The Scottish Mail on Sunday - You
A little spring in your step
Easter is such a wonderful time for renewal and reinvention. The days finally feel longer and brighter and the heaviness of winter has dissipated.
Now with this new sense of lightness comes a great opportunity to reinvigorate your style. Because – a word to the cynical as I can hear you groaning from here – it really is never too late.
A good example of style reinvention is Victoria Beckham, who swapped the garish outfits of her pop-star days for grown-up tailoring. Angelina Jolie and the Duchess of Sussex have taken similar approaches to getting older. They stick to simple palettes with a mix of masculine and feminine pieces.
It will be interesting to see if the Princess of Wales has used her time away from the spotlight to move her personal style forward. That often happens quite naturally when someone takes, or in her case is forced to take, a break from the rollercoaster.
Refreshing the way you dress each season doesn’t have to mean buying a whole new wardrobe. Often the pieces that will breathe life into your old looks are already there. The secret? Being smart with your styling. Whether it’s a colour combination, silhouette, hemline length, or even just a particular way to wear accessories, the subtlest changes frequently make the difference and get noticed.
Here are my top five tweaks to make your wardrobe feel fresh this spring…
The first step is to decide what new styles will invigorate you and suit your body shape. Create a mood board inspired by looks and outfits that speak to you. Soon you’ll have your own template.
Add sophisticated basics, such as high-waisted tailored trousers, which flatter many shapes, and a versatile waistcoat. Another great option is a high-waisted maxi or midi skirt to pair with shirts you already own. And consider a blazer, tweed jacket or trench for outerwear options.
No wardrobe is complete without accessories – the finishing touches that give that je ne sais quoi toan outfit. Bags and shoes hold transformative power. A pair of new-season mules or red or green shoes or trainers will instantly update your dresses.
A stylish large tote is the cherry on top.
Remember a few trend-led pieces such as cargo trousers or skirts (see top right) to mix with your summer tops and jackets.
Style your own favourite white dresses with a wide belt, and add some ethereal icy blues to your black and soft-beige pieces.
CARRIED AWAY
FASHION COLUMNIST AND INFLUENCER JOANNE HEGARTY
I love finding a high-street accessory that looks luxe. With its woven lattice design in black or burgundy and elegant thin straps, this leather bag by Mango ticks all the style boxes.
Brows
Not too dark, not too blocky, just subtly defined