Words by Danielle Whiteman
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With spring still a little way off in the distance, we asked Holly’s stylist, Danielle Whiteman, how we can freshen up our wardrobes to take us through these last few weeks of winter.
Every year at about this time, we start catching glimpses of spring and find ourselves wishing it to be here. I am such a spring/summer girl, I feel like I’m literally crawling to the winter finish line at this point. For me, spring brings a longed-for reset – both mentally and physically – but with a few more weeks of winter to go, there are ways to freshen up the wardrobe you’ve been working with for months without having to buy a whole knew one!
You really don’t have to spend a fortune to feel like you’ve multiplied your outfit options. The biggest thing to remember is that you already have the wardrobe basics to work with, it’s just a question of investing in a few pieces that can be worn multiple ways to instantly update your look. Given that there are currently so many new, trend-led pieces to choose from, here are my 6 ‘must-haves’ for your winter wardrobe refresh.
1. The Tan Bag
In my opinion, an accessory swap is the easiest way to update your look. A great tan tote is a quick way to add some lightness to your wardrobe. Opting for a tan leather bag with some structure to give your look cleaner lines, will make it all look more expensive.
Try replacing your trusty, black, leather tote with this Mango, Short Handle Shopper, £49.99. I also love this Wolf & Badger, Woven Zig Zag Tan Leather Viviana Bag, £100. The tan woven leather (that will only get better with time) is a nice alternative to the casual wicker bag, making it the perfect ‘work’ bag.
2. The Ballet Pump
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, the ballet pump is back! Given that it’s almost time to ditch the winter boot, there can be no better time to invest in a ballet pump. Go for one with a cross strap to break up the length, particularly if you have larger feet. I think it’s a cute detail for such a simple shoe.
Pair with a vintage wash denim for the perfect mix of feminine and masculine dressing. I love these classic John Lewis, Vagabond Shoemakers Delia Leather Flat Mary Janes, £90 for a ‘Parisian chic’ vibe. I would suggest sticking to classic black for wearability but for an alternative colour, these Zara, Ivory Leather Ballet Flats, £45.99 are lovely.
3. The Retro Trainer
The classic, retro trainer is a trend that continues to display true staying power and most of us will undoubtedly have a pair kicking about at the bottom of our wardrobe.
The major players for wearability are the Adidas, Samba OG W, £90 and the Adidas, Gazelle Indoor Sneaker, £90. Both styles look awesome when paired with tailoring, vintage denim or a feminine floral dress.
I love the look of a tailored suit paired with an Adidas Samba for that quiet luxury look – or when paired with sporty separates like track pants and a fine knitted cardigan. Click here for my pick of the best trainers of 2024.
4. The Cargo Jacket
Milder days mean it’s time to ditch your winter coat for a lighter option and the utility jacket is massive for spring. Where 2023 was the year of the cargo trouser, 2024 is the year of the cargo jacket.
There are so many options on the High Street, with both casual and formal options. I love this super casual, slouchy Mango, Worn Effect Parka, £89.99. It’s a great 90s throwback piece, that will take you from now, through spring, summer and even into autumn! Keep it casual with a simple t-shirt and jeans, or pair with a feminine dress for a classic grunge vibe.
If a more tailored look is your thing, I love this Massimo Dutti, Short Trench Coat with Back Pleat, £149. It’s a hybrid between a trench coat and a utility jacket and given that Massimo Dutti always produces brilliant tailoring with an edge, you can’t go wrong.
5. The Cardigan
Layering is key for our unpredictable British weather, especially during a change in the seasons. Simple, but stylish, the cardigan is still a front runner in the wardrobe department. Parisian-style cardigans are my go-to for that laid back, but put-together (with careful consideration) look.
Keep it simple or go for a thicker knit that’s more structured with pocket detail like this Sézane, Navy Betty Cardigan, £130 or Zara’s, Off-White Knit Cardigan with Golden Buttons, £35.99. Keep your look tonal with similar tone denim – ideally vintage wash – layered with a tee and paired with ballet pumps or loafers… très chic.
6. The Co-ord
A co-ord screams spring to me. With spring comes colour and lightness, and a coloured suit is the epitome of that. I know a suit can be more of an investment piece, but bear in mind that whilst it brings a whole, put-together look, it also gives you separates that can be styled differently and individually.
New Look have the perfect purse-friendly suit in such a cool, blue hue – great for the office or worn casual with trainers and graphic tee. New Look, Blue Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £42.99, New Look, Blue Pleat Wide Leg Trousers, £29.99
I also love this Sezane camel tailored suit for the ultimate cool girl cut. Again, dress down with a tee and loafers or with a pretty blouse or simple shirt to take you from work to the bar. Sézane, Dan Camel Trousers, £130, Sézane, Romane Camel Jacket, £190.
Now off you go and enjoy the last few weeks of winter.
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Danielle Whiteman
Stylist
@danniiwhiteman
