After a record winter freeze, we’re all waiting with baited breath for the arrival of warmer days and longer nights. With the official start of spring just around the corner, fans of fashion will be pleased to know that it’s that time of year again to refresh your wardrobe. Yet, where the smell of springtime in the air would normally have us running to make seasonal purchases, the effects of the current global crisis mean that many of us need to be more careful with our money.
It isn’t all doom and gloom though. The good people of the fashion world are feeling the effects of the sad economic situation too, which is why this season is all about wearability! Fortunately, for us normal folk this translates as being able to incorporate those items we already have with the key looks of the season.
Springtime is especially suited to wearability as it’s that time of year when it’s not quite hot enough to pull out those shorts and sundresses, but not quite cold enough to have to invest in a winter coat. Hence it lends itself to lots of layering to keep out that night time chill. If you are keeping an eye on the pennies, this is a perfect excuse to reuse some of your autumn and winter items to create a new look.
One great example of the ease of this ready to wear style is that it encourages us to mix the textures and colours in our wardrobes. This means you shouldn’t be afraid to pair a floral summer dress with a longer cardigan or woolly tights, or a lightweight jacket with a mini and boots. Underwear as outerwear is another key look for this season, so experiment with layering corsets over dresses, or wearing satin slips over leggings. It’s all about blending styles, so this is a great opportunity to utilise your existing clothing collection to the full.
If you are planning to splurge on a couple of items, think carefully before you make a rash purchase and instead opt for investment pieces that will see you through future seasons. With designers reacting to our economic needs, there are more ‘I could wear that’ items than ever on the high street to choose from. New look, for example, has a great range of very versatile women’s dresses and jeans that will carry through to the summer months. Look for classic lines and , and if you have to think about whether a gold Lycra all in one body suit will be fashion in next season, don’t buy it!
If you do want to treat yourself to a few frivolous things, look for smaller, inexpensive accessories that are bang on trend now, but can be discarded without too much heartbreak at the end of the season. Knee high socks are all the rage at the moment, and teamed with a pair of structured boyish shorts, are the cheapest and fastest way to ensure your wardrobe is brought right up to date.