I'm a 50-Year-Old Fashion Expert—3 Under-£100 Staples I've Bookmarked for Spring

If there's anyone who knows what is worth investing in, it's Anna Cascarina. A fashion editor, lecturer and stylist with over 25 years experience in the industry, she's made it her mission to help women of all ages and body shapes feel empowered through their wardrobes. Anna knows how important it is for clothes to work, and she's committed to investing in classic, timeless heroes that make you feel good. So when it comes to thinking about what to consider adding to our capsule wardrobes for 2024, who better to ask? This month, she shares the under-£100 new-season pieces she's got her eye on and offers up some tips and tricks on how to style them throughout the year.

over-40-high-street-spring-shopping-306429-1680088314126-main

(Image credit: @ANNACASCARINA)

Even though it's still cold out, I can see snippets of what's to come with warmer temperatures and bursts of sunshine here and there. I am so ready for a bit of sun and longer days and even though I love my winter coats, I am definitely looking forward to packing them away for the new, sunnier season.

To get myself (and my wardrobe) ready, I have been checking out the new-in collections from some of my favourite high-street and designer brands, and as much as I will try to re-wear a lot of my wardrobe from last year, I am also excited to add a few pieces to update my capsule and take it into spring. That's the beauty of curating a capsule wardrobe full of pieces you love and that stand the test of time: There's no need to buy a whole new wardrobe every season. Just add in a few items to bring your wardrobe up to date and you're set. And they don't all need to be expensive, either. Below I've picked 3 of my favourite pieces under £100 that will refresh your wardrobe and get you fully in spring mode. Enjoy!

over-40-high-street-spring-shopping-306429-1680089228981-main

(Image credit: @ANNACASCARINA FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

SHOP MY THREE FAVOURITE UNDER-£100 BUYS AVAILABLE NOW:

1. ARKET CARGOS

over-40-high-street-spring-shopping-306429-1680088668838-main

(Image credit: @ANNACASCARINA FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: The cargo is going nowhere, and these ones from Arket give all the spring vibes with their stripes and loose fit. I'll be wearing with a simple tee and sandals when it gets warmer and a blazer and boots for now.

Shop the cargos:

Shop the look:

2. COS MAXI SKIRT

over-40-high-street-spring-shopping-306429-1680114284438-main

(Image credit: @ANNACASCARINA)

Style Notes: I love the trend for longer length skirts at the moment. I find them more flattering than a midi length and also look so good with both heels and flats. This COS one (below) is perfect and has massively caught my eye. It has a back split for comfortable movement and a vertically-cut silhouette to add shape. I'd wear it with a vest and sandals in the spring and an oversized jumper and trainers now. It's currently sitting in my basket...

Shop the skirt:

Shop the look:

3. MANGO BALLET FLATS

over-40-high-street-spring-shopping-306429-1680089080186-main

(Image credit: @ANNACASCARINA FOR WHO WHAT WEAR UK)

Style Notes: I'm always on the lookout for a cute flat shoe. Loafers and trainers are great, but something a little bit more special is sometimes needed and these incredible ballet flats are the perfect shoe to take you into spring. I'll be wearing them with straight leg jeans, a white tee and a blazer to give a bit of glam to an otherwise understated outfit.

Shop the ballet flats:

Shop the look:

Anna's book 'The Forever Wardrobe: Find your style. Transform your clothes. Save time and money' is available now from Amazon and other retailers. Shop it here.