Autumn and winter have always been my preferred seasons; I love winter style and keeping warm on crisp cold mornings with a big fluffy coat and jumpers, and I love when drinking hot chocolate becomes part of my daily routine, even when it gets a little out of control! I think my love for winter might also relate to being a redhead who spends much of summer hiding in the shade. My favourite part of this season is visiting cosy restaurants and cafes with family and friends and exchanging hot cups of tea in our slippers at home. These are little details that I like, but I’m sure many will agree that the best thing about the winter months is simply the privilege of being surrounded by people we love.
However, upon reflection, I think that this year I may have converted to spring. The pandemic has of course touched endless lives in endless ways, and as a result, this winter has been different from any other as the kindest thing we could do was stay apart. That cosy feeling just isn’t the same over Zoom even if that’s the best way many of us can connect right now. My friends and I have been so excited to meet outside on brighter days and have TikTok ‘wine-glass-cake-picnics’ with Pinterest-worthy pictures. I can’t wait to ditch my puffer coat and throw on skirts, shorts, and summer dresses with my girls, although this may feel strange after living in joggers for so long! The simplicity of just being around friends and family is something many of us will cherish as the seasons change and the world begins to open up again.
Image source: Pinterest
Flicking through this month’s Vogue, there are a couple of spring styles I really love! These can be sought out from sustainable and independent brands, which helps to support small businesses and slow fashion. The changing seasons really are about rediscovering old fashion gems you forgot you had during the chilly winter months! Here are a couple of ideas for warm-weather wardrobes or gifts for spring birthdays:
Slouchy/Oversized Suits
I love how androgynous styles have become a fabulous way to express style and femininity and move on from specifically gendered clothing. I think a slouchy blazer in a neutral shade such as beige or white could nicely complement a summery dress or top and keep you warm as the sunsets. The great thing about this trend is that these items are timeless and can be found from second-hand platforms such as Vinted and Depop, as well as charity shops when they open again soon!
Image source: Pinterest
Floral/Colourful Print Dresses
I feel this trend really can be tailored to any individual taste and style – from dainty pastels to bold and vibrant prints. I love how this versatility means we can all express ourselves in different ways. I personally can’t wait to throw on a pastel blue floral slip dress I found on Depop last year. Again, the vintage tone of this trend gives the opportunity to find unique pieces on online second-hand platforms as well as charity shops. I am also loving the ethically produced summer dresses of sustainable fashion brands such as Everlane and People Tree, which create more expensive investment pieces that are kinder to the planet and garment workers.
Image source: People Tree
Bold/Bright Statement Jewellery
Yet another opportunity to express your own personal style and taste, chunky colourful earrings, bracelets, and necklaces can be a great way to elevate your outfit. I like to view my jewelry as something that I discover over time, a collection full of memories. After all, slow fashion is about really valuing the items we have and making them last. There are a couple of independent online businesses and charities that sell some gorgeous jewelry. I recently bought some colourful rings from ‘Panya Jewellery’ on Depop, which were made to order based on my choice of design – one of my favourites is made with tiny, pressed flowers. I also love independent brand ‘Chunky Resin’, who create fun statement jewelry perfect for spring and summer, as well as other items such as cute phone cases and prints! They are reopening online in April. Additionally, Unicef is selling a range of beautiful artisan jewelry online, handcrafted all across the world, with the profits going towards the protection of vulnerable children, an important cause to support through your shopping.
Image source: Pinterest
I hope that as the weather gets warmer you also rediscover some old summer favourites in your wardrobe! Wherever you are this spring, I hope it brings you brighter days spent safely who you love!
Amy Brennan
The Fashion Society
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