Ah, spring. The season of new beginnings, daffodils, and the annual wardrobe panic. The weather is unpredictable, the fashion trends are questionable, and I, for one, am still in my winter jumpers because they’re comfortable, and frankly, effort is overrated.
But, as much as I resist, spring does have a way of making me want to refresh my style. Not in a ‘ditch everything and buy neon’ kind of way (because, let’s face it, I’d look like a lost glow stick), but in a ‘let’s look stylish without looking like I’ve tried too hard’ kind of way. So, if you’re like me—over 40, want to look good but aren’t about to start following trends blindly—here’s how to do spring fashion, minus the faff.
1. The Layers Game: Because the Weather Hates Us
Spring is that awkward season where you leave the house in a medium weight knit, and by midday, you’re sweating like you’ve run a marathon. Enter: layering. A well-cut blazer or a lightweight trench coat is your best friend. It says, ‘I have my life together’ even when you don’t. Plus, it hides any last remnants of winter indulgence (not that we’re counting).
A few good layering pieces to invest in include:
- A lightweight knit in a neutral shade that goes with everything
- A classic trench or structured blazer
- A thin, long-sleeved top to wear under looser jumpers for those chilly mornings
- A good scarf that isn’t reminiscent of winter but still adds warmth
2. Ditch the Trends, Keep the Classics
Every year, some 20-year-old influencer tries to convince me that ‘buttery yellow’ is the colour of the season, and every year I remember that I look like I have jaundice in pastels. Instead, I stick to what works—great denim, well-fitted tops, and classic cuts. A Breton top? Always a winner. White jeans? Risky with my coffee-drinking habits, but we move.
The trick is to find styles that flatter your body shape, rather than blindly following the latest runway craze. For example, high-waisted jeans elongate the legs, wrap dresses accentuate the waist, and classic monochrome outfits always look effortlessly chic.
3. Footwear: A Battle Between Style and Practicality
Ah, the eternal dilemma. Spring tells us it’s time to break out the ballet flats and loafers, but the rain says otherwise. I try to strike a balance—a classic white trainer is perfect for those ‘I want to look like I tried but didn’t’ days. If I’m feeling fancy (read: someone has invited me out and I have to be a real person), I might even go for a block heel.
For ultimate comfort and versatility, consider:
- Loafers for a polished look
- Classic white trainers for casual chic – make sure they’re clean!
- Ankle boots for unpredictable weather
- Slip-on mules for an effortless feel
4. Dresses That Work for Real Life
Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. But seriously, a midi dress is a failsafe option. Comfortable, stylish, and doesn’t require me to think too hard in the morning. Add a denim jacket and some ankle boots, and you’re effortlessly chic. Bonus points if it’s a wrap dress—flattering, easy to wear, and makes you look like you made an effort when really, you just threw it on.
Another winning option? Shirt dresses. Cinch them at the waist with a belt, throw on a pair of wedges, and suddenly you look polished enough for brunch, work, or even the dreaded school run.
5. Accessories: The Lazy Girl’s Shortcut to Style
If all else fails, accessories save the day. A good pair of sunglasses, a structured bag, or even some gold or silver hoops can turn ‘I barely got out of bed’ into ‘I have an air of sophistication.’ I may or may not have been complimented on my ‘put-together’ look on a day when I was wearing leggings and a trench coat. The power of a good bag, my friends.
Other easy accessories that instantly elevate an outfit:
- A silk scarf for a touch of elegance
- A bold lip colour to make you look more awake than you feel – I love a punchy red lip!
- Statement earrings that distract from a bad hair day
- A belt to pull everything together
6. Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe
If, like me, you tend to hoard clothes ‘just in case,’ then spring is the perfect time to have a clear-out. A few simple questions to ask yourself when decluttering:
- Have I worn this in the last year?
- Does it actually fit, or am I just hoping it will one day?
- Would I buy this again if I saw it in a shop today?
Be ruthless. Get rid of things that don’t make you feel good, and fill in the gaps with timeless pieces that work for your lifestyle. Bonus: you’ll have more space and less decision fatigue in the morning.
Final Thoughts: Effortless, but Make It Look Intentional
At this stage in life, I refuse to be uncomfortable. I want to look stylish, but I’m not about to wear things that make me feel like I’m being slowly suffocated by fashion. The goal? Looking good without overcomplicating it. A few classic pieces, some clever layering, and a pair of sunglasses to hide the fact that I didn’t have time for makeup. That’s my kind of spring fashion.
Now, if someone could just remind me to actually do this instead of living in my joggers, that would be great. And if you see me still wearing my winter jumper in mid-April, no you didn’t.
Take care, stay safe.
Becks Xo
My life and style over 40 