Whether you’re a staunch minimalist, a proud lover of colour or have a penchant for print, spring is one of those seasons that unites everyone with its fashionable optimism. Dresses emerge from storage, winter coats are swapped for lighter jackets and sandals even make their first tentative appearance. For us, March is typically the month that signals this sartorial changing of the guard, and right on cue, all of our favourite stores have just started dropping their new-season collections. Which brand is at the top of our list? It has to be Whistles.
A true stalwart of the Brit fashion scene, Whistles is one of the few stores that has remained consistent over the last few years, sticking to its original design DNA and solving every fashion dilemma life throws at us. (Weddings? Check. Weekend casual? Check.) Of course, it has always been a Who What Wear go-to for well-made staples such as T-shirts, jeans and knits, but this season has really seen the brand stepping into new-season trends in a way that keeps longevity in mind. For example, the brand’s spring suede jackets certainly feel fresh with their boxy fit and fun colourways, but they’re also the sort of pieces that will look just as good in 10 years’ time.
As usual, we Who What Wear editors are here to guide you through the new season, cutting the collections down to digestible chunks that you can pick and choose from to suit your needs and personal style. We have all the bases covered. Editor Emma Spedding, contributor Marissa Martins and I have put together some looks for you below, and between Emma’s timeless gingham midi dress, Marissa’s sharp shirting and my feel-good tie-dye prints, there’s sure to be a piece you’ll fall in love with. Scroll down to see and shop our edit of the best bits from Whistles’s spring drop.
“I thought I owned enough spring dresses to last me a lifetime… until I tried on this midi dress. I quite simply love every single thing about it: the punchy lime colour, the shirred waist, the bow details on the sleeves, how the skirt sits just above the ankle. I could keep going. Well played, Whistles. You have created my dream spring dress.”
“This tie-dye shirt is part of a co-ord set from the Limited Collection, which is a tight edit of really special items that always sell out quickly thanks to the smaller production run. I hear the Whistles staff is all on standby, ready to purchase this co-ord. As much as I loved the head-to-toe look, I decided to style this boxy shirt with the iconic barrel-leg jeans and chunky flip-flops. When it comes to styling, I tend to mix one statement item with more pared-back classic pieces as I’ve done here. It’s an easy way to make a bold print feel more accessible.”
“I’m not usually a tie-dye fan, but there’s something about the boxy, utilitarian fit of this jumpsuit that balances out any bohemian associations. It’s the perfect trans-seasonal, throw-on piece, especially when layered under Whistles’s cropped suede jacket. All it needs is a cinching leather belt and platform sandals, and I’m good to go.”
“I’m a total sucker for a suede jacket (if you haven’t noticed already), and this oversized style is just what I want to throw over jeans and a jumper on cooler spring days. I’m wearing a size small here, and it’s quite baggy, so I would recommend sizing down if you’re petite or prefer a closer fit. I’ve continued the retro vibes by styling the jacket with a patchwork knit and white jeans.”
“This is such a great look for summer and the perfect colour pallet for any occasion. I like outfits that look effortless and put-together, so adding a plain T-shirt and minimalistic sandals really completes the look. My favourite piece has to be the blazer. I love the colour and the fit, and it’s definitely a piece that would go with everything.”
“I chose this outfit because I wanted a look that was versatile and could be worn repeatedly. I think these two pieces were made for each other. The contrast between the fit of the jeans and the shirt is perfect. Plus, I like the shirt’s relaxed and oversized fit.”
“Summer is all about comfort, so I gravitated towards this set as soon as I saw it in the summer collection. It has such a beautiful colour, and I love how it fits. Also, co-ords can solve styling problems in one fell swoop. I wanted the set as the focal point for the look, so I paired it with minimalistic accessories.”
