Don’t you just hate that that sinking feeling when you realise you have made the wrong choice in attire and will suffer for it because the weather lady on the news got it wrong? This seems to be a more likely occurrence during this time of the year as spring is notorious for its dramatic weather changes. From a gust of wind, to surprising showers, to clear skies and a beautiful rainbow. The springtime weather can make it a real struggle on what to wear in the morning. As a result, I have put together a go-to spring staples list to help me dress with ease; with the assurance that I won’t regret my outfit choice.
As always, you should take into account your personal style aesthetic as well as your lifestyle and wardrobe needs. It is likely that your essentials may look different than mine. Moreover, I strongly encourage that you put together your own personal style essentials. I hope that by sharing my own crucial classics, you can find inspiration and widen your sartorial knowledge to help you curate your own conquerors closet.
Here are my top 5 wardrobe essentials to take me through the spring season in style.
Beige Trench Coat
The beige trench coat is perhaps the most important wardrobe staple, along with the iconic LBD. They are the perfect coat for the transitional seasons when the weather is more unpredictable. Therefore, it was a no brainer that this famous piece made it into my top 5 spring staples.
The charm of the trench coat is that it will forever be a timeless investment. Like all classic pieces, it is versatile in its styling. Easily working with almost any outfit you throw together and will never go out of trend. The trench will look just as great on you at 20 years old as it will when you are 60 years old. Opting for a neutral shade is the recommended choice ,as colour is just as important as the garment itself in terms of timelessness. Along with black and white, beige comes on top in classic style.
If I am ever in doubt on what to wear during spring time (or autumn), I simple reach for my beige trench. Knowing that it will work with whatever outfit I’m wearing and will instantly elevate my look to ultimate sophistication.
White Blouse
A crisp white shirt is one of the more important wardrobe staples for any timeless closet. It has the power to make you feel fresh no matter what, and the versatility of this piece makes it a go-to for any occasion. Moreover, a white blouse can just about go with anything and has the ability to be dressed up or down with just a touch of style savviness. Finally, the white top is easy to layer and thus, works well for spring when temperatures fluctuate.
To the untrained eye, the white blouse may look rather boring in its simplicity. However, this wardrobe staple comes in so many various shapes and designs, that there truly is a style for everyone. This is the true beauty of the white button up. As I adore Victorian inspired fashion and love to ooze romance in my personal style, I knew that I needed a blouse with frilly detailing. Fortunately, one of my favourite brands, Dabuwawa, must have heard my calls because they designed this charming white shirt that also features buttons resembling pearls. (Another love of mine.) Moreover, I know that Dabuwawa always provide high quality clothing. Consequently, I know that anything I purchase from them will result in a durable piece that will last years and still look brand new.
Pink Vegan Bucket Bag
I find that as soon as it starts to get warmer, there is a sudden urge to only carry around small, light bags. Spring weather is notoriously unpredictable in the U.K and as a result, I find that my bag needs to work . The last thing I want is to be lugging around a large bag. Therefore, my Spring bag needs to be light and airy in it’s design and functionality. This is where the charming bucket bag comes in. A wardrobe classic that is endlessly practical and can happily store all your essentials. The bucket bag usually comes with a crossbody strap as well. Making it the perfect versatile accessory for spring.
The bucket bag works wonderfully all year round and crosses easily from Spring to Summer. Generally in the Spring time I prefer to use the chic bracelet top handles for a more ladylike vibe. When the weather hits higher temperatures, I find that I want to carry less around with me. This is when the crossbody strap comes in and keeps my hands free of bag holding.
It has taken me quite some time to find the perfect bucket bag for me. After turning vegan three years ago, I ventured out on a search for a high quality, vegan bucket bag that was classically designed. However, I just couldn’t find the one. Fortunatly, my favourite bag brand, Inyati, answered my bucket bag problems and designed the most beautiful bucket bag that ticked all my necessary boxes. I discovered Inyati through a gifted collaboration last year and have since invested in two of their bags due to being so impressed with the
craftsmanship. Each bag is made with premium vegan leather and every stitch is carefully constructed to create a durable bag that will last you for years. (Providing you look after it of course.)
Unsurprisingly, this bucket bag is by no means an exception. Not only is the quality top notch but this particular bucket bag comes with a zip fastening. Most bucket bags are usually designed with a simple tie fastening. However, as a city girl whom likes to travel a lot, I find this to be unsafe. This is because it is easy for the closure to loosen or for a stranger on the street to rob you whilst you remain oblivious. I personally believe that every bag should be designed with a functional fastening that is safe and secure and this seems to be a huge con for the average bucket bag. Therefore, I think that the Inyati version really surpasses other bucket bags on the market. They have instead, designed the bag so that the typical bucket bag strap function is a simple design detail.
I purchased this bag in Dusty Rose as it fits in with my Spring wardrobe colour palette. However, in typical Inyati-fashion, this design comes in a variety of classically chic colours. Another reason why I love this brand is that they design timeless bags that will stand the tests of time in terms of trends. I am certain that this minimal bucket bag will remain a true classic in my wardrobe, season after season.
Tie-waist trousers
Tie-waist trousers are one of my new favourite wardrobe staples. Although most suggest the cigarette style to be the ultimate crucial classic, I went for the peg leg to try something new. Whilst I do agree that the cigarette trouser is an important piece to invest in, I just couldn’t stay away from this ultra high-waisted style. I find it rare for modern fashion to walk down the 1950’s high-rise road so when I find a piece that mirrors this, I jump on it instantly.
The reason why I adore tie-waist trousers so much is that you essentially hit that sweet spot of casual but put together. A balance that I admire but find difficult to achieve.
The spring season doesn’t always abide to darling dresses and I find jeans are a little unforgiving during this time of year. Hence why tie-waist trousers works as the perfect springtime piece. Regardless of the top you choose, this classic staple will instantly elevate your look to one of sophistication.
Nude T-Bar Heels
I have been on, what has felt to be, the longest journey to find the perfect t-bar heels to add to my wardrobe. You can imagine my elation when I found the perfect black pair which also subsequently came in nude too! If it couldn’t get any better, they were from the M&S Vegan shoe collection. A source I know will guarantee high quality, durable heels that are not only comfortable but priced at at a very affordable point. (This special style moment made that long wait seem worth it.)
The T-bar heel is a chic, vintage twist on the classic pump. If you have flat or narrow feet, or skinny ankles like myself then this is the perfect alternative. My personal problem with the iconic pump is that I can’t find any that fit my feet properly. As a result, I find myself falling out of them which isn’t a healthy risk when it comes to high heels. Fortunately, this has worked out for the best as I find that the T-bar heel is just as classic and feels more me. Moreover, they are honestly the most comfortable pair of heels I have owned. I have never been able to wear a pair of heels all day without at least feeling some soreness on my feet. Therefore, I cannot recommend them high enough.
On another note, up until the end of last year, I have always hated pointed toes. Whenever I have seen pointed shoes Cruella De Vil would instantly come to mind. As a result, I found myself instantly making the connection between pointed shoes and some villainous character. However, I found my perception changing and whilst I love a rounded toe design, pointed shoes ooze maturity and sophistication.
In conclusion, spring dressing is all about light weight fabrics and simple layering. It is essentially about finding the right balance of keeping warm if the sun decides to hide away, but also having the option to take a layer or two off if the sun choses to come back. This is what I have achieved through my 5 spring essentials which acts as a formula for other outfits this season. Making it easy to dress for such a challenging time of the year. As a result, I highly recommend discovering your own spring essentials list so you have a guide to putting together seasonal appropriate outfits.
In terms of colour palette I have recently realised that my outfits are subconsciously inspired by my surroundings. As springtime is filled with Blossom, my outfit reflects this with soft pinks and light whites. Perhaps I’m trying to be a flower? Regardless, I find that using nature, of the season, really helps guide my style choices and ensures a safe investment. With all this said, spring is also a great time of the year to get creative with your attire. Don’t be afraid to layer up or choose a darker colour palette if that is where your personal preferences take you. Your style should always be a reflection of who you are, regardless of the season.
What are your spring staples?
* Whilst the bag in this post was not gifted to me I have previously worked with this company, INYATI. Please note that I will never work with a brand that I do not believe in and I will always share my honest, genuine thoughts.
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