It might be chilly and dark in the morning, but we find ourselves less enamoured with the thought of wearing sweatpants and hoodies—at least, not on a daily basis. So in an attempt to reignite our fashion fires, we've started thinking up all the ways we can start making our outfits feel more on-trend and spring-like and, in turn, more joyful. Of course, there's our big shakedown of spring/summer 2022’s trends you can mull over for high-fashion inspiration, but we're aware that, before such advanced outfit stages, a few practical, minor tweaks can be made so you feel up to speed.
From the achievable level of leg exposure (we don't think anyone is ready for full thigh in this weather just yet—props to you if that’s the case) to the simple coat switch you can employ for instant warmer-weather power, we've worked out the nine easy moves you can make to shift into gear right now. Many of these swaps include pieces you'll have languishing at the back of your wardrobe. Just in case, I've added a few shopping options, but feel free to peruse your own rails for the easiest updates.
Keep reading to see what you should put on hold until next winter and what you should wear right now instead.
Store Away: Winter Hats
Start Wearing: Hair Accessories
Style Notes: Nothing says "new season" quite like a small accessorising update or two. Headbands replace warmer headgear as the fashion set's outfit topper of choice come spring, with velvet- and satin-padded styles proving to be the leaders of the pretty pack.
Style Notes: This year's statement earrings are basically hair clips—the more barrettes, the better.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Tights
Start Wearing: Long Hemlines and Boots
Style Notes: If waving goodbye to 60 deniers seems daunting, take a two-step approach to ease in: A below-the-knee skirt or dress and some boots will still feel on the sensible side of spring. Of course, this look also works if you can’t bear to part with your hosiery just yet.
Style Notes: Opt for a belted skirt and boots. This is a combination that can be easily tweaked well into the summer.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Puffer Coats
Start Wearing: Trench Coats
Style Notes: Wave buh-bye to feather-down outerwear (at least for some of your outings), and instantly upgrade any look into spring territory with the simple swap of a trench coat that's roomy enough to layer under.
Style Notes: Sylvie Mus ensures her trench ensemble looks the epitome of chic by wearing it with black accessories.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Gloomy Colours
Start Wearing: Pastel Hues
Style Notes: One of the boldest spring moves you can make is to wear a single colour from head to toe. We were sceptical about pistachio to begin with, but this is rather beautiful.
Style Notes: Often, pastels are easier to wear in print form. Case in point: Emma Rose Thatcher's rainbow midi.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Dark Jeans
Start Wearing: Ecru Denim
Style Notes: With khaki chinos and neutral denim taking up two important spots in the trouser-trend leader board this season, we urge you to put indigo jeans aside for a moment and try out something different, like a full-on ecru-and-camel look.
Style Notes: We love how Fia Hamelijnck gives her pastel-and-ecru get-up some edge with black leather footwear.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Chunky Knits
Start Wearing: Second-Skin Tops
Style Notes: If you've already consulted our biannual trend report, then you'll know second-skin tops are an essential purchase for 2022. Usually found in mesh or fine jersey, they can unlock potent new layering combinations, just like Imani Randolph has done here.
Style Notes: Grece Ghanem has championed the second-skin top already this season.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Black Ankle Boots
Start Wearing: White Footwear
Style Notes: We love black ankle boots—we really do. But when you've been wearing them day in and day out, it's nice to know that some exhilarating options do exist in the footwear world. Swapping in fresh, white shoes and boots will instantly do the trick.
Style Notes: Wear them post-lockdown to any occasion. Trust us—white shoes will see you right.
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Heavy Leather
Start Wearing: Soft Suede
Style Notes: Bright hues loan themselves well to leather thanks to its muted finish, but there's nothing more timeless than tan or beige.
Style Notes: If tan isn't your thing, make like Hanna Stefansson, and embrace bright hues. How cool are her turquoise suede trousers?
Shop the switch:
Store Away: Moody florals
Start Wearing: Polka Dots
Style Notes: Floral print will forever be a fashion mainstay, but the moody base colours that dominate it in the winter months often feel too harsh when you’re looking to brighten your attire. We have plenty of months of floral prints ahead, too, so why not pivot and reinstate polka dots into your daily wares?
Style Notes: Polka dots are a huge trend for spring/summer, particularly when they're set against bold hues.
Shop the switch:
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next Up, Spring/Summer 2022 Trends: The Only 17 Looks You Need to Know About
