JOANNE HEGARTY’s spring shopping guide: 21 stylish, anti-ageing items every woman should own

Spring has finally sprung – and about time too, I say!

I’m very ready, as I’m sure you are, to shed winter’s heavy layers and slip into something lighter and brighter.

Gosh, I really can’t wait to flip over my entire wardrobe and pack away my winter knits, coats and boots. It’s felt like a very long winter.

Here, I’ve rounded up an extensive guide on what to buy for the coming months. Some are investment pieces that will last you for years to come, while others are understated, cool pieces every woman will want on their wish list.

Everything I’ve picked is a well-made wardrobe forever that is coveted by fashion insiders – as a fashion columnist and writer with years of experience in the industry, trust me when I say these really are the best of the best.

Basically, I’ve done the scrolling so you don’t have to. Happy shopping!

Find Joanne on Instagram @thestylistandthewardrobe.

1. THE ON-TREND COLOUR: PINK

There’s something about pink this season.

I ran a mile from the bright Barbie pink trend a couple of years ago. I don’t think grown women should dress like a small plastic doll.

But the rose and dusty pinks that are in this spring are much more sophisticated and grown-up, and can be styled beautifully as a pairing with cream, chocolate brown, black and mocha.

I’ve just added this pink Oxford shirt from With Nothing Underneath and matching boxers to my basket. I can’t wait to wear these together when the weather warms up.

Meanwhile, I will be wearing the shirt with barrel black jeans.

These pink trousers from M&S look super comfy for mooching around. Pair with a simple white t-shirt or shirt for an effective look. 

For a more refined look, these tailored ones from Max Mara are just the ticket. 

Lastly, this Cefinn sleeveless funnel knit in dusty pink is the perfect spring layering piece worn inside a blazer, on its own, or over a white shirt. 

2. A GORGEOUS TRENCH

There’s nothing chicer than a trench draped over your shoulders for the coming months.

And year-on-year the demand for trench jackets soars.

Khaki has emerged as the most sought colour after spring – and it’s a fun change from the classic beige look (although, the timeless classic beige will always be in fashion, too).

I personally like my trench a little oversized with a checkered pattern on the inside for added interest. There’s also the cropped variety which look terrific worn casually with jeans or tailored trousers.

My pick? Say a big ‘salut’ to Bobby, the cropped trench from French label Sezane.

This long Castleford khaki trench from Burberry is extremely dreamy! I wouldn’t be bothered in the slightest by April showers if I had this.

Then, lastly, if you are set on a beige that’s not boring – this gem from Massimo Dutti has a very stylish shape and drapes in all the right places. 

3. PATTERN OF THE SEASON

Checked trousers, jackets and shirts are a favourite this season and look very chic styled with neutrals.

I especially love these Zara trousers (shhh… they’re popular with the fashion set) and that look like a Burberry dupe.

This cropped jacket is fun and would look great with white trousers. 

And a check utility coat from Cos for is just right for spring drizzle.

Or say hey, check mate with this top from Massimo Dutti. 

4. THE WHITE FULL SKIRT

This is a very important basic for the coming months. I love a full skirt worn with a contrasting, cinched tailored piece. Getting dressed is like cooking. The right ingredients are needed for a good outfit.

Jacquemus’ signature crossover Tibau blazer is the ultimate companion with a full skirt. And it makes the perfect event outfit.

Another alternative pairing is a long sleeveless waistcoat or a cropped spring knit or t-shirt.

A very versatile skirt from one of my favourites Toteme for a forever staple.

Or if your budget doesn’t quite stretch there, a flounce midi that looks cool with spring jackets from Spanish high street favourite Massimo Dutti.

5. …AND HERE’S WHAT TO WEAR IT WITH

Here are some of my favourite pieces to team my white full skirts with: try a buttery Jacquemus crossover blazer, a longline waistcoat from good old M&S, or this gorgeous deconstructed trench from Cos.

6. MAKE MINE A MOCHA MOUSSE

This colour sounds good enough to eat. A warm muted brown, with undertones of roasted chocolate and burnt orange, swirled together with a creamy hue that desaturates its deep tones.

Normally browns are kept for autumn, but this has changed over the past couple of years. Mocha mousse is one of the colours ruling spring. And interior designers love it too.

This Max Mara funnel neck cosy top is a sophisticated transitional knit and can be used season after season.

Meanwhile, this rich trouser suit from Sezane is incredibly chic for the office. Just add gold jewellery. 

These trousers from Me & Em are stylish in equal measure, and I love this jacket from Max Mara, a label who always nail their browns.

7. SAY IT IN SAGE

This shade of green is popular this spring because it strikes a balance between trendy and timelessness, offering (like mocha) a soothing, earthy vibe.

And considering the state of the world we live in, who doesn’t want to cover themselves in soothing things?

Team this wonderful double-breasted blazer from one of my favourite labels Joseph with white trousers for a fresh spring-summer look.

Layer this sage top from & Other Stories under a mocha brown blazer. 

Or look casually cool in this cosy sweater at the weekend.

8. THE POLO SHIRT

Not just for the games field any more, the striped polo shirt has taken its place beside the breton this spring and if preppy style is your thing, you will love these for casual wear. Pair with white denim for a sharp contrast or a brown suede skirt for extra style points.

Here are some of the best out there: a lovely polo from Massimo Dutti, an oversize slouchy fit from Rohe… or steal from the men’s department at Ralph Lauren. There are so many good pieces waiting for us to discover there! I love this soft tone from the king of prep – Ralph Lauren.

9. THE FIELD JACKET

This jumped right out of Country Life on to the backs of the most trendy – and it’s going nowhere this spring.

These styles (above), from Barbour and Toteme, are incredibly chic paired with denim. When I visited New York recently, they were very popular according to my friends.

10. THE SUEDE JACKET

Suede hit us with a vengeance in autumn and it’s (hallelujah!) back again for spring. Now is officially time to dig your suede jacket or skirt back out and pair with denim or a crisp poplin shirt.

If you missed out last season and are in the market for something soft and new, my tip is Massimo Dutti – which does quality suede jackets on the high street and has a lovely selection right now.

If you want to stand out from the brown suede herd, here’s suede from Jigsaw with a green twist. 

But don’t just think jacket! I love this suede all-rounder of a pencil skirt. 

11. THE FUNNEL NECK

I’ve noticed this trend a lot, especially recently in some of my favourite high street stores. Whether it’s a trench coat, a top or a shorter jacket, a funnel neck adds a layer of sophistication.

Wear oversized glasses to add extra mystery to your look – I love this one from Cos or a shorter style from & Other Stories.

12. PICK BUTTER YELLOW

According to my sources at John Lewis, the search for ‘yellow dress’ is up 95 per cent and yellow top up 176 per cent since the beginning of the year. It’s the one colour that signifies the beginning of spring and is so flattering with a summer tan.

Here is a pick of my favourites: a midi dress from Zara and the perfect shirt to celebrate the change of season.

I have been dreaming about this Tory Burch soft yellow silk dress too! 

13. THE FASHION INSIDER’S TOP TIP

Some think that a t-shirt is not worth a second thought, but everyone in the fashion industry knows that they are the foundational building blocks of the most stylish wardrobes.

The best quality ones with the nicest fit on the high street come from Cos.

14. ULTIMATE SPRING TROUSERS

When it comes to this department, there is plenty of choice this season.

As well as the wide-leg tailored trousers, we have the straight-leg slouchy addition this year and the clean utility to draw from. Me & Em’s pair tick all my boxes – or try this pair from Cos.

Slouchy straight-leg pants. They are as big a contradiction as they sound – but they work.

15. THE POSH TRACKIE

 

I love the idea of contrasting a pair of good quality joggers with a spring blazer, a clutch and a pair of heels for a lunch or cocktail. 

There’s something rebellious but chic about this contrast (and you’ll be comfy!). 

Try this Cos one in boiled merino, or Alex Eagle Studio is one of my favourite destinations for a stylish but beautifully curated collection of fashion and homeware. 

I have these joggers and they are so enjoyable to wear on and off duty. 

16. DRESS THE COLOUR OF WINE

Spring-summer has adopted pops of burgundy. I’m a fan of this rich colour all year round.

The great joy about the shades that are considered trendy, this spring all go together. For example, wear burgundy with pale pink or mocha browns. And wear sage green with mocha brown and creams.

This jacket from Sezane is top of my wish list, and add burgundy pops with accessories like this suede tote from Mango.

17. THE BREAK-OUT BRANDS

Fashion insiders’ most-talked-about brands that are stocked online and have carved out a cult following are:

Soft Goat (terrific for quality knitwear – softgoat.com)

Albaray (lovely basics at reasonable prices – albaray.co.uk)

Almada (knitwear, jackets, satins and silks – almadalabel.com)

House of Dagmar (love their dresses and tops – houseofdagmar.com)

18. INSIDER ACCESSORY TRENDS

Bag charms

These are a playful way to add personality to bags. Jane Birkin was doing it to her bags long before it was even considered a thing.

I’m too Virgo and minimalist for this but if it’s your thing, here’s a fun selection.

Gold and luxe from Loewe, a chic letter from Anthropologie, and a beaded charm from Cos.

Double-layered necklaces 

This is a trend I love and can get completely behind any time of the year. I’m a big fan of layering a shorter necklace that sits just on the collar bone, worn together with a longer style, pendant-type necklace.

These two individual chains would layer great together.

Bracelet stacking 

Wearing all your favourite pieces in an effortless way has never been so popular. 

But, of course, it takes a little thought to get this wrist combination looking good. Piling them all randomly on doesn’t quite cut it – here are two styles I love from Monica Vinader:

1) Thin bangle;

2) Skinny bangle.

The ear cuff

This little piece is a best seller for jewellery brands like Otiumberg. 

It adds a little edge to an outfit and any time I wear one, people always remark that they want one too. 

19. THE PRINTED BAG

This is a nice way to make a statement if your wardrobe is more on the muted side. 

It’s a well-kept secret that a boldly patterned bag that appears to go with nothing but actually goes with everything in the end will make people stop and notice your killer style. 

This snakeskin one from Cos really works.

Or, alternatively, a nice soft spring shade to add to your collection is always a lovely idea. DeMellier London has a stylish new spring collection: I love the shape and tone of the New York bag.

From a designer point of view, Bottega Veneta is killing it and has some real beauties in-store. This matcha green design called bang bang is spring in a bag.

20. THE SPRING SHOES

Loafers this season are the same but different.

Florals loafers for spring are not exactly groundbreaking. But stand-out embellishments and big rounded toe styles give them a new twist.

Soft as butter ones include these from Alex Eagle, or these from Aeyde.

Ballet flats always win out this time of year and I like them with a little attitude, such as these from Aeyde and Massimo Dutti.

21. MAKE IT VINTAGE

Last but not least, nothing beats finding that preloved gem.

Here, in no particular order, are my online favourite destinations:

HEWI (Hardly Ever Worn it), terrific for those hard to find sold-out items. 

Sellier – the place to go for a special designer bag. They are all in such mint condition.

Therese does pop ups during the year and sells things from her Instagram directly. It’s a mix of fashion and homeware, and I always find something nice.