Update your Spring wardrobe

The BBC has predicted temperatures of 16°C in London today and it seems like spring-like conditions are setting in. So with thoughts turning to daffodils and blossom it’s time for a wardrobe revamp to update outfits for the new season. The all-important question however is how to do this without breaking the bank.

Firstly, we’re going to look at what we already have and decide whether some wardrobe weeding is called for. What have you not worn for over two years? Is it worth keeping it? Does it still fit? Can you wear it with something else from your wardrobe that maybe you hadn’t thought about before? Do you know someone who it will suit better? Before bringing in some new bits just check out what you have and what does or doesn’t work.

Do you need – really need – some basic pieces like a good medium-weight jacket that you can wear with jeans, but also over a dress? Or maybe a shift dress that you can dress up or down depending on the occasion would be useful.

If you want an injection of colour into your wardrobe there is no need to break the bank, a top for a colour-blocking effect will do the trick.  Colour blocking is literally combining blocks of different colours in your clothes.  So, it might be one colour on top and another on the bottom –the easiest way to wear it, or, it might be a garment, say a skirt, in one colour with block, or blocks of different colours on it. You will also find tops with the sleeves in one colour and the body in another.  It’s not like pattern with a multitude of colours all over a garment, it is using blocks of different colours together and they might complement each other or they might clash.

Clashing bright colours has been a key summer look for the last two years and it’s a great way to wear colour if you feel comfortable with the look. Whether you choose bright shades, one bright shade one neutral shade or pastel shades, you just need to make sure you choose colours that suit you, particularly the colours you wear near your face.

The big story this spring though is going to be print and more print.  You are going to need to be pretty confident to wear print head-to-toe, so if you want to be ‘on-trend’ make it a pair of trousers (both slim and palazzo are available) or a top.  There are some fabulous printed skirts too.  Check out www.zara.com for some great looks.  Please make sure that the size of the print is right for you and doesn’t either overwhelm and swamp you or make you look bigger than you are.

Franca McBarron is an image consultant for Colour Me Beautiful. She will be holding talks and demos on the Beauty Stage at the show. Check the timetable to see when to hear more of Franca’s tips on styling yourself and choosing the colours that complement you.