I enjoyed putting together a few existing and newer items to create something akin to a “Spring capsule wardrobe”. I am not really a capsule wardrobe kind of person as I have a lot of clothes and I enjoy experimenting with them and also seeing how I can create classic and more fashion forward looks with what I already own. However it was good to think about what items I had that fitted into the 2022 Spring Summer trends (see my low down on that here) and also to think about styling versatile items that would also be worth investing in if you feel like a touch of shopping this Spring. My style is mainly classic with a twist of drama, or an accent, if you will. I think this sort of style can work well for people of all ages but particularly for those of us who are more mature.
If you like that idea, then here are a few early Spring/Summer looks to try out. As you can see my garden has not really sprung into Spring yet (and is not quite as photogenic as it might be). However, the weather has been pretty good this March in London, hence I was able to get outside to take photos.
Look 1 : Stripey top, camel trousers and trench
This look Is very classic but also on trend for the season. Stripey tops and jumpers are everywhere (and although paintbox brights are also in) on the high street neutrals (like these camel trousers) still rule, accented with pastel accessories in lilac (as I have done here), sage green, pink or yellow. A trench coat is of course is staple for both Autumn and Spring. For Spring perhaps a lighter tone, like these two I am wearing here, works best.
As ever my look is a mixture of high street and thrifted pieces. The striped top (Esprit) and the light trench in the first look (Paul Costelloe) are both charity items, as are the snake print mules that I have often featured. The trousers and lilac bag are Primark (new season), the pink/lilac boots (old New Look) and the Nude bag by Foxer via Amazon, also featured below, was a Xmas present.
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Look 2 : Knit dress, neutral blazer and accessories
A knit dress in a pale or neutral colour is a perfect staple item for anyone’s Spring wardrobe. Its also a very easy item to transition from Winter (when I bought this dress) to Spring by wearing it with neutral or pale coloured accessories and layers as I have here. My dress with its V neck (front and back) is great for a slightly more dressy occasion. However it would alsocbe easy to dress down with a denim or leather jacket and trainers. My dress was from a local independent shop at a hefty discount (I got it for £10!), the blazer is old Zara, the neutral ankle boots are Primark last season, the white bag and lilac bag are Primark this season. The snake mules and light trench were thrifted items as above.
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Look 3 : Floral tea dress with dark or neutral accessories
A classic tea dress will see you through the Spring and into the Summer. This particular dress was a bit of a wild card I brought home from a swift Primark haul in February. Its a cross between a 90’s slip dress and a more classic tea dress. I like the fact that it has long sleeves, its not too short but its also body skimming. I found that it worked well with both black and more neutral items. It really depends on whether you want a more daytime look or something that would work for your work wardrobe. If I was wearing it in the evening I would style it more like the look on the far right.
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I’m not sure if the dress I am wearing will still be available by the time this is posted as items can move quickly. However here are three very pretty and wearable alternatives below if you fancy investing in a blue floral tea dress for the Spring.
Look 4 : Oversized shirt and flared jeans
This year for Spring/Summer wearing a looser shirt pared with flared jeans is everywhere on Instagram, Pinterest etc. I tried this white shirt with and without a belt. I felt it worked slightly better untucked – which took me slightly out of my comfort zone as I am used to wearing outfits that emphasise the waist area. I tried this look with both flats and low heels. I felt the low heels worked better as they elongate the leg and help with the longer length jeans. I also tried the look with a black blazer and bag for a smarter day time outfit. This final outfit would work well for work wear in a more casual environment. This look is mainly comprised manly of items I already own. The shirt is from “I Saw it First”, and is at least two years old. I like this one as it has billowey sleees and is made of a soft viscose material. However it would work equally well with an oversized cotton or blue striped shirt which are both definitely the look of the season. These jeans are also old from Top Shop about four years ago. This was when flares were just coming back in (after year’s of struggling to find skinnies to fit) and I was so relieved to find them I bought a pair in each colour! I have styled the outfit with three different bags – the white and lilac ones as this season’s Primark as before, the black blazer is also Primark. I love the cut of this blazer and I think it punches above its weight for its modest price tag (under £25). The black bag is a YSL dupe from a local charity shop.
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Look 5 : Dark denim jeans, nice top(s)
This pair of jeans is new in my wardrobe. They came from Quiz and on sale (still available in some sizes) Dark denim is still going strong for Spring this year and the split hem brings them up to date. Here I have styled them with three different tops. The first is a lilac sweatshirt (lilac is one of this year’s trend colours on the high street). In the middle photo I’ve made a basic Primark v neck ribbed jumper look a little more stylish by adding another jumper over the shoulders. In this case the grey matches in with the Trainers (Nike). The third image brings a touch of pink to Spring which is of course a classic seasonal colour. This shirt is H&M from a couple of years ago.
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