With sustainability at the forefront of the fashion mindset, this season sees an overtone of longevity pervade. Chiming in with the Wardrobe ICONS ethos of forever over fads, designers focused on wearable pieces that balance timeless appeal with contemporary relevance. Closet staples are thrown into the spotlight – think tailoring, shirting, denim and the classic trench coat – with myriad styling refreshes offered. We were also excited to see the championing of beloved summer-box items, such as the romantic white dress and pretty spring blooms. Whether adding to basket or seeking inspiration for how to wear your existing collection, here’s your definitive guide to the new season.
A sartorial cornerstone, denim in all its forms take centre stage this season. From jumpsuits and skirts to shirts and jackets, consider this the perfect moment to rekindle your love for those classic blues. When denim dressing top-to-toe, ensure washes and textures are mixed and matched. Or, take a cue from Stella McCartney and team with sharp tailoring to smart-casual effect.
The classic trench coat has long held ICON status in our wardrobes and is the outerwear item we rely on from now well into summer. So we were delighted to see it elevated on the catwalk. Layered over tailoring and dresses, worn open or belted, expect it to become even harder-working than usual this season. If you’re yet to invest, now’s the time.
Not all prints are created equal and the key to success is to invest in those with a vintage look that won’t date, such as this spring’s pretty blooms. Scattered across easy dress silhouettes, delicate florals dominated the catwalks and spoke to a soft prairie mood. Incorporate them into your wardrobe now and wear right through to autumn.
With the 90s an overarching influence on the spring catwalks, this season sees pared-back, sporty shapes put forward as a way to work everyday dressing. Think simple silhouettes in luxe fabrics and a monochrome palette. Look to The Row, Bottega Veneta and Burberry for styling inspiration, and keep casual pieces elevated with refined tailoring and sleek accessories.
There’s no chicer way to get into a springtime mindset than with an injection of colour, which is why we’re reaching for this season’s hero hue: green. Apply liberally and opt for head-to-toe colour-play, mixing and matching olives, forests, khakis and limes for artful tonal looks. Pair with neutral accessories during the day, switching to clashing hues for an after-dark statement.
Fashion’s preoccupation with tailoring forms a key mood of the new season. Taking influence from the 80s and 90s, silhouettes are relaxed, and realised in a neutral colour palette. Consider this the modern way to power dress and team with sleek leather accessories for the office. Dress down for a polished take on casual wear or break into separates and respin into multiple outfits using existing wardrobe pieces.
A treasured piece in our summer boxes, this season sees the white ruffled blouse deservedly thrust into the fashion spotlight. Our favourite catwalk iterations came from Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson and Chloé, where the warm-weather staple was used to freshen up relaxed tailoring, as a romantic counterpoint to utility pieces and as the perfect parter to summery prints. We’ll be taking their lead and styling ours in myriad ways throughout the season.
Shorts get a renewed fashion focus this season, particularly the longer-length Bermuda. We love the idea of using this piece to freshen up a spring workwear look, teaming a tailored pair with our lightweight blazers and a crisp cotton shirt. Come high summer, switch the blazer for a classic tee and sleek flats for a smart off-duty outfit, or add heeled sandals and statement earrings after dark.
An oft referenced era on the catwalks, the 70s has cemented itself as a true forever trend, meaning it’s a smart one to invest in. Not only that, signature fluid shapes and a flattering colour palette mean it’s also one of the most versatile. Keep outfits the right side of retro by introducing just a nod to 70s spirit by way of bohemian blouses, billowy maxi dresses or oversized sunglasses.
Traditionally autumnal, leather has been rendered springtime ready and reimagined on the catwalks in fresh colourways and summery silhouettes. Our favourite ideas came from Rochas – where bright separates were worn as a clashing two-piece – and McQueen’s sleek white spin on a classic leather jacket. We’ll also be taking a leaf out of Tibi’s book and teaming our leather trousers with a light knit and strappy flat.
Basics are anything but boring. Case in point: the classic men’s shirt. In crisp cotton and oversized, this sartorial classic plays a starring role in new-season outfitting. The chances are you already have this in your arsenal, so now’s the time to play around with styling. Team grandad stripes with paisley prints, à la Etro, or wear a white iteration with tailoring for a polished everyday look.
Harking back to Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic Saharienne collection, this season sees safari-inspired silhouettes realised in sandy tones as a chic way to do utility dressing. Give your existing utility pieces a safari twist with pops of animal print, raffia and braiding. Or make like Max Mara and team khaki co-ords with polished leather accessories.