It’s a dilemma the fashion-obsessed among us struggle with every season, as soon as shop shelves (and our Instagram feeds) start to fill with fresh new pieces: how do you choose what to buy when you want to buy it all?
The arrival of 2018’s spring fashion has hit us particularly hard, with so many options to lust after, but so little funds to buy them with (sigh). But start shopping smarter and the new season wardrobe you crave can be yours without blowing your hard-earned budget. “Before purchasing anything new, it’s a great idea to look at your wardrobe and see where the gaps are to find out exactly what you need,” says marie claire market editor Monica Russell. “That way you’re not making any unnecessary purchases and are buying things that work with what you already own.”
Below, the key pieces our fashion editors are buying to see them through spring, with change to spare for the coming summer.
1/ A statement dress (or three)
“A great dress makes for an instant style update,” says marie claire fashion director Jana Pokorny. “Your new dress can be transformed from spring to summer with a switch of a boot to a slide.” Look for breezy off-the-shoulder styles that can be teamed with a denim or leather jacket on cooler days, as well as “a few fuss-free dresses that you can just throw on and go,” suggests Russell. The new season shift dresses from H&M, with subtle flounces at the sleeves and vibrant floral prints, are just the ticket.
2/ Fresh denim
You’ll wear it with everything and it will last you for years, making new season denim well worth stocking up on. “I am looking for a wide-leg high-waist style,” says Pokorny. Team with your favourite black or white tees or one of this season’s balloon-sleeve tops. Still got cash to spend in this category? We can’t get enough of the denim boilersuit trend.
3/ Printed pants
Look-at-me trousers and skirts were everywhere at recent Fashion Weeks in the fashion capitals of the world, toned down with the simple ribbed tanks, tees and crisp white shirts you probably already have at home. Buy one of each (pants for cooler days; a skirt for when the sun’s out) and expect them to become as much of a spring staple as your denim. We love the asymmetrical ruffle detail on this floral print skirt by H&M.
5/ Eye-catching earrings
“A great pair of earrings is a fun and inexpensive way to update your look,” guides Russell. Look for shoulder-grazing designs that are lightweight and contrast with the colour of your hair for maximum impact. Have multiple piercings? Pair with simple gold or diamond studs.
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