As much as I love to shop (which comes with the territory of being a shopping editor), I want to cut back on unnecessary purchases. When each season rolls around, two things are inevitable: 1) There will be a drastic change in weather, and 2) the shops will be full of exciting new purchases, so my usual instinct is to pack away everything I wore in the preceding three months and refresh my wardrobe with some shiny new seasonal purchases. But not anymore.
At Who What Wear, we advocate for smart shopping, and that includes investing in the kind of purchases that will last far longer than a season. So while we're thinking about the sunnier spring ahead, instead of relegating my winter clothes to the back of the wardrobe until the end of the year, I'm taking it all with me into the next few months. (Granted, it is still pretty cold outside.) And as it turns out, some of the key pieces we wore all winter actually make some brilliant spring options.
In order to help you better organise (or should I say "spring clean") your wardrobe, I pulled out some of winter's most important pieces and made them wearable for spring with just a handful of clever buys. (You should even be able to apply this method to summer and autumn.) So if, like mine, your wardrobe is still full of chunky knits, sensible boots and fuss-free basics, keep scrolling to find seven new ways to wear your winter clothes in spring. I promise you it's a time saver.
1. HOW TO REWEAR A TURTLENECK IN SPRING
Style Notes: Ah, the turtleneck. Perennial style icon and practical layering piece. In winter, the turtleneck came into its own under shirts, dresses and knitted vests, but with a sunnier season ahead of us, it's time to peel back the layers. The best solution to transitional dressing is sleeveless knitwear. Warm enough to feel the benefit of the wool but still with enough ventilation to keep you cool, all you need to add is the other star of the season, the trench coat, and you've got enough lightweight layers to tackle anything the weather throws at you, rain or shine.
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A sleeveless turtleneck just makes sense.
Easily one of the best trench coats on the high street right now, and there are a lot of them.
H&M has an exceptional track record for nailing the fit of wide-leg trousers.
Sleek, chic and simple.
Summer, is that you? Well, wishful thinking. But these are the kind of sandals you'll wish you could wear all year round.
2. HOW TO REWEAR KNEE-HIGH BOOTS IN SPRING
Style Notes: I don't know about you, but I spent the majority of last year counting down to when I could wear knee-high boots again. Sure, flats are comfortable, but there's something about a tall boot that makes any look feel instantly more polished, and that goes for casual, mild-weather outfits too. Swap out layers of wool for denim and cotton, and by adding a satin midi skirt, you've got an outfit that can easily go from desk to dinner.
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Bored of a beige trench? Switch things up with a denim iteration.
It might be pricey, but given that The Row was born out of the Olsen twins' quest for the perfect white tee, you know this will tick every box.
I don't remember what I wore each day before the satin slip skirt took over.
I know what you're thinking. Yes, these look designer, and yes, that is the price.
3. HOW TO REWEAR LEGGINGS IN SPRING
Style Notes: In all fairness, leggings are all-year-rounders, but it was in the autumn and winter of last year we realised their full potential. On the days when you don't want to have to zip into tight, unyielding jeans, leggings are the perfect versatile base for any look, and while we relied on thick coats and ankle boots for winter, it's time for a fresher update. Ballet pumps are the flat shoes that go with anything, and with leggings, they're a match made in heaven. Take some tips from French styling, and pair two-toned pumps with leggings and a belted jacket, et voilà—a chic assemble that looks like you spent ages getting ready.
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This is a particularly good sale find, so I recommend jumping on it quickly before it's out of stock for good.
If you're going to wear leggings regularly, make sure they're a good-quality fabric and fit like James Perse's cotton leggings.
After we spotted Angelina Jolie with one, it was clear that the Saint Laurent logo bag was back and very much having a moment.
The shortcut to French styling.
4. HOW TO REWEAR A CARDIGAN IN SPRING
Style Notes: A good cardigan is one of the those pieces you'll never regret buying. They're perfect in spring, a saviour on summer evenings when a jacket is too much, great as a jumper in autumn and easy to layer up in winter. What's not to love? I'm rewearing cardigan that I've been relying on for the last five months with a satin slip as a cosier evening option. Throw on a trench or a leather jacket if there's still a chill in the air, and enjoy your evening in comfort and style.
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That Katie Holmes cardigan is still in stock and still just as covetable.
At this price, I'll take one in all three colourways.
Personalise it with pendants, or simply wear it alone as an elegant chain.
Consider these the holy grail: comfortable, wearable heels that still look red carpet worthy.
5. HOW TO REWEAR JEANS IN SPRING
Style Notes: It's been quite the year for the humble jeans. After they had an unexpected runway reinvention, we were almost convinced that the only jeans worth wearing would be low-waisted, low-slung, supersized and baggy, but let's face it, dragging hemlines are not a good pairing with wet British winters. Despite the general move towards noughties inspired denim, we're still loyal to one of the most classic cuts on the market: the straight leg. And unlike the divisive skinny or supersized flare, these jeans go with everything you already have in your wardrobe, so all you need is a couple of brighter accessories to bring indigo denim into springtime territory.
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I love everything about this cardigan: the fit, the colour and the price.
Ganni isn't just cool dresses and colourful knits; there's incredibly good-looking denim too.
You can't beat white trainers for the best way to finish a casual outfit.
Honestly, Loewe can do no wrong, and no matter if you're team Puzzle, Cubi, Gate or Basket, we can all agree that the Flamenco bag is a game changer.
It just wouldn't be spring without a good pair of sunnies, and Jimmy Fairly should always be the first place you start.
6. HOW TO REWEAR A BLAZER IN SPRING
Style Notes: Is there anything that a blazer can't do? I'd argue that any piece that dresses up everything from a slip dress to a plain white tee is worth its weight in gold, and the fact that some of the blazers in my wardrobe are at least five years old is a testimony to their longevity. The new classic is a boxy, oversized fit that we gratefully wore with chunky knits last year, but now its most stylish pairing is a slinky, understated midi dress, the very definition of high/low, business/casual dressing.
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The original oversized jacket that launched 1000 copies.
The perfect blank canvas to layer up with accessories.
A strong contender for designer bag of the season.
As soon as the sun hits, it's officially the beginning of sandal season.
7. HOW TO REWEAR CHUNKY CHELSEA BOOTS IN SPRING
Style Notes: It seems as though everyone had the same style checklist this winter: a puffer coat, a neutral knit, easy leggings and chunky boots, and if you're wondering how to get much more wear out of your go-to uniform, it's time to polish your boots. The perfect accompaniment to thick-soled and sturdy Chelsea boots? A dreamy, romantic dress of course, and spring is full of the ruffles, florals and pastels that make this season feel like a welcome reset after a very grey winter. Just carry a knit to tie around your shoulders, and you're good to go.
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I haven't stopped thinking about this dress since I first saw it. It's the only thing I want to wear this spring… and the next and the next.
Shoulder-robe it, pull it on, or try it around your waist. Just don't leave it at home.
I have a feeling that heavy Chelsea boots are going to be sticking around for another few winters to come, so consider these a wise investment.
When is the last time you treated yourself to special gift just because? If you ask me, you've earned it.
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