Embrace the first signs of spring with light layers plus heavier brights to stave off the chill
You know the feeling – you’ve just got your winter style mojo down, and suddenly the sun starts shining. Dressing for a seasonal transition is always a challenge, calling for top-to-toe tweaks – but don’t despair. By encompassing some new shapes, colours and fabrics, navigating your way into spring will be less awkward than you think.
Fabrics & Layering
Changing up fabrics and employing educated layering are essential tactics in taking on the mid-season purgatory. Step away from the wool and cashmere and introduce linen and cotton shirts for some breathing room, teamed with lightweight sweatshirts to ward off that stubborn chill (the soft tailoring will provide a refreshing wardrobe update, too). Denim should also be spring cleaned – go in for lighter washes, distressed styles and an on-point relaxed fit.
Outerwear
If you’re looking for an easy way to emerge from your winter chrysalis, then focus on outerwear. An oversized blanket coat is very now, and even more appealing in colour – but don’t err on the pale side. For 2015 only brights we do, ideally a pop of bubblegum pink or splash of daffodil yellow. A lightweight parka works equally well, especially in khaki, modding to the season’s utility trend. If you’ve the finances, Burberry just delivered their much coveted shawls in bold new shades and they really are rather delicious.
Shoes
Tempting though it might be to get your toes into the charming sandals making their way into stores, showers are still rampant, so you’ll need to stick with those winter boots for a while longer. If you fell for fall’s penchant for over-the-knee pairs, then update them with a bare leg and a raised hemline – a flash of leg (exfoliated and fake-tanned, might we advise) can do wonders for the mood. If the thought of showing upper leg in March makes you baulk, then go in for cropped trousers and statement flats – a flash of ankle will have the same effect.
Beauty
Moving out of our winter cave calls for beauty updates too. Deploy a hearty scrub for all-over skin renewal (L’Oreal Skin Perfection does a great value tube), and smooth on a rich citrus-scented moisturiser to feel brand new – we like Neal’s Yard’s orange blossom range. A primer will give you an underlying glow, but forgo foundation for a light BB Cream (Laura Mercier is hard to beat), and use barely-there Bare Minerals bronze powder to contour. Blow your hair out with sea salt spray for effortless texture, and finish the look with a matte, nude manicure.
Warehouse button shirt dress, £42 / Raey coat, £545 / Stuart Weitzman boots, £530 / Manolo Blahnik ballet shoes, £435 / Valentino handbag, £1,350 / Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cotton Oxford Shirt, £61 / Publish Dover Knitted Breton Top, £55 / Laura Mercier primer, £29 / Bumble and bumble styling spray, £22 / Christian Dior nail polish, £18