Spring is the perfect season to refine your wardrobe and bring in new pieces that will elevate your look through the season and into summer. Now is the time to incorporate light colours, flowy fabrics, and minimal accessories. Let's look at five timeless items that will elevate your look this season!
1. A Pair of Leather Loafers
As temperatures rise, you might find yourself reaching into your closet for an old pair of sneakers. While there are certain sneaker styles that appear very elegant, leather (or faux leather) loafers will be a staple in your wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and can be taken from the office to dinner. They are also very easy to clean. This is imperative, as dirty shoes of any kind can instantly downgrade even the most put-together outfit. This will be particularly important given the wet conditions we often see in spring.
Start out with a black pair, and then branch out to white, beige, or other colours. This will depend on your personal style and the colours in your wardrobe.
Whichever colour you choose, you'll find that loafers will instantly make your outfits look more classic. Since most styles have flat bottoms, it might be a good idea to use insoles for long-term comfort.
Tip: avoid styles with excessively large buckles or chunky heels, as they will appear to be of lower quality, and are more trendy than timeless. Keeping these factors in mind, you can find quality leather loafers at many different price ranges.
2. A Structured Leather Handbag
When it comes to handbags, there are multiple factors to consider: practicality, size, comfort, style, colour, and many more. A structured handbag serves many purposes - it retains it shape, keeps all your items easily accessible, and complements your outfit rather than detracting from it. It's best to have a few of these - a large tote or briefcase-style one for work or school, a medium-sized one with a shoulder strap for daily errands and outings, and a small shoulder strap one for evenings.
To start out, pick the one that you use most often. Once again, leather (or faux leather) is easy to clean, so it will look new for longer. These types of bags are also much less likely to bulge out or sag if you put a lot of items in them. Colours like black and beige are great choices since they go with almost any outfit. Avoid any large logos or metallic components that are likely to discolour quickly.
3. A Refined Watch
Watches can be incredibly elegant accessories and come in a vast array of designs. Not only can they add to an outfit, but they allow you to check the time discreetly in settings where it may not be appropriate to pull out your phone. Choose a watch that goes well with the rest of your jewellery and that complements your complexion.
Browse through different styles until you find a shape, size, and band style that you like. Metallic bands look clean and tend to show less signs of wear than leather or canvas bands.
Tip: If you wear a fitness watch, try replacing it with an analog watch or a bracelet when going out in the evening, especially to formal events. A metallic band or a bracelet are less likely than a silicone band to clash with a more formal outfit like an evening dress.
4. Short-Sleeved Cashmere Tops
When you experience cold mornings and hot afternoons, it can be hard deciding what to wear. Short-sleeved cashmere tops are a great solution for this. They are enough to keep your core warm while allowing for some cooling in warmer temperatures.
You can get these in neutral colours, as well as in pale greens, blues, and pinks.
Cashmere is a very fine material, and always elevates an outfit if cared for properly. It is incredibly timeless, and a wise investment so long as you maintain it well and wear it for years to come. It is quite a bit more costly than other materials, however. You can get better deals on these items by avoiding big brand-name designers and instead looking at places like Banana Republic or J Crew. If you don't want to invest in cashmere, there are other materials that you can look out for such as viscose blends. Viscose blend sweaters tend to be lightweight and give your outfit a more elegant appearance than something like polyester.
Regardless of which material you choose, short-sleeved tops will be very versatile pieces in your spring wardrobe. Mix and match them with varying pant colours, or even with skirts.
5. Trench Coats in Classic Colours
Wondering what to wear over top of your elegant shirt? A trench coat is the perfect choice for spring. They're light and convenient to take off and carry around if necessary. They come in countless styles and colours, and if needed, you can tailor them to fit you perfectly. Start with the basic neutral colours, then branch out if you'd like. Pale pinks and blues look great in the spring. Make sure that you get a quality coat, as it should last you many years. It doesn't need to be very expensive, but make sure there is good craftsmanship (well-sewn seams, quality material and buttons, etc.).
Black is a great colour choice, as you can even wear it in the fall and into early winter. To add a pop of colour in spring, you can add a thin scarf, or wear it with a skirt, dress, or coloured pants. Keep in mind the colour of your shoes and handbag as well, and don't forget to use the belt when styling it!
There is no better time than spring to revamp your wardrobe and elevate your style. I'll leave you with some actionable steps to take in order to achieve the elegant style you're aiming for this spring:
I. Do some spring cleaning in your closet and donate any clothes that don't make you feel like you're presenting your best self. It can be tempting to keep them 'just in case', but you don't want to fall back on unflattering old clothes on a day when you're short on options or in a hurry.
II. Invest in some of the items on this list (or others you've been eyeing) if you haven't already. When shopping for new items, you must forget any old habits like impulse buying or following trends that don't fit your personal style. Keep some of the criteria you've learned here in mind as you shop. Ask yourself if the item will bring you closer to or farther from your goal of an elevated and elegant wardrobe. Align your shopping decisions with your goals.
III. Have fun experimenting with your items! Mix and match until you find what works for you. There's a lot of nuance and individuality to be found in the elegant style category. Let yourself express your creativity through your outfits!
Yorumlar