We’ve entered that strange fashion no man’s land otherwise known as the twice-yearly “transseasonal” season. We’re still rugging up in this season’s cable knit sweaters (mine is a beloved example from Jac + Jack), while the shop windows are beginning to bloom with spring’s latest offerings. The thought of stripping off in a changeroom to try on a new swimsuit is almost more than most could bear.
by Glynis Traill-Nash
But there are other ways to get a little springtime shopping action and make you feel as if you’re making the transition to warmer months (we’re past the winter solstice, after all): accessories.
Colour wheel
I’ve been banging on about colour for a while now, understandably, and while pastels are going to be huge this summer, bolder brights still have a place and will work with your existing winter wardrobes to give them a little pep.
A bold shoulder bag or tote, for example, is a great day-to-day item. Just add to winter greys, black and navy for an instant lift, such as with this example from Sportsgirl, which is just the right shade of orange sherbet to work with neutrals and the impending pastels.
Jewellery is also a quick fix, and one trend I particularly like is a colourful necklace. Chokers in particular, such as this one from Mimco, look fantastic worn with a buttoned-up shirt, bringing a certain polish to an otherwise casual or work outfit. And don’t stop at the simple white shirt – even better is a black silk shirt.
Metal gurus
For day and night, metallics remain big news, and in particular solid gold, also rose gold, and silver.
A silver clutch (this one from Chanel is a fashion phenomenon) is a charming companion for a night out – especially worn with a classic LBD (Coco would be proud).
And for daytime, a bold metal necklace or cuff, such as this one from Belle Noel, is a great option. There are many styles out there, and also many with rustic or burnished finishes at the moment, but the more streamlined styles will give you greater longevity.
Craft-work
Speaking of things more rustic, there is a real moment for all things hand-crafted at the moment, from fabrics to finishes and accessories with a spin on things “tribal”: think fabrics inspired by batiks from Indonesia and Africa and prints based on South American ikat textiles; the use of natural rope and raffia finishes; handicrafts such as macramé and weaving; and colourful beading.
This is understandably a very broad trend, so approach it from a personal pespective: choose colours that suit your wardrobe, as you’ll find plenty of brights, such as this beaded necklace from Coussinet (above), as well as neutrals, such as this Ralph Lauren bag from Net-a-Porter (below).
And just think, we’ll be discarding those cable knits before we know it.
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