Five Simple Ways to Refresh Your Spring Wardrobe for the New Season
With the clocks moving forward and the days growing longer, spring has officially arrived, bringing a renewed sense of optimism and a perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe. As the weather cooperates with warmer air and brighter skies, it's time to embrace quick and easy updates that can transform your aesthetic without requiring a complete overhaul or a hefty budget. Gone are the days of spending entire afternoons trawling the high street; instead, focus on simple, affordable additions that will leave you feeling seasonally fresh and stylishly on-trend.
This spring, sartorial trends are heavily influenced by nineties nostalgia, thanks in part to cultural touchstones like Love Story, while the Parisian cool girl aesthetic continues to flood social media feeds and shape footwear choices. French fashion, timeless as ever, seems to particularly shine during this time of year. Here are five practical ways to spring-set your wardrobe now, ensuring you step into the season with confidence and flair.
1. Invest in a White Tailored Shirt
A classic for a reason, there's truly no spring staple quite like an oversized, well-tailored white collared shirt, which channels full Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy energy. We recommend options from With Nothing Underneath, a female-founded brand beloved by celebrities such as Meghan Markle, Florence Pugh, and Emily Ratajkowski. To avoid a corporate look, pair your shirt with a colourful, fitted high-waisted maxi skirt in bright block colours like deep blues, earthy greens, or egg yolk yellows. Accessorise with black ballet flats and oval sunglasses for a chic yet simple ensemble that exudes springtime elegance.
2. Experiment with Cycling Shorts
Forget about actual cycling; this trend is purely aesthetic. Knee-length, tight-fitted cycling shorts lend a new yet retro feel to spring looks, elevating otherwise standard outfits. Wear them under your white shirt for a twist on office wear, or pair them with an oversized graphic T-shirt and a double-breasted blazer for something more unconventional. Opt for non-Lycra options, such as leopard print from Ganni or versatile black lace cycling shorts from Zara, which offer a girl-meets-goth vibe. This update echoes last spring's lace skirt obsession, but remember to wear a long-ish top or, at the very least, knickers for comfort and style.
3. Shoes Should Be Scarlet
Red shoes are having a significant moment this season, especially when paired with neutral tones like gunmetal greys, taupes, black, or white. Cherry red footwear is the quickest way to inject joy into a springtime look, balancing walkability with statement-making appeal. Lace-up ballet flats are an excellent option, offering more stability than classic ballet shoes; find great choices at M&S. For those with a larger budget, consider VIVAIA mary jane shoes, Aeyede, or the delightful red velvet espadrilles from Penelope Chilvers, as seen on Zoey Deutch at the Dior menswear show in Milan.
4. Slip into Your Dresses
Slip dresses, heavily influenced by 1990s fashion, are the ultimate springtime trend, exemplified by Zoe Kravitz at the Golden Globes and Sarah Pigeon as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Disney's Love Story. Find loose-fitting versions in high street shops to wear over long-sleeved fitted T-shirts for a casual look, or channel your inner CBK by wearing a slip dress with nothing but loafers and oval sunglasses on a balmy day. Calvin Klein offers great options from its 90s-inspired collection, timed perfectly with Love Story, while those with more to spend can admire the lace silk slips at Simone Rocha.
5. Dive into the Trenches
Trench coats remain a forever spring essential due to their lightweight feel and versatility, but today's versions are elevated by fit, pattern, and shape. We loved the belted Burberry option worn as a dress by supermodel Erin O'Connor at the brand's autumn/winter 2026 show, featuring a wide flute skirt and double-breasted buttons. For a similar look at a smaller price tag, check local secondhand shops in affluent areas or venture to Sezane for its signature Clyde coat, which comes in an oversized style with a checked interior. Barbour's belted corduroy trenches and Topshop's offerings are also excellent choices for a stylish spring update.
