It’s started to get a little bit warmer here in Manchester, and I’ve slowly been digging out more of my spring pieces and dusting them off. I love going through the spring/summer clothing I’ve stored away for winter and discovering them all over again – it’s important to reuse pieces, and not just buy a whole new wardrobe each season. It’s easier said than done in the fashion industry – temptation for newness is everywhere, but I’m making a conscious effort to enjoy what I already have…
Half the time, I’m just tempted because of that initial ‘it’s so beautiful and she looks amazing in it‘, and then ten minutes later I’ve forgotten all about it. I’ve really been trying to downsize my wardrobe lately so that I can make the most out of everything in there, and not just stick to my safety net jeans and a T-shirt combo all spring long. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but sometimes it can get me stuck in a bit of a rut, and I almost forget how much I love to wear trousers, midi dresses, and midi skirts…
Talking of midi skirts, I’ve been reaching for this Sézane one a lot lately – it’s old season stock, but I’ve linked some similar options below for you as always. I had been lusting after some of the Ganni skirts which are very similar in design, and remembered that I had this beauty hidden away somewhere. I’d forgotten how great I feel in midi skirts – they skim the legs, make me appear taller, and just generally make me feel fancy and feminine. I particularly love the style of the hem on this one, it almost gives it a Spanish feel, and sort of makes me feel like the dancing lady emoji (always a bonus)…
I feel as though this is a one of those skirts that I’ll just reignite my love for whenever the sun in shining – the subtle floral/almost cherry print pattern is so unique, and it can be styled in so many different ways. I wore it a lot last year with just a simple white T-shirt tucked in, but it also looks cool with a crop jumper for those chillier spring moments…
I’ve been trying to get as much wear out of my jumper collection whilst I still can, so I’m really enjoying mixing knitwear pieces with spring/summer prints. This one from And Other Stories is ideal because it has an elasticated waist – endlessly flattering when you’re wearing a longer piece underneath, it just creates an hourglass silhouette, and makes everything look a bit pulled together. I love the contrast of the flowing material satin material against the cable knit of the jumper – throw on a pair of heeled boots and it just gives you that added height to avoid feeling frumpy.
On days when I feel less frumpy, I’ve been wearing the same look with trainers or plimpsoles – trainers are having quite the comeback at the moment, and I’m not complaining. Although I’m not quite down with all the chunky, ‘ugly’ style trainers that are making the rounds, I’ve always been loyal to my Converse and Superga. I just find them more flattering on my shorter legs, and they don’t distract too much from the overall outfit. I really love Veja trainers too – I kindly got sent a pair a couple of weeks ago, and now I’m recommending them to anyone who will listen. They really have an eighties/nineties feel about them – they kind of remind of something the cast of Stranger Things or Stand By Me might wear. They also pride themselves on being a vegan brand with an environmentally friendly footprint (quite literally), so if you’re in the market for some cool new trainers, they are the brand to go and check out…
My top tip for getting the best out of last years most loved summer pieces? Go back through your summer photos and identify the items that you loved wearing the most – the ones that made you feel good about yourself (check for smiling face in image to make sure). Get them out of storage, and start mixing in pieces from your currently most worn – a jumper that you love, a pair of shoes that you’ve been meaning to wear, whatever it is that stands out to you as a great outfit. Mission complete – old meets new, and there’s no need to go out and buy a whole rail of new season pieces, they are most likely hidden in your wardrobe already…
Alice x
Photographs by Adriana
Jumper – And Other Stories
Skirt – Sézane (old/similar here & here)
Boots – Miista
Bag & Sunglasses – Rouje
SHOP THE LOOK
Your photos are always so lovely – and I want your hair! I totally agree about the temptation to always have new stuff when the seasons change – and you’re right once that initial ‘I must have what she is wearing!’ feeling passes, you usually realise you don’t think about it at all!
Aww thank you so much! And definitely, I’ve tried to teach myself to be less impulsive but it’s not always easy xxx
Always looking absolutely adorable and so retro perfect!
https://lartoffashion.com/3-ways-to-instantly-feel-better/
Yes to everything about this! I recently spoke about rediscovering ‘old’ pieces from my wardrobe too. Midi skirts are so versatile and can be worn throughout the year, so although I’m always temped by the ‘new in’ collection I keep reminding myself what I already have. Love how you paired it with the jumper, reminds me of the Rouje outfits! x
Summer, http://www.thetwinswardrobe.com
Thanks lovely! I totally agree with you on midi skirts too – total wardrobe staple x