This season, pretty florals, appliqué blooms and the sweetest broderie anglaise are best worn with denim staples, military details and utility cuts, for a pretty but practical combination that equals modern, laid-back femininity
TOP MARKS
Looking for a transitional hero? Introduce a knitted tank top or waistcoat to your wardrobe – it’s an instant fashion friend that will be in your life for ever. We love everything about this knit, from its glistening gold buttons to its chic Parisian stripes. Layered over a romantic, decorative blouse and mannish khaki trousers or worn simply beneath a blazer with jeans, here’s a true spring saviour.
Tank, £75, 8-18, Albaray. Blouse, £135, xs-l, & Other Stories. Trousers, £165, 4-18, Toast. Shoes, £130, 3-9, Vionic
FULL BLOOM
Florals for spring? Naturally! When the country’s in full bloom, let your wardrobe blossom, too. And no one does florals quite like Laura Ashley. Back by popular demand, the brand has gone through its vintage archives and given its new collection a modern-day twist. Think romantic broderie co-ords, power-puff sleeves, joyful colours and, of course, florals galore.
Top, £70, 6-22, Laura Ashley.
Earrings, £15, Seol + Gold.
Rings, from £40, Ania Haie
TRENCH TALK
We all know a trench coat is the foundation piece of any stylish wardrobe, but this spring it’s the cropped half-trench that reigns supreme. Dubbed the ‘Roy Cropper’ jacket (yes, Coronation Street’s finest is the sartorial style icon behind this season’s cover-up!), it’s the epitome of versatile chic and looks equally good slung over a cashmere cardie or draped over a smart trouser suit.
Jacket, £135; jeans, £99, both 8-18, Albaray. Cashmere cardigan, £525, 8/10-16/18, Brora. Necklaces, £57 each, Anni Lu. Bag, £69, The White Company. Heels, £89, 4-8, Jones Bootmaker
DRESS THE PART
Springtime finds us emerging from winter hibernation and inundated with invitations – from weddings to Easter gatherings and weekend getaways. Your sartorial solution? Nothing beats the versatility of a dreamy dress, and this is one that you can make as feminine or as tough as you like. It might go against your style instincts, but teaming a sweet frock with black accessories will give it 2024 edge.
Dress, £299, 6-20, L.K.Bennett.
Shoes, £229, 3-9, Pretty Ballerinas
PRECIOUS CARGO
Command attention in a pair of casual cargos – they may just be the perfect spring weekend trouser. ‘Utilitarian’ may be one of the new key trends, but there’s plenty of room for ‘pretty’, too. Look to blush pink to bring a feminine charm to a military-inspired knitted jacket and finish with chic Chanel-esque pumps – it’s almost magical how they can turn eve
