February is virtually over and March is arriving at any moment. And with it, comes the first real hint of Spring and the desire to wear lighter, more Spring-like clothing.
Because we are a bit older and probably a bit more sensible, this translates as lighter colours and less wintry looks, rather than stepping out in white linen on March 1st… Because, despite the oddness and unpredictability of British weather (to say nothing of recent roasting-hot early springs), we know that dependably warm days are several months away, possibly entire continents away!
So, the answer right now is to focus on gorgeous pieces that will make us feel fresh and spring-like but will not give us pneumonia!
The technical term for this is “transitional.” In reality it means fabulous lightweight Spring Knits and long-sleeve tops, possibly in bright, spirit-lifting colours, that we can pair with all of our trousers, jeans and skirts to make us feel instantly Spring-like and perfectly on trend, but also warm.
Key details to look out for this spring in tops and lightweight knits include: Bardot necklines, Breton stripes and cold shoulder tops.
A Bardot neckline, by the way, is off-the-shoulder and an homage to Brigitte Bardot, the 1960s sex-kitten. As well as being the hottest neckline on the block, the Bardot is very flattering to older women as our shoulders tend to stay in good repair long after other bits may have gone south! All you need to wear this neckline successfully is a good strapless bra. But whatever shape/style of lightweight jumper or top you choose, oversized and slouchy is the way to wear it, so consider buying up a size…
Like Bardot necklines, Breton striped sweaters and tops are another charming garment which originated on the French Riviera – we have Coco Chanel to thank for the popularity of this stripy jumper.
The Breton has been trying to make a comeback for the past three or four summers but S/S16 is the Breton’s breakthrough year. For an instant early-spring update, grab a Breton. The key to looking fabulous in a Breton is choosing the right background colour and the right stripes. Stripes (of any width) with wider spaces between if your features are set wide apart; and stripes with narrower spaces between if your features are close together. Then pick the colours that best suit you.
The third major trend in knits and tops for S/S16 is the cold shoulder – a long-sleeve top, with cut-outs on both shoulders. Like the Bardot and Breton, a cold shoulder top is an instant wardrobe update for Spring 2016. Like the Bardot, it allows you to rock those sexy shoulders but unlike the Bardot, a strapless bra is not essential under a cold-shoulder top; instead, you can wiggle your bra straps around so they don’t show, or use a stylists’ trick and tie the straps together at the back with a ribbon to ensure they don’t pop into view.
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