Tick off the trends with a capsule wardrobe that’ll supercharge your new-season style
Places, everyone, for spring is upon us which = time to pack away your puffers and mothball the chunky knits.
The British weather means a slow and steady segue into your summer wardrobe is advisable. We would like to present five clever updates that will reboot your style while readying you for a post-work roof terrace, weekend picnic or school pickup.
1. The wear-with-everything white T-shirt
Finding the right white T-shirt is a bit like finding the right white emulsion for your bedroom ceiling: straightforward in theory but arduous in reality. Choose carefully and you’ll find a staple that’s so reliable and transformative that it adds a hint of newness to even the most lacklustre pieces in your wardrobe.
Small details like this flower motif add an interesting element if you already have a plain white tee and don’t want to double up on the exact same.
Give a little thought to sleeves – a ¾ or elbow length is a great option for layering when there’s still a chill in the air.
Pay close attention to the fabric – heavy cotton is opaque meaning you don't need to invest in all new undies too.
… whereas thin cotton or linen creates a flattering silhouette that works well tucked into fitted trousers for work or jeans at the weekend.
Behold the twisted sleeves that make this basic so far from, erm, basic. Layer a stripe underneath if it's not yet bare arm weather.
2. New model arm candy
There are plenty of handbag trends you can get on board with this spring. From a structured bag, which should be simple enough to be considered versatile but still makes a statement, to a ‘more is more’ party bag – think heavily embellished, glitzy and a riot of fun. Also spied on the SS23 catwalks were metallics and the return of the maxi.
Mix things up with this structured beaut, which has an adjustable strap so you can wear it as a shoulder bag, sling it over your elbow or hide the strap entirely and use it as a clutch.
We’re a tad obsessed with this and we’re not the only ones – the trend for juicy-looking pillow bags has been gathering momentum. Run, don’t walk.
Silver was the colour du jour for accessories on the SS23 catwalks and we never need an excuse for a new Mulberry – much as our bank balance might disagree.
It’s the return of the maxi bag – big enough to sling your gym kit, laptop and heels for a night out. Our purse-friendly version comes in four colourways.
Choose accessories in zoomer green for the win. Add this puff texture and double your fashion cachet.
3. Power florals
Gone are the ditzy blooms of 2022 and in their place are bright, bold, punchy florals. Think theatrical and OTT – the fashion pack are wearing theirs with 3D structured flowers emerging from shirts and shoulders. That might be a tad too much for the school gates but we’ll leave the decision to you.
With a universally flattering V-neck and short sleeves, this vibrant green and pink dress will brighten up those days when you just can’t get going.
Who says florals have to be bright? We love this monochrome dress – just add a black blazer and pumps for weekend brunch.
We love this too-cool-for-school relaxed sweater. Wear yours oversized with tailored trousers for the office.
Clashy, flashy and pure silk, this dress can be worn over jeans now and with bare legs when it warms up.
4. Trophy cardigans
We might have ditched the winter coat, but we’re not quite brave enough to go without some kind of coverup. The humble cardie was spied on several catwalks this season, with even those brands that typically couldn’t be further from cottagecore getting involved (albeit wearing them open with nothing underneath).
We love the detail on this cardigan – from the gold buttons, cuffed hems and pockets to the texture which makes it look far more expensive than it is.
Wear it boxy with a slither of midriff or tuck it into high-waisted trousers if you’re not quite ready for the world to see your stomach (it’s me, hi).
If you can’t quite bring yourself to go cropped, don’t panic, because slightly oversized can look just as stylish. Especially if there are interesting buttons to boot…
Tick off two trends in one with this boxy yet oversized number that simply screams SPRING IS HERE.
Put a sunny spin on any outfit with this super-soft, vibrant hit knit.
