I'm Officially in Spring Mode—These Are the Best New-Season Pieces I've Seen
Call me an optimist, but the appearance of blossom and blue skies has me well and truly in spring mode and I'm eagerly awaiting the warmer temperatures to follow suit. I'm ready to swap hardened footwear and woollen outerwear for pretty ballet flats and lightweight trench coats, and if the weather were no object, I'd also revert to wearing lightweight linens and outfits sans coats completely! But, in the meantime, I've discovered styling techniques and pieces that are weather-appropriate and freshly inspired to help me get ready for spring before the season truly begins (which is the 20th of this month, in case you were wondering!).
Paris Fashion Week will shortly commence and if London and Copenhagen were anything to go by, there will be no shortage of inspiration. So far, it's been a thought-provoking season and succeeded in its mission to inspire on the design front. One of my biggest takeaways from fashion month thus far (and a common thread across all fashion capitals) was the continued prevalence of excess, yet in the most demure way. Swathes of fabric, draping and fluid silhouettes were introduced and luckily for conscious shoppers, many prior themes have carried forward.
Currently, I'm most excited by textures and going forward I plan on juxtaposing knitwear with lightweight fibres such as linen and silk. Elsewhere, I can't help but be captivated by the accessories on offer as many of them boast a timeless appeal and can be integrated into a look, no matter the weather. Spring is also the time I experiment with (albeit muted) colourways and inject some unconventional hues into my pre-existing wardrobe. Lemon yellow, burgundy, grey and cocoa are coaxing me out of my neutral colour palette hole and I'm enjoying the switch-up. If you're also feeling inspired by warm weather dressing, keep scrolling to see my edit of the pieces to keep on your radar for spring—including some good quality high-street gems!
Shop My Edit of the Best New-In Pieces to Get Ready for Spring:
1. Outerwear
Massimo Dutti remains one of my favourite high street retailers, producing styles which are on par with designers such as The Row and Toteme. For a fresh take on outerwear ahead of spring, look to styles like this linen kimono. It features a free flowing sleeve and utilitarian features, which is both practical and modern.
This season, you've likely spotted the prevalence of contemporary suits, both high street and high-end, particularly the collarless blazer. This scooped-neck blazer comprises 100% leather with gold button closures and a relaxed sleeve.
This year, I've spotted several wonderful trench coats on the high street. Between the faux fur collar and cuffs, this & Other Stories coat is particularly special.
Reimagined suiting is set to dominate the walks of our favourite capitals this year. It was a treat finding a blazer on the high street with structured elements and comprising natural fabrications.
2. Accessories
New at Polène is the Osmo—a refined shoulder bag boasting all the elements of the French-inspired baguette bag, albeit with a modern twist. Its namesake is inspired by the French word “osmose”—referencing the several components in its makeup.
Liffner is the bag brand to know for 2025. With an arsenal heavily inspired by Scandinavian minimalism and Italian craftsmanship, the brand offers a considered collection of quality handbags that will never date.
You'd be forgiven for thinking this was a designer handbag. It looks at least four times its price point.
The half-moon handbag is beloved by Gallic women, especially throughout the transitional months. Over the past month, I've found myself questioning why I don't yet own this style as it will slot seamlessly into my collection. It's tempting in this glossy oxblood hue.
3. Dresses
Lemaire's twisted cotton dress is back for 2025. Having spent the year thinking about it, there's no doubt that it'll be worth the investment.
Between the hourglass silhouette, crinkled fabrication and scoop neckline, this dress is nothing short of perfection.
The majority of my wares are muted and tonal but Rixo designs always encourage me to explore spirited and vintage-inspired designs.
Add slip on mules, bold earrings and a refined handbag and your elegant outfit is complete.
5. Tops
Pair this relaxed silk skirt with hardened denim and a pair of mules. Pop a button open for nonchalant styling.
Over the past year, I've introduced deeper hues into my wardrobe. I always find myself coming back to this particular shade.
The perfect example of a basic with a twist. The exaggerated collar calls for layered choker necklaces.
6. Bottoms
Add the coordinating blazer above for a uniform look. The shape and colour are ideal for spring.
School skirt styles have become highly sought after and a grey pleated wool skirt is high on my wish list.
This season, I'm playing with lengths and slightly elongated jorts look chic on all figures. I envisage this with a long-sleeved turtle neck, patent heels and bold studs.
I frequently pass by Soeur's shopfront and noted its SS25 collections. It's daring, chic and a little alluring.
7. Shoes
This season, directional shoes are dominating footwear trends and Russell and Bromley's latest collection speaks to this. The Tiln pump features a gloved shape complete with an angular heel. I have a feeling it's comfortable, too.
1980's inspired heels awash with a contemporary burgundy hue—it's sheer perfection and calls for a power suit ensemble.
Slight details are much appreciated when it comes to footwear, as the categories are very slim. Flattered's arsenal is appealing at the best of times for refined understated designs (and great quality, might I add) and the Ali heel is a perfect example. Boasting a fine crossover strap and a polished gold spherical heel, it's classic yet entirely unique.
If there's one piece missing in my footwear wardrobe, it's a pair of loafers. Dear Frances' latest collection comprises a timeless capsule of refined yet elevated staples including the Drew Loafer, a supple suede offering complete with a squared-off toe, hand-crafted tassel and a low stacked cuoio heel. For a limited time, all full-price purchases are eligible for a complimentary gift which is just as chic.
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.
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