It’s Springtime! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming. Time to emerge from our winter hibernation bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (or if you’re an allergy sufferer, watery-eyed and red-nosed! The struggle is real, am I right?!) We’re ready to shed those thermals and woollen socks and get some much-needed sunlight onto our skin. Let’s look at some trends and tips that will put a spring in our step as we head into the new season!
1. Colour me happy
A trend has emerged called ‘Dopamine Dressing’, which centres on the theory that wearing certain colours can promote a sense of well-being and boost mood. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, released in the brain that makes us feel good. There aren’t any formal scientific studies confirming the validity of this ‘Dopamine Dressing’ trend, but it can’t hurt to give it a go. Bright colours like hot pink and warm orange are generally considered part of this trend, as well as more subdued colours like pale green. It’s often not about the colour itself but the associations we have with that colour as individuals. For one person, red may represent passion and adventure, and help that person feel more confident, while for another person, blue, which is sometimes associated with peace and serenity, may be just the calming colour they need. So leave behind those wintry neutral tones, and colour yourself happy!
2. These are a Few of My Favourite Things
One tip is to think about your favourite outfits or wardrobe pieces – the ones you tend to wear often or most look forward to wearing on special occasions. What colours are these outfits? What textures or fabrics are they? What do you love most about these? See what stands out to you from these favourites and incorporate more of that into your style this spring!
3. Pretty in Pastels
Pastels might make you think of 1950s fashion catalogues, but they are still very much trending seventy years on! Soft hues of pink and lilac can be very feminine and flattering, while pastel yellow or mint green can feel fresh and cheery. Pair contrasting or complementary pastel colours together for a soft look, or try mixing pastels with denim or white for a stronger look.
4. Springtime Blooms
Floral blooms are always perfect for spring fashion. Try big, busy floral prints for a colourful, bold look. For something more subtle, opt for a small print on a plain coloured background. Most importantly, go for prints that appeal to you and you feel comfortable wearing. If you’re wearing a floral print dress or pants, keep the other elements of your outfit plain solid colours to avoid the prints clashing with each other.
5. Bag yourself a cross-body bag
Cross-body bags go over one shoulder to rest across your body. They are super handy because they keep your hands free. Match your bag to your style of outfit – a floaty dress or casual outfit may work well with a fabric or woven bag, whereas a more business-style corporate outfit can look sharp with a briefcase-style bag or structured leather-look bag.
6. Sneak in Some More Colour
Aussies seem to love their coloured sneakers. Gone are the days when this practical, comfortable footwear only came in two shades: white, or brown (which was really just the white sandshoes having turned brown after too many wears and not enough cleans). I’m a huge fan of pink, blue, neons and metallic colours in my personal sneaker collection, but anything goes! My one side note for this trend is that some occasions still require more formal footwear. Cousin Delia’s wedding may not be the place to wear your new lime green trainers. A classic heel or dressy sandals would be a safer option, or ballets flats which are experiencing quite a comeback. Also, some clubs and venues still have strict rules around footwear, so if you’re unsure, call ahead or opt for the dress-shoes over the sneakers.
7. Go Big with Jewellery
The big, chunky jewellery trend is a fun one! There are some really unique, unusual pieces out there that can dress up an outfit and start a conversation (which can be handy for those social gatherings where you don’t know anyone – like cousin Delia’s wedding!) Think rings, bracelets, bangles, and necklaces, or maybe even consider an ornate brooch. Large, coloured beads are very popular right now, as are oversized pearls. Jewellery with large stones is also trending, which is good news for those of us who love our gemstones and crystals. I have a pre-loved Amazonite crystal ring which is ready to sparkle this spring!
8. Let’s Weather the Weather Together
It’s tempting to immediately trade the woollens for lighter fabrics like silk and cotton, but beware making the move too quickly! It’s still cold here in Sydney and will be for a while yet, so dress for the weather. For warmth, use the layering approach: something underneath, and something over. Scarves and lightweight coats and jackets will be your friends while the cool weather lingers a little longer. We’re in for a rainy season ahead, so buy that bright new brolly you had your eye on and keep it handy in your cross-body bag.
9. Step Outside Your comfort Zone
If this heading made you immediately recoil in horror, hear me out for a moment. I dislike change. I find it anxiety-provoking at the best of times and panic-inducing at the worst of times. I’m not for one moment suggesting you upturn your entire wardrobe or completely change your hairstyle or any other extreme idea that you don’t wish to do. We’re living in unprecedented, uncertain times and we have experienced enough stepping-outside-of-comfort-zones to last us a lifetime! The change I’m suggesting is much less extreme and hopefully more enjoyable, like sampling a new flavour of gin at the markets. Try wearing something you usually don’t wear. Do you mostly wear pants but have a skirt in your wardrobe that you haven’t gotten around to wearing? Take it out for a spin! Are you a monochromatic or solid colour dresser? Try a print or pattern to mix it up! If you’re still feeling unsure, start small by wearing your new style to go grocery-shopping or to have coffee with a friend. If you’re ready for something bigger, trial your new look for a special occasion. Clothing hire collections are very helpful for this, as you can decide whether you want to try that look again or move on to something else without the hassle of having to store or re-home an unwanted outfit. Who knows, you may just find a new look you love!
10. To Top it Off
Tank tops, especially plain ones, are everywhere at the moment. These tops are versatile and will be useful wardrobe staples as the warmer spring months arrive. Tank tops are easy to style with skirts, jeans or shorts, and can be layered with cardigans, jackets, and capes when you need some extra warmth. That statement chunky necklace will also really stand out against a plain tank top!
So there you have it! Ten ideas to think about as you fashion your own spring style.
Feel fabulous, always.
Billie
