This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Am absolutely positive I’m not the only one who is desperate for Spring to show herself (their self? himself?) Drizzle, gusty winds and nippy weather aren’t conducive to putting a smile on our faces are they. Well, it won’t be long before sunny blue skies make a more regular appearance and we will all be feeling that little bit more positive about life. So, for when those wonderful days arrive, here are a few transitional fashion pieces that you might feel deserve a place in your soon to be worn Spring wardrobe!
For more info on any of the clothes, simply use the blue links.
Winser London is a top quality brand that Annabel and I have been fans of for yonks. Their classic clothes are investment pieces that last – which means you’ll find yourself wearing them time and time again.
Here’s Annabel in their instant-chic satin backed crepe Lauren Oversized Jacket with matching wide leg trousers – gorgeous. A trouser suit is so versatile isn’t it. Also available in Black, this will take you everywhere in style… from a restaurant lunch to a day at the races. The jacket will look fabulous worn alone over a midi or maxi dress, with jeans or a pencil skirt. The floral shirt is past season Boden but you can find similar ones here.
I’m very happily wearing the Audrey cashmere boyfriend jumper in uplifting orange (one of five available colours). Loving the long sleeves with notches and it’s machine washable on a cold wash. It’s a relaxed fit boyfriend style sweater that’s knitted in sustainably sourced cashmere.
Then there’s Me+Em which stands out for me because of the styling details. Another ‘you pay for quality’ brand and one which also keeps you looking contemporary.
Subtle yet outstanding, this organic cotton Mixed Stitch Relaxed Jumper is perfect for us more mature women because it doesn’t show anything we’d rather keep covered and yet looks youthful.
And from Chinti & Parker, this ribbed wool dress – a great piece for those of you who are lucky enough to have a slim, smooth figure (or who are canny enough to wear a Light Control Seamless Shaping Body from M&S – currently only £12 each). I find I’m more comfortable with a sleeveless top/dress under a cardigan as easier to put on ie no fussing fitting one sleeve into another.
- Chinti & Parker cashmere & cotton ribbed wool dress £150. Three other colours available.
- Pure cashmere crew neck cardigan £89 (available in 8 colours) from M&S.
- Canvas lace up trainers £39.50 from Toms. Available in half sizes.
Have you heard about Vivaia shoes? Oh gosh they are sooooo comfortable. This time of year their ankle boots work really well. Lightweight, water repellent, and obviously bliss to have on your feet.
Their Ryan ankle boots have a stylish square toe, 2.5cm heel, soft breathable uppers and an anti-slip rubber outsole. Lots of other brilliant shoes on the Vivaia website – check them out here. Remember to have a look at their “running heels“.
Baukjen are, quite rightly, renowned (UN Global Climate Action Award winners) for their sustainable fashion. They stock reasonably priced, hardwearing pieces that you’ll find yourself wearing repeatedly. And who doesn’t like an excellent cost per wear ratio? Free shipping when you spend £69+ and 20% off full priced styles using code TREAT20.
- Annabel is wearing a very pretty blouse, the Cece Smock Blouse with LENZING™ ECOVERO™ from Baukjen. Teamed with excellent value white Sienna jeans from M&S and past season, much loved leather trainers from Me+Em (Navy/white sold out but available in other colourways – currently at half price so worth a look. Also available in navy/white with a contrast sole.)
- I felt so relaxed in this Breton style Austin organic cotton sweatshirt with a zip neck – it’s both soft and comfortable. Worn with easy to wear Perfect Jeans from Artichoke Collection and past season navy/white trainers from M&S.
- Annabel then put on the versatile Antique White Vara Wool Blend jumper with v neckline and traditional cable stitching.
- In this photograph I’m in a Shailene Army Jacket with Tencel™ which is sturdy but soft to the touch. It’s a great longline piece to throw over anything you happen to be wearing – jumper, dress, shirt or tee – or use it as a mid-layer. My statement Olivia button through, relaxed fit blouse is made from comfortable Livaeco twill fabric. It has a lovely ruffled collar for that extra feminine touch. Teamed with matching Tate organic slim chinos and past season suede shoes from Zara.
- Annabel is wearing the Faatina Recycled Wool Cardigan – currently half price – perfect as an extra layer – over a fitted white shirt, co-incidentally called The Annabel – from Artichoke Collection which has a lovely frill collar and deep cuffs.
Before I go, I’d like to give a mention to the hot shoe of the moment – the Mary Jane. I expect many A&G readers will remember being bought these as schoolchildren but, as ever, fashion loves to recycle old styles and this is certainly no exception. Fashion websites are now flooded with this modern take on a classic silhouette and I have to admit I am fast coming round to the idea.
As a fair few of us mature women are sticking to flats these days, these are a good alternative when you want to ditch the trainers in favour of something less casual. Now there are Mary Janes and there are Mary Janes if you know what I mean, so here are some that I think will grace your feet…
- Pointed toe in leather with 1.5cm heel from Boden.
- Low velvet shoe in Emerald from Penelope Chilvers. Features a low heel, covered buckle and square toe.
- Whitley in Chalk from Coach features smooth leather, a padded footbed and double strap closure with signature charm.
- Harrietta Leather T-Bar Ballerina Pumps from John Lewis are available in red and silver and are selling like hot cakes.
Many thanks to Johnny Boylan and Jamie Wood for the photographs.
More style inspiration can be found here
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