Getting your wardrobe primed and prepped for a new season doesn’t have to mean an influx of new pieces. With some careful consideration and a few styling hacks, there are plenty of new ways to combine your existing clothing into outfits that look fresh with minimal effort and no shopping required. Plus, the spring/summer runways offer plenty of ways to reimagine your existing pieces.
Power of placement
A straightforward way of elevating an outfit and making it look straight off the runway is changing how you wear your clothes. Michael Kors and Dior switched up shirt placement and shifted cardigans off the shoulder, adding a new flavour to wardrobe basics. Give an oversized shirt an asymmetric spin by unbuttoning the top buttons and draping off one shoulder, tying it at the front, or tucking it in to make it look more streamlined, as seen at Dior. For a more subtle take, channel Micheal Kors’ runway styling by spreading the neckline wide, and pushing the collar back. Use a touch of toupee or double-sided tape to keep it in place.
Jewel-embellished clothing
Jewellery-adorned clothing is having a moment all over the high street and runways. Simple, basic staples are being elevated through gold hardware, manipulating shape and silhouette.
Want to try this at home? All it takes is a brooch, or a statement earring, and a little imagination. Use the strategically placed pin to gather the neckline or waist of a T-shirt, instantly reshaping the silhouette. If your jumper or T-shirt is a little lacklustre, pinch and cinch the fabric and gather it to make it feel elevated and sculpt shape. Cluster a few mismatched brooches or statement earrings over buttons on a waistcoat, blazer or cardigan for a statement look. This trend isn’t exclusive to spring/summer; brooches in unexpected places were also notable on the autumn runways. American designer Tory Burch used one to pull cardigan sleeves across the front, turning the basic into a clever, sculptural layer.
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Art of layering
Layering is a sure-fire way of adding depth and interest to outfits and happens to be a spring trend that is easy to master with what you have at home. Are you ready for the return of the double collar? Miu Miu went for the double polo look, playing with contrasting prints, but if two mixed patterned polos aren’t at your disposal, try layering a button-down shirt with a polo, or even a simple crew neck T-shirt.
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The 1990s trend of dresses over trousers has returned and is spring’s most prominent layering hack. Ease into the look by opting for long tops or tunics that mimic dresses over trousers. Think lace-trimmed longline camisoles layered under slouchy knits and paired with jeans – a TikTok-favourite look that The Row inspired. Feeling more confident? Opt for sleek, streamlined pieces in pared-back shades and layer atop each other, a-la-Khaite. Or try a flowy, oversized dress with slim trousers, as seen at Proenza Schouler. Not sure how to style the sheer trend? Layer a sheer dress over a cami and jeans for a runway-approved ensemble.
Doubling-up
We all know the power of a belt to cinch in a dress or blazer, and give an outfit extra flourish. But this season, it’s about doubling up. One belt may be for functionality, two for fashion, and the double belt is about aesthetics and layering textures. If you want a more streamlined look, pair the same belt twice or mix different widths and styles for a more eclectic, runway-inspired look, as seen at Miu Miu.
Print play
Pairing the unexpected is another easy way of refreshing your wardrobe. Styling pieces you’d never normally wear together – with intention – is the secret to creating an individual and elevated look. First, try mixing or clashing patterns and colours. The key to successful print-clashing is to pair two patterns with at least one common colour that unifies them and creates harmony.
Colour theory
Colour play on the spring runways was a lesson in contradictions and unconventional combinations that seemed so wrong it made it right. Dries Van Noten mixed acidic chartreuse with warm marigold in a slinky slip dress. Saint Laurent went bold and rich, layering a trio of shades of tangerine, peacock teal and orchid. But unexpected colour pairings don’t have to mean bright; Saint Laurent offered a quieter twist, with an earthy contrast of goldenrod and olive. Take inspiration from the runways, take stock of your wardrobe, and experiment with the prints and colours you have to create impactful outfits.
The wrong shoe
The wrong shoe theory is a viral concept coined by stylist Allison Bornstein. The idea is that the “wrong” or unexpected shoe can be the right choice to pull an outfit together. Instead of going for the obvious shoe styling choice, pair something surprising, like a heel with a tracksuit or trainers with a slip dress or suit. It challenges you to experiment and try different combinations.
On the spring runways, the wrong shoe theory abounded with one particular shoe – the flip-flop. Whether teamed with floaty, boho dresses at Chloe or sharply tailored trousers at Sportmax, the offbeat pairing works, so go on and dig yours out.
