Once we hit the March 1 milestone, mentally, I left winter behind and went full throttle into spring. Even if the weather takes some time to catch up, it’s never too early to be experimenting with your new-season looks, and I’ve been putting in the hours, refining my wardrobe for spring so that you can fast-track.
You may have already read our spring/summer 2022 trend report to get the lowdown on the hottest trends to have on your radar this season, but which of these runway looks actually work in reality? I’ve been putting them to the test and started wearing various key items and combinations already, so I’m going to show you which of these new-in ideas have been most successful and how you can adapt them to work for you both on chillier days as well as when the mercury begins to rise.
From a chic way to tap into the ’90s (again!) to the print that works the hardest (and looks the coolest) and the easy trousers I’ll be swapping in for my blue jeans, here is your direct link to what’s fresh. And even better, I’m pretty sure you’ll have some of these pillars hidden away in your closet already, so start that marathon try-on this weekend! Keep scrolling for my favourite spring outfit ideas for 2022.
Now, nothing says carefree more than tie-dye! After several lockdowns over the past two years, 2022 is definitely the year we all want to (cautiously) let our hair down and have fun, and that will be reflected in our wardrobes, too. Tie-dye has previously always been in pastel shades or neon brights, so imagine my delight when I spotted this Mango co-ord.
This grown-up palette of white and brown gives a print that is often associated with festivals and gap years a super-polished and grown-up feel that will work in a multitude of settings and can be worn together or separately to create numerous outfits. I’ve teamed it with my favourite oversized blazer. This textured-wool number from Marcela London not only is heavy enough to keep me warm but also adds unexpected contrast to this summery set. I’ve chosen a pair of mules for an evening look but would add a pair of boots for the day.
It’s been a white since I last wore a pair of cargo pants, and you may remember wearing them from your school days, hanging out in your local skate park (no actual skating was done—well, not by me!), but I think I’ve found my favourite! Cargo trousers or even parachute trousers are everywhere this season in black satin, white cotton canvas, bottle green and more and available in the most statement baggy styles to more tapered commercial shapes like this pair from Zara.
They have an elastic waist that nips in, working best on a pear shape like me. I love how this shiny jacket creates an interesting juxtaposition with something that has more of a utility vibe, and it feels great to be out of my chunky-boot-and-jeans uniform I’ve been wearing all winter. A sock-boot style like this lends itself well to the sporty vibe, whilst the stiletto heel and pointy toe elevate the overall feel.
It might be the endless lockdowns in trackie bums that continue to see the resurgence of super-sharp tailoring and, in particular, ’90s tailoring. This minidress by British label Elzinga is such a great statement piece. It is currently sold out online, so I’ve added an alternative vintage suggestion below.
The brand’s power-shoulder dresses will have you channelling your best Cindy Crawford in a Versace campaign circa 1991. From business meetings to dinners, it can be layered over a polo-neck and tailored trousers or tights with a pair of slingback kitten heels at night. I went for a vintage pair of ’90s gold earrings to finish the look.
Gingham is one of those default trends for spring/summer, but it’s usually seen on voluminous prairie dresses. This gingham jumpsuit is the perfect example of how this print has moved forward this season.
The loose shape of the jumpsuit gives this print a contemporary feel, meaning it isn’t just for casual weekends with the family. Wearing a pair of heels is great for lunch or drinks with my friends, but a piece like this can be worn in many ways. I wear this with a blazer or layered over a polo-neck on chillier days teamed with my favourite white trainers or boots.
Nothing quite says spring has sprung like a pair of white jeans! I love this H&M pair—the high waist and wide leg are super flattering. Now, you might be thinking that white jeans aren’t exactly a groundbreaking spring purchase, but they are the easiest way to instantly inject your wardrobe with some spring vibes, and this season, we have moved away from the default skinny-leg shape, and instead, it’s all about wide-leg jeans in traditional stiffer denim.
Of course, choosing a shape will depend on what works for your body shape, and there are many alternatives both with or without elastane. I have a small waist but wider hips, so I find stretcher fabrics are a better fit. An oversized striped shirt always creates a fresh springtime look, but I’ve layered mine over this camel polo and turned up the cuffs. Tucking it in at the front will accentuate your waist, and I’ve teamed it all with a pair of gold cowboy boots. If gold isn’t your thing, just be sure to go for a pointed toe shoe, as this will help elongate legs.
Next up, the best capsule for spring.
