New season time always brings on an opportunity to give the wardrobe a good clear out making way for the new. But before you become too ruthless, spare a thought for some of your old winter favourites and use my top tips for revamping a few fashion staples in time for spring.
Boyfriend Blazer
Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £60 by Topshop
The slightly over-sized, longer line jacket of winter was a God-send for hiding hips and bottom. Rather than teaming it with black trousers and top, this season wear it with white jeans and top or over pretty dresses for a slightly rock-chick look.
Metallic top
Embellished Top, £80 Oasis
The party season may have passed but adding a touch of night time glamour to day wear still lives on. Shimmering, slightly sparkling tops look great teamed with jeans or light weight trousers and keep the eye line firmly on the upper half of your body if you self conscious of your hips and thighs.
Tea Dress
Jersey dress, £45 Oasis
The pretty 1940’s tea dresses that have been in for some time are still highly popular for this season. These dresses are incredibly flattering on any body shape as they nip in just under the bust before flaring out, skimming over hips and thighs. Whether yours is plain, floral or ditzy printed, lose the tights and court shoes and go barelegged with wedges for an instant update.
Trench Coat
Mac, £90 Topshop
Tipped to be the number one spring essential, it has been a fashion classic for years due to its incredibly forgiving fitted and flared shape that works on any figure. Treat yours to a dry clean to give it a refresh and exchange the sash belt for that all important waist cinching slim tan belt for an instant 2010 revamp.
Kitten Heels
Kitten Heels, £55 Dune
At long last heels are coming down in height! Kitten heels are the new shoe shape on the block and if you dig far enough into the back of your wardrobe, there should be a pair lurking there! With just that small amount of heel to elevate the legs, they help calves and ankles appear slim and shapely which is far more flattering than a pair of flatties.
Pretty Camisole
Camisole, Odille at House of Fraser, £10
Buried at the bottom of every woman’s underwear drawer is always a pretty little camisole. Swap wearing it with the tuxedo jacket from winter to teaming under the boyfriend jacket with a pair of jeans or linen pants for a modern take on femininity. A little lace trim around the neckline is perfect for keeping the eye line up and away from troublesome tums.
Tulip Skirt
Blue Linen skirt by Betty Jackson Black at Debenhams, £35
The tulip skirt is still sticking firm this spring but is slightly more forgiving than in the past by coming in draping soft silks and cottons that are great for crafting the illusion of a tiny waist. Wear with belt to really emphasise a shapely figure and team with a simple white shirt, statement jewellery and obligatory trench coat.
Statement Necklace
Roman Shield Necklace, Accessorize, £20
Still the most useful item in any women’s jewellery box for transforming the most simplest of outfits into something outstandingly chic, this season is no exception. Bring out the large gold and silver necklaces rather than the multi coloured gem stones to compliment the softer colours of the season and create interesting detail and texture on the upper half of your body.