Spring fashion fix: What we want to wear right now

Dressing for that tricky transitional period between the Baltic Winter and what passes for Summer in this country is always difficult. An ill-judged wool top could leave you sweaty on a deceptively mild day, or one poor footwear decision might set you back weeks in overcoming that Winter cold you thought you'd shaken. That said once we've broken the back of Winter it's time to shed the tights and embrace the new season trends because in this climate the notion of seasons is as much a state of mind as anything. Here we look at some of the gorgeous new options that will be making up our sartorial arsenal between now and Summer. Stripes always herald the change of season for us, ever since Coco instated the nautical theme as our go to Summer trend. Other prints come and go, but stripes are always a bit of a staple. We love this Diane Von Furstenberg-esque stripey dress from Zara. The mix 'n' match, vertical and horizontal stripes make for a nicely updated take on the usual navy and white Breton look. Dress, €59.95 at Zara Footwear is the hardest aspect of Spring dressing to nail, we find. This year the sport luxe thing is still holding sway in the fashosphere, so trainers continue to be a must-have. We love this pair from H&M. The navy mesh panels and cork heel, with its echos of Stella McCartney, elevate them far beyond the average trainer. Pair them with cropped trousers, silk tee-shirt and a slouchy blazer for a relaxed yet smart work look. [caption id="attachment_212760" align="alignnone" width="526"] Trainers, €49.99 at H&M[/caption] Seventies styles continue to dominate. The Seventies can often conjure up images of the gaudier aspects of the decade of disco, but we suggest you channel icons Jane Birkin and Lauren Hutton for a more chic take this season. Think crisp white shirts tucked into well-cut high-waisted trousers or a knee-length suede skirt like this one from Marks & Spencer with pared back hair and makeup. Avoid looking like a bad fancy dress with edgy shoes and accessories for a modern update. [caption id="attachment_212761" align="alignnone" width="514"] Skirt, €270 at Marks & Spencer[/caption] Buttons are in; zips are out. A button-down-the-front a-line midi skirt is probably the most useful thing you'll buy this season. Wear it right now with knee-high boots and then switch to sandals or plimsolls when the warm weather kicks in (which it most definitely will, right?). [caption id="attachment_212762" align="alignnone" width="549"] Skirt, €60 at Marks & Spencer[/caption] Culottes are everywhere this season and to be totally honest we were a bit uncertain about this one until we saw the pros workin' them at London Fashion Week. Basically, treat the culottes like you would an A-line skirt and style accordingly. Keep the top unfussy and fitted or do a tunic for a layered look. They work best with simple court shoes, but those of us with the pins for it could also do a good brogue or even sliders. This black pair from New Look are a good entry level pair for anyone starting out, for experienced culotte-wearers the printed kind are even more fabtastic. [caption id="attachment_212763" align="alignnone" width="514"] Culottes, €17 at New Look[/caption] Sliders are the perfect city sandal. They have a pleasing, kind of utility look to them which means you can work them with a city suit or a less formal look. Important caveat: The feet have to be in impeccable order to attempt the slider, there's no room for slack foot maintenance with this much on show. [caption id="attachment_212764" align="alignnone" width="468"] Sliders, €6 at Penneys[/caption] The trench is the perfect answer to the summer coat conundrum. It ties in nicely with the Seventies theme; it is light enough to stash in the bag if the weather suddenly starts to play ball and it will withstand a light shower. For heavier showers see below. [caption id="attachment_212766" align="alignnone" width="561"] Trench, €30 at Penneys[/caption] A good raincoat is worth the investment. Think of what we spend on a little black dress that we may only wear a handful of times. We are now going to channel those funds into some really gorgeous, good quality rain gear like this one from Whistles. It's sporty with a chic kind of minimalism that will go with everything. [caption id="attachment_212768" align="alignnone" width="549"] Raincoat, €310 at Whistles[/caption] The Summer boot is another staple Summer piece that will work with most looks. Boots are essential for those of us who need a bit of height but are also casual enough for everyday wear. We love this nude leather pair from Whistles that will smarten up a cotton skirt for the office or be a nice casual foil for an evening dress. [caption id="attachment_212769" align="alignnone" width="549"] Boots, €255 at Whistles[/caption] The Kimono is our go-to piece for summer layering. The kimono is so versatile; it can be worn as a light jacket, as a top or even belted as a dress. [caption id="attachment_212770" align="alignnone" width="537"] Kimono, Selected, €79.95 at BT2[/caption] The denim dress is having a moment, in fact, denim, in general, is having a bit of a moment. The denim revival (if we can really call it that, does denim ever go away?) was heralded by Alexander Wang's denim collection. Then, as if to fully cement denim's place, Alexa Chung collaborated with AG Denim to produce a collection of gorgeous pieces. This dress epitomises everything we want from a denim dress this season; buttons; amazing detailing on the pockets; sharp collar and some clever tailoring to make it super flattering. We love. [caption id="attachment_212771" align="alignnone" width="595"] Dress, Alexa for AG Denim €370 at BT2[/caption]