Goodbye, dark side… hello, brights!
FASHION COLUMNIST AND INFLUENCER JOANNE HEGARTY
It’s that time of year when something in our style psyche starts to shift. Suddenly, all the cosiness of our winter outfits is starting to feel heavy and, as our thoughts slowly turn to brighter days, we’re longing for that lighter feeling that comes with a spring wardrobe.
You might, like me (especially after a glass of wine), already be late-evening scrolling through the new season sections of Cos, Net-A-Porter and Matches Fashion, adding things to your virtual wish-list. (Try not to order when tipsy, though. A friend who runs an online furniture store told me recently that a customer bought a huge marble table and four chairs only to realise in the morning she had nowhere to put them. And had to make a very panicked phone call to cancel.)
However, before you rush to snap up an entire spring/summer collection – and let’s not delude ourselves, we live in a country where it can easily snow in
March – it might be a smarter idea to make some clever tweaks to your wardrobe. Any of these will put a spring in your step…
ADD A POP OF COLOUR
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If you’re a fan of bright hues, then you’ve probably been living in them all winter long.
But if, like me, you’re more of a minimalist, dark palette person, adding a pop of colour whether it’s in the form of a bag, coat or knit can spectacularly soothe that spring itch. Bright apple green and zingy orange are the hot shades this season and they have seeped into all the high-street and designer collections.
ROCK A WHITE BOOT
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I have always loved white boots and they are an excellent resource in this in-between stage to brighten up your winter outfits. Teamed with dark-toned dresses or camel and grey trousers, they work wonders.
Of course, because of their high-maintenance colour, they come with caveats. Only wear in dry weather and remember they are occasional boots rather than everyday heroes – but utterly fabulous looking all the same.
KEEP YOUR HAT ON
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From trilbies and peak caps to beanies, hats are back in the limelight for spring. They are a wonderful way of adding some fun colour and pattern to an outfit, too.
TEAM BLAZERS WITH JEANS
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Pair a boxy blazer over a light knit with straight-leg jeans for a chic transitional look. And remember, swapping your dark denims for white jeans occasionally will instantly lighten your mood.
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Divine with white jeans and a black polo. Blazer, €179, stories.com a flattering flare. Trousers, €69, arket.com
A head-warming hit of colour. Beanie, €39, arket.com
Apple green and zingy orange are hot shades this season
Nail art doesn’t have to be about big statements. Miniature dotting, metallic accents and micro hearts are becoming increasingly popular.
If that sounds too tricky, jump aboard the nail sticker train –