Much more springlike than a leather biker jacket. Biker cardigans are the perfect expression of the tough-yet-feminine vibe that is fashion’s current obsession. If spending almost £200 on one by cool Swedish label Rika feels like too much of a stretch, then head to Marks & Spencer, which is also big on this look.
Silk biker cardigan, £195, by Rika, 0207-629 3713 Photograph: PR
It sounds incongruous but this is set to be spring’s biggest trend. Already a hit on the front rows at the shows, summer boots will be a retailer’s dream. Blame Isabel Marant, the hip Parisian designer who showed slouchy boots with bare legs on her summer catwalk. On the high street, New Look has it nailed. From peep-toes to military buckles to canvas, this is the place to shop this trend.
Canvas ankle boot, £16, by New Look, newlook.co.uk Photograph: PR
Admit it, you’ve been trying this one out already – or at least preparing for it. Somebody has, because Banana Republic has already sold out of its denim shirt and won’t be restocking. Reiss’s 1971 collection is big on pale denim, as is Uniqlo. Look up Stella McCartney’s spring catwalk show and experiment with the double denim trend once you have some pale denim in your wardrobe.
Jeans, £14.99, by Uniqlo, uniqlo.co.uk Photograph: PR
Otherwise known as the go-to accessory of choice for celebrities in hiding. As endorsed by Cheryl, VB and SJP but, until recently, snubbed by the upper echelons of the fashion community. Now even the front row has succumbed. Don’t buy sunglasses this spring, buy one of these instead.
Raffia trilby, £115 by Helen Kaminski at Matches, matchesfashion.com Photograph: PR
This M&S skirt is a £25 shortcut out of winter. Wear with tights now and the grey jersey will suggest spring; promise yourself that you will wear with bare legs should faux-spring ever become actual spring. A perfect example of M&S channelling Burberry.
Skirt, £25, M&S, marksandspencer.com
Photograph: PR
They’ve been kicking around the pages of Grazia for ages, but thanks to rubbish weather, even if you already have a pair, chances are you haven’t had the opportunity to wear them. We promise you it isn’t too late to fall in with this trend. Whistles has the best selection.
Jogging bottom, £75, by Whistles, whistles.co.uk Photograph: PR
Always around, yes, but get it right and it just works. Ignore anything furry. Leopard on delicate chiffon says you’re on top of spring chic – aim for a print that looks like it has been painted in watercolours rather than anything too realistic.
Blouse, £89, by Reiss, reiss.co.uk Photograph: Jamie/PR
This is a jacket that doesn’t fasten – instead the front ripples down at either side. It’s your new alternative to wearing a chunky knitted cardigan indoors; a pale colour waves bye-bye to winter. We confess that part of the reason we love this New Look version is that its colour is referred to as “prawn cocktail”.
Draped jersey jacket, £22, by New Look, newlook.co.uk Photograph: PR
The style rejects the cold weather, the heavy fabric acknowledges it. If you are under 30 this is the one purchase that tells the world you’ve officially flipped into next season dressing. If you are over 30, and your surname isn’t Moss, beware.
Leather shorts, £103 by IRO at Urban Outfitters, urbanoutfitters.co.uk Photograph: PR
There’s something optimistic about a bouncy, flippy hemline. Again, when worn with tights it manages to signify a whole new season without sacrificing your limbs to the cold. We reckon that wearing a flippy dress now is just about the sartorial equivalent of forcing the rhubarb.
Dress, £110, by Whistles, whistles.co.uk, in stores from 18 March Photograph: PR
