the spring trend report

a dispatch from the streets of london

Okay SO.

— I’m writing this in the middle of a hectic wardrobe clear out that’s left me feeling lighter, inspired and itching for a refresh. I do, however, feel a bit overwhelmed when the seasons change; there’s so much noise and sometimes I just want to get intel on what to look out for from people I trust. I always read

Add To Wishlist by Otegha Uwagba

and

The Wardrobe Edit

for their style insights and I religiously follow my favourite creators’ outfit posts, some of whom are featured in the pictures below. I rely on these women! So today, I’m going to pass on the favour and share my predictions for what will blow up in the next few months.

I’ve also been taking inspiration for my Spring and Summer outfits from the streets of East London, predictably — have a coffee on Broadway Market any weekend and I guarantee you’ll see a jacket or unconventional shoe and bag pairing you like. Walking around the city is the genesis of these insights. If I then see the same thing again on my feed, I take it as a sign and make a note. So this is my dispatch on what I think everyone will be wearing in London and beyond come Spring and Summer, and what I hope to be wearing too.

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photos from pinterest, marina_torres, moya mahwhinney and apres studio

CITY WHIMSICAL

This is what I’m choosing to call the outfit formula I’ve been seeing all over my socials coming up to Spring. There’s always a soft element, usually a white blouse or skirt, paired with contrasting pieces that feel less farmhouse and more Farm Girl. Patent ballet flats, Salomon trainers and oversized t-shirts are popular. The contrast elevates the outfit and stops it from being too stereotypically soft or feminine. Although the clothes are loose, they retain structure through details like ruching, ties and pleating.

photos from pinterest, monikh, molly mcfarlane, hbo and mjdmello

90’s SHAPES

I love whenever the nineties comes into style, I feel so drawn to that era of clothing. Some nineties shapes are appearing on the streets of London and the depths of it-girl TikTok — I’ve seen the first girls in capri pants (or as I remember them, pedal-pushers,) everyone’s buying tailored waistcoats and Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic mini dress from SATC is being recreated left right and centre. My favourite one is by Susamusa, I’m seriously considering investing. A boxy, structured bag with angular hardware is also popping up more, which I’m buzzed about as I think they’re chic as hell.

photos from pinterest, lovevie, sophia floyd, vogue, mainasuarezz and luana moniz

PROPORTION PLAY

On this note, I’m loving all the proportion play that’s happening at the moment. The enormous Paloma Wool Teabag is all over east London and has been a waitlist exclusive for over a year. Again, I’m loving the tiny shorts (Neomie have some cute stripy ones) and oversized blazers are, unsurprisingly, still really popular. The knee-high sheer socks are a simple way to play with surprising shapes without forking out on even more clothes — I bought mine from M&S. I can confirm it will take a lobotomy before I wear a dress over jeans though.

photos from pinterest and backgrid

ALL THE SPORTS

Hailey Bieber and Rihanna both stepped out in the same Loewe polo shirt last month and I think it signifies the revival of preppy sports clothes; I reckon rugby, golf and tennis fits will crop up loads this summer. If that’s not your bag then it looks like the football and basketball shirt trend will continue from last summer, I’ve seen the Gen Z girls styling them with wide leg jeans, mini skirts or ballet flats. The London girls are feral for those satin adidas shorts in green and blue too, my friends have told me they’re buying them for Spring. I love this trend, anything that makes my outfits more comfy is a win.

photos from pinterest, abi marvel and vicmontanari

SKY BLUE

And finally! I find colour trend predictions a bit boring but dusty blue was all over the runway and I can see it moving onto the high street. There’s also a slightly darker muted blue that’s growing in popularity for the more neutral girls, I just picked up a pair of trousers in this colour and I think they fit that tonal palette that people are reaching for when gravitating towards these shades. I wonder how much this has been inspired by the interest in western style over the past few years — it reminds me of Justin & Britney’s denim couple’s outfit from the 2001 AMAs.

via Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

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THE SPRING 2024 ESSENTIALS

These are some core items coming up over and over again in this review, which I think you will get great cost per wear from if you buy. These pieces are generally versatile and can probably pair well with clothes from your wardrobe as it is now to make everything feel more fresh.

ballon skirt, smocked blouse, linen dress, indigo jacket, adidas shorts, denim dress, blue striped shirt, waistcoat (affiliate links)

suede bag, lace up bag, ballet flats, asymmetric bag, adidas spezial trainers, cherry tee, celine sunnies, asics trainers, ecru jacket, ganni x ace and tate sunnies, angular bag (affiliate links)

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SECONDHAND BAG EDIT

I love spending hours scouring second hand marketplaces, window shopping my way through cute bags and filling my Save For Later wish list. I thought this would be a good place to put it to use and share some cute bags you might want to invest in — most of these are under £150.