Spring brings the promise of new beginnings but if you are anything like me at the moment your wardrobe feels more expired than inspired. Many of my clients struggle at this time of year but transitioning your wardrobe doesn't have to be a headache. So how can we put those fresh spring items into rotation whilst being appropriately covered up and comfortable when it still feels like winter outside? Invest in stylish and light weight outerwear that can be layered and will work for wintery days and into the warmer months ahead.
What makes a coat a Spring coat? Look for lighter fabrics for example cotton/wool mix or 100% cotton or something shorter in length that lightens the look. I’m thinking beyond the leather and denim jacket here - both perennial staples you should invest in and great for layering but I want to offer you something different as there are so many great outerwear options available. I also love to bring a bit of colour into the mix at this time of year - nothing says spring like a bit of colour.
This is a life long investment so worth researching to find the holy grail for your body shape and colouring. I feel like this needs a whole blog in itself (coming soon!) but here are some quick pointers on colouring… If you have cool colouring look for the taupes and greyed beiges. Burberry calls this colour ‘Stone’. If you have warm colouring you will have a wider variety of colours that will work, anything from beige, tan, camel, or olive.
Best brands - J Crew, & Other Stories, APC, Burberry.
How to wear - layer over your denim jacket or blazer now and with a silk dress in the warmer months.
If the trench styling doesn’t appeal to you then a minimal cotton coat will be your go-to.
Best brands - COS, Zara, APC, Bassike,
How to wear - Layer over a cardigan or layer under a wool coat (just make sure it is shorter than the wool coat or the proportions won’t be right).
This is my favourite Spring buy as I can still wear my dependable grey but as soon as I put the coat over the top I feel instantly uplifted. The trick is to choose a colour that you love to wear and works with your existing colour palette in your wardrobe. My favourite options are red, cornflower blue, sunflower yellow, raspberry and emerald green.
Best Brands - Harris Wharf, Zara, Sandro, & Other Stories, Isabel Marant
How to wear - looks great over a denim jacket and with neutral knitwear now and your favourite printed blouse in the spring.
I’m always on the look out for a stylish raincoat to wear over blazers or denim jackets. I like mine to be long and have this on my wishlist but work with your proportions for a length to suit your frame.
Brands - Stutterheim, Barbour, RAINS, Zara, J Crew, Arket for great rain-proof nylon bags.
How to wear - over everything when it rains
Something for the weekend? A utility jacket is a great alternative to the denim jacket and works with jeans or adds an edge to a summer dress. And the best bit is you can find great versions on the hight street.
Brands - Whistles, Mango, Zara, H&M
How to wear - layer under your coat now (I just bought this and will layer under this) and over cardigan and jeans as it gets warmer.