Transitioning into Spring Dressing - A Six Step Guide
Capsule Wardrobe Planner - Re-inventing your style for the season ahead
Thoughts of spring are always heartwarming. We’re now ready to extract ourselves from the grip of winter - the days gradually increasing in length. Soon enough, we get to witness the world in bursts of colour. As spring truly arrives, everything appears more joyous and alive - a new lease of life.
As the wheel of the year gently turns, we can look forward to pretty bursts of blackthorn, then later, the clusters of bluebells that will appear. In late spring, farmers will be busy cutting silage - the newly cut fields giving way to the scent of an approaching summer. Later and into June, the lanes will be adorned with the sweet aroma of honeysuckle. The grass gets greener, both figuratively and in the natural world, embellishing every field and parcel of woodland with verdant colours, while thriving yellow rapeseed provides the washes of vibrant contrast.
Whether you enjoy long strolls followed by fish and chips on the beach, or a tea stop at a pretty seaside harbour, spring indeed brings optimism with it. And with all that, comes the excitement of the new trends in the fashion world. In this capsule wardrobe planner blog, we look at how you can easily transition into spring with your dressing, by following this easy six step guide.
At a Glance - Trends and Colour-ways
Despite the inevitable anticipation – and there’s nothing wrong with that, you don’t have to buy into every trend that’s out there this season. They are exactly that – trends, many of which will be of temporary nature. If you’re looking for pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe, be mindful not to fall for items that might date a tad too easily, or colours that might be hard to get some longevity out of. Instead, if you’re a minimalist or a fan of the capsule wardrobe, like me, aim for classic pieces that stand the test of time and more importantly, suit you, your lifestyle and not least, that communicate your own personal style in a way that is authentic to you.
A word about colour, because it’s very tempting to shop every new colour that is on trend, but it’s much more important and indeed useful, to buy colours that suit your particular skin tone. If you’re not sure what your colours are, then consider getting a professional colour analysis done to help identify your most flattering shades. Once you’ve invested in this exercise, you can be sure of the colours that will suit you best and every informed purchase will be an investment.
There’s plenty to peruse this season, but opt to take inspiration from some of the trends on the catwalks that have piqued your interest, and are a good fit for what you already have in your closet, some of which you might wear regardless of their trend status.
Spring Capsule - Tips and Essentials - A Six Step Plan
Let’s face it, it’s sometimes a challenge transitioning into a new season. Somehow, we are not quite ready to ditch our warmer knits and footwear, but at the same time, we’re eager to lighten things up a little by responding to the ever-lengthening days, especially if we get to experience a bit of sunshine too – all in-between the inevitable rain showers of course! So, how can you bridge the gap between the seasons, even if the weather is still a bit cool or dare I say, unpredictable?
Consider Lifestyle Demands
As ever, always look closely at lifestyle and split your wardrobe into those lifestyle demands. Do you need smart workwear? Or do you require a more casual wardrobe? Do you go to many formal occasions? What about your social life? When dressing for the day, look to select your clothes around your outerwear and according to the weather.
Go Neutral with Accents
Choose your base colours (each colour can have different shades and hues) - the recommendation is between three and five colours. To support a high performing capsule wardrobe you will definitely need white or a shade of white, in your capsule, as it will lighten everything up and makes your base colours easier to mix and match. When considering your key / foundation items, they should not date. Finally, you can then select a couple of accent colours to add to your wardrobe.
Pay attention to Weights, Necklines and Silhouettes
The key to your capsule wardrobe will be multiple items of similar colour tones but in different weighted fabrics - weights and styles appropriate to different lifestyle uses and temperatures. This means you can easily transition between pieces according to different lifestyle requirements and/or weather, without having to worry if the items will go with the rest of your wardrobe. You’ll probably need a few options - think about different silhouettes, i.e. more fitted versus baggier, as well as different necklines.
Repurpose Winter Items
Adapt key winter items by adding in more spring/summer colours, such as white, or a brighter colour, to elevate darker bottoms, for example. You can also mix and match weights and colours. So, although you might still be wearing a winter pair of trousers, that may well be dark, opt to pair them with lighter colour shoes and / or handbags for a fresher look, or perhaps add a lighter weight top. This will brighten the outfit up in keeping with the coming season. You could even add in some sneakers for a more casual and lighter feel, especially if the weather is dry. Lighter jackets can be paired with winter jumpers or layering pieces, etc.
Embrace Layers
We know that during early spring the weather can be unpredictable as well as cooler, so go ahead and embrace layers. I love a layered look. Throwing a heavier weight jumper in a contrasting colour around your shoulders adds a nice aesthetic, while also serving to seal in some extra warmth when you need it, keeping the weight of your tops and outerwear lighter.
Wear a white long sleeve tee under a round neck jumper, or a shirt for a more elevated look. I like to utilise cashmere layering short/long sleeve tees – perfectly lightweight while keeping it cosy. Gilets are another excellent option for layering.
Elevate with a Seasonal Colour
Want to add a seasonal / trending colour without making a big commitment? No problem! You don’t have to go for high investment here, you could do this with the simple addition of a silk scarf for example, or maybe a belt or small accessory, especially if your outfit is predominately neutral.
Lookbook
Utilising One ‘Hero’ Piece
For my sample lookbook here, I have gone for a cropped trench style shacket - the ‘hero’ piece if you like, and styled everything around this one piece. It’s shower resistant so you won’t get caught short if the weather does turn on the tap. The good thing about this is that it lightens things up very much so. It’s lightweight, but holds structure well.
The essentials of these looks blend items from the winter season with those that are more in keeping with spring, with varied options for footwear and handbags. The stripes add a a bit of a nautical theme which brings in a bit of trend too. That said, the tops are not new.
Reversible and Adaptable Gilets
Because it can still be a bit nippy during early spring, I’ve also thought about some looks utilising my reversible sheepskin gilet. This is another older high investment piece of exceptional quality and made in England.
It can be styled with just a fitted white shirt, skinny jeans and elegant mid heel boots, or if needs be, you can add something like this neutral coloured linen cable V neck top, as pictured, over the shirt. The boots and jeans are my darker ‘winter’ colours, while the shirt and/or lightweight linen cable are more in keeping with spring temperatures. Because the gilet is reversible, it’s great for a capsule wardrobe as it offers up more styling options. - it’s like two pieces of clothing for the price of one! You can also consider adaptable gilets like those with removable faux fur collars, as they can be easily adapted to suit the temperature and the look.
Spring Capsule Wardrobe Refresh - What to Invest In
Investment pieces, as ever, should be in accordance with your lifestyle, however, here are a few ideas of what I’m going to find useful when refining my spring capsule.
Good quality white (and neutral) tee-shirts
There is nothing fresher than a nice structured good quality basic white tee which you can dress up or down. Don’t forget to consider different styles and necklines. A white tee is always so very versatile. Not only are they a great layering piece, they work well on their own with jeans or under a jacket, when the weather is a bit cooler. They are also excellent with a pair of wide linen trousers for when the weather is warmer, teamed with minimalist accessories. White tees provide an excellent palette to which you can add that pop of seasonal colour.
Neutral coloured handbag
A handbag can often be quite a big investment and therefore needs to work hard, be versatile and last well, preferably season after season. For this reason, I often avoid trending colours for staples such as these, unless it happens to be a colour that is part of my core wardrobe. Shades like stone are great as they add that lighter, warmer weather feel to an outfit. They tend to be timeless and will go with most items, whether you are going for a full on spring look, or are still transitioning – mixing up your summer palette with winter tops or bottoms. Tan is also a good option, again working well with warmer weather looks, as well as being a good general year-round staple.
Sneakers
Neutral is best as they will then continue to work with most outfits season after season. They can add a more laid back and contemporary feel to an outfit and will also provide a superb level of comfort for various activities.
Deck Shoes
Not quite as light as sandals but still hold that warmer weather vibe. A stylish option for when comfort is priority, but you still want to stay with a more slightly laid-back but stylish vibe rather than going for a more dressy sandal.
Layering Knits
Knits in different weights and fabrics go along way. Think linen, cotton or cashmere - I swear by cashmere tees.
Trench Coat
A waterproof or shower resistant trench means you won’t get caught out when the inevitable April showers appear!
Jeans
Go for a well structured and high waisted jean as these tend to be very flattering. A classic darker denim works well and offers up a sophisticated look that can be dressed up or down. You might also wish to consider a fresher colour for spring such as white or another neutral tone.
Blazer
If your lifestyle demands a more elevated look sometimes, or you just want to inject a bit more elegance into your options, a well cut blazer is a wise investment. There are many styles from oversized, to shorter and structured, fitted etc. Pick what suits your style and personality in a colour that will complement the tones in your wardrobe.
I hope you find this guide inspiring, and as ever, have fun playing around with various ideas! There’s real value to be had in expressing your true self, rather than just feeling like you have to copy every trend as and when they come around. There is little time for creativity and ideas if we’re always chasing the next ‘new’. Instead, we can learn to get so much satisfaction out of clothes that are worn, familiar and very well loved, so aim to re-style and re-wear, over and over, so that your clothes grow with you as you develop your very own style.
No fashion trend can truly resonate if it does not reflect the authentic you! So, remember, you’re an individual, there is no one quite like you!