With the advent of online shopping, my three favourite words of affection are no longer, “I love you,” but now “add to basket.” As Wordsworth penned in ‘Daffodils’, his ode to Spring: “And then my heart with pleasure fills”. In my case, replace the vibrant, yellow flowers for shops to experience true joy. But it comes at a cost, so like the poet, I wandered lonely as a cloud through the high street to find five perfect transitional pieces for Spring below £30. The temptation to buy upon impulse is strong, resulting in too much throwaway fashion, albeit bagged up for charity to recycle. So, arduously sticking to budget, here are five pieces that will complement any outfit.
1. The Versatile Vest Top
Cotton Rich Ribbed Slim Fit Vest Top | M&S Collection | M&S (marksandspencer.com)
Vest tops are a key transitional item for any age. Great for layering, they can add a splash of colour to any fit. A Marks & Spencer ribbed cotton tank is a bargain at £8.50. For eco-conscious shoppers, M&S have succeeded in converting 100% of the cotton used in their clothing to be sourced through Better Cotton or with Organic and Recycled certifications. The vests are offered in a delicious feast of hues from electric blue, turquoise, scarlet, candy pink, chocolate to simple black or white which is truly timeless, and they wash really well.
2. Dashing In Denim With Wide Leg Jeans
Petite Blue High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans | River Island
Light Blue Pull On Bootcut Jeans | New Look
Samantha Remer is a denim stylist and founder of ilovejeans.com, A Denim Blog. She told me, “I’m always on the lookout for denim styles that excite and look fresh for the coming season. River Island denim is definitely on my list for denim Spring must-haves. They offer a petite, plus & regular collection with different leg lengths. Check your measurements against their sizing chart to get the best fit.” If you are happy to stretch the budget a little, River Island offers a high waisted wide leg, which although a bit dearer, can take you into Autumn too. But sticking to budget, Samantha says, “For a brilliant dupe of the sold-out Spanx jeans, check out New Look’s pull-on boot-cut jeans at £24.99, available in 3 colour ways.” So you can sashay like a catwalk queen and not go bankrupt.
3. Return Of The Mac
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1259401001.html
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1250175004.html
All fashionistas know that the weather can impact the look, and an April shower can devastate the best blow dry. Be prepared and use layers. Choose a lightweight jacket to keep you warm on a cooler day and add drama to a plain outfit. A detective mac Columbo style (remember him?) will work wonders.
I spoke to Hayley Korn, of StyleMeHayley, (www.stylemebyhayley.co.uk) who advised, “Trenches are timeless and perfect for this time of year – a great transitional piece that you can wear year in, year out. To update this look, choose a cropped or denim version like these fabulous H&M jackets for under £30 that can be the focal point of a capsule transitional wardrobe and works for all shapes and sizes.”
4. The Swooshy Maxi Skirt
Buy Green/Pink Flower Print 100% Cotton Tiered Maxi Skirt from the Next UK online shop
Keep a long, floaty skirt ready to whip out for drinks in the beer garden. Aesthetically on-point for Instagram-worthy photo moments with your friends, clinking a glass of wine next to a glorious cherry blossom tree (but avoid if you have bad hay fever). Check out NEXT who are offering a 100% cotton tiered floral maxi skirt at just £28. Team this up with a pink or white vest, a denim jacket and you are ready for day adventures or evening soirées.
5. Funky And Fresh Feet
Buy SKECHERS Women’s Bobs Extra Cute Canvas Trainers White (mandmdirect.com)
For strolling into Spring, contemporary and comfortable shoes are a must. White trainers add a cool, fresh vibe to any outfit whether in the office, WFH or a special day out. There are many dupes on the market, not requiring you to take a bank loan. M&M are offering a pair of white canvas Skechers Bobs for £29.99. Skechers have the bonus of feeling like you are walking in the clouds, so as long as the sky is blue, it’s a win-win.
These pieces will ensure you carry off your seasonable style with confidence, comfort and panache. Moreover, you won’t be maxing out your credit card. The only maxi to concern you is your floral skirt.
Finally, a cheeky sixth item. A signature tee from a new brand I found on Instagram. Luce and Bear was founded by Yorkshire sisters Clare and Lucy Bulmer who were recently nominated for a ‘Woman Who Achieves Award.’ This seasonal piece from their collection is £27 (Flower Power Tee (luceandbear.co.uk). With its floral and edgy decal, it’s perfect with those wide jeans from New Look.
It’s all here – flower power, divine denim, sustainable cotton, trendy trainers, affordable prices and women who achieve. All in all, an affordable and fun seasonal shopping spree to spruce up your wardrobe.
Words by Monique Hershkorn
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