Small tweaks to give your style a seasonal update
ON THE PARADOX OF MODERN MOTHERHOOD AND FASHION FIXES THAT WORK HARD FOR EVERY DAY
The birds are singing, the trees overlooking our garden are blossoming, there’s a glorious grand stretch in the evening, all of which, sartorially speaking, means one thing – it’s time to match your wardrobe to the season. I think when the weather takes an unexpected turn for the better, most of us instinctively yearn for newness. Call it actively choosing the kind of clothes that complement our brighter spirits – a new trouser colour or shape, a coat that allows you to breathe, shoes that feels like a tentative first step into spring.
There is something therapeutic about turning over your wardrobe for a new season. It feels like a fresh start and a new surge of energy. As the temperatures fluctuate wildly this week, in a country that always surprises us, I plump for the kind of pieces that come into their own in sunshine, drizzle or a light breeze. Here’s four musthave essentials that feel like a happy medium...
A LIGHTWEIGHT COAT
Because you never quite know what the weather gods will throw your way, a chic trench equips you for four seasons in one day. It’s protection from the rain and a light layer to keep you moderately warm in a spring breeze. Classic colours and shapes never age and multitask in your wardrobe over swishy dresses and cropped jeans. For a cool contemporary take, oversized belted styles look directional cinched at the waist.
A BREEZY BACKLESS SHOE
I know when I reach for that part of my shoerobe that warmer days are on the horizon. Mules tend to fall into two camps: the delicate and the chunky, and I’m defintely in the former tribe. I find V-cut styles really flattering, the kind that hug your feet (and don’t slip off) with a significant dip in the front to flatter your ankles. LK Bennett and Charles Keith are brilliant investment and/or budget buys that you’ll get lots of wear out of and there are some obscure brands stocked on Zalando, where you can always nab something one-of-a-kind.
A PAIR OF WHITE/ECRU JEANS
I know what you’re thinking: she has a two-year-old, how does survive breakfast and who does the washing? (I do). White or ecru jeans have an artful way of dressing up basics and adding a heavy dose of polish with a minimal amount of effort. What they lack in practicality they make up for in style and aesthetic. They also make everything you pair them with pop, which in turn makes them an easy pairing with lighter colours. A few tips: slightly looser fits suit most people, while higher waists in straight leg styles are much more flattering and legelongating and look chic with mules or block heels. They’re equally cool with trainers or espadrilles. I love stretchy organic cotton blends from H&M or Reiss for an investment splurge.
A SOFT SHIRT/BLOUSE
THERE IS SOMETHING THERAPEUTIC ABOUT TURNING OVER YOUR WARDROBE FOR A NEW SEASON
Peasant and broderie anglaise styles are my go-to perennials all year round but I can never resist that chic, nonchalant linen vibe come spring. Elegant, easywearing and fuss-free, it’s pretty on its own, under jackets or layered over a rib knit tank top – I like to tie mine over it.