren’t they already your daily comfy staple piece? Just team them with some chunky heeled boots, slouch socks, and a long, loose, silky top in a similar shade to take them upmarket.
Get into the mood
Fashion is partly about carefully teaming items together, but it’s just as much about channelling the mood of the season. Often that comes down to an imaginary dressing-up box: picking a persona and just going for it. This season, you have plenty of choice – are you a rock chick in leather and studs, a sports-luxe maven in silky athletic gear, or a world traveller wearing the spoils of your nomadic lifestyle?
Get the update The rock chick look is so easy: a leather or fake leather jacket and some black jeans, a cheeky quiff and plenty of jewellery and you’re done. Why not add a broad-brimmed trilby for extra-moody style? Team with smoky eyes for a sultry look – here’s how to apply eyeshadow for two smoky looks.
If you’re more into sports luxe, this season it’s all about black-and-white – team heels with your joggers, deep-soled sneakers with cropped leggings and silky jackets over the top. If you still feel too casual, give yourself a new-season beauty boost with our tips on Six ways to change your look in three minutes.
And the nomadic look? This is your chance to get out all that old boho from the noughties! Float around in long layers, mix up your patterns and sharpen it up with some tough boots.
What looks do you love from the new season collections? Let us know in the comments below!