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The Spring Edit – 4 Brands to Watch this Season

One thing that will forever make my wheels start turning again is the start of a new season. You know the feeling – maybe you’re in a style rut from the previous season and you’re ready to update your wardrobe or pull old favourites out of storage to mix up your look again. Well, I’m right there with you. In Minnesota we’re having Winter 2.0 instead of Spring, and I personally am counting down the days rather impatiently until I can start to wear trousers and dresses without turning to an icicle.

Spring trends are always fun to look out for during Fashion Week, and I love seeing what the shops bring out as the weather gets warmer. Highstreet and premium highstreet interpretations of designer trends never fail to excite me. However, I’ve found that as I’ve really honed in on my personal style and the type of silhouettes that flatter my shape – there are some brands that I’m REALLY excited to see new-in pieces from, and some that I’m not so keen on anymore.

 

how to style a casual look

 

As brands go, as you mature and figure out the way you like to dress, the brands you favour would naturally change. I think that it’s actually quite interesting to see how style progresses and how much it can even change season to season. Today I’m rounding up the brands that I really have been quite keen on in the recent months, and even a little sneaky peak into the trends/styles that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe this spring.

If you’re like me, wardrobe classics are always a must to be on the lookout for. I really tend to gravitate toward tailored silhouettes in a monochrome palette, but now I’ve (shockingly) started to branch out into a slightly more feminine twist to my otherwise edgy style. Something I tend to struggle with in updating my wardrobe with pieces that fit my style aesthetic is being able to update my wardrobe on a budget. Personally, I LOVE the look of designer brands like Balmain, Givenchy, Self Portrait or Elie Saab – however, I simply can’t afford the price.

This is where premium highstreet brands come into play. These retailers take designer inspiration and turn out styles that look and feel luxurious for a fraction of the designer price. Retailers like Reiss, Club Monaco, White House Black Market or Banana Republic are all fantastic options. You’ll notice a trend with these brands – whilst they take the occasional nod to the trends each season, a lot of what they carry are beautifully tailored pieces that can either be styled up many ways.

 

how to style a tote bag

REISS – TAILORED AND REFINED

If there’s one thing that I love about Reiss, it’s the sheer refinement that their pieces exude. Whilst their prices are the highest of my spring edit – the quality is superb. One thing that I consistently find myself being drawn to on their new-in page this season are the suits. I love a pink blazer for this time of year, especially when paired with a white trouser and nude sandal. These pieces are quite versatile within your wardrobe – as the blazer could be dressed down with a pair of jeans and chic flats for a casual day.

 

Shop Reiss Favourites

 

 

WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET – DESK TO DISCO

White House Black Market has always been a staple in my wardrobe. When I was younger, this used to be the only brand that would fit in the waist and have the correct length for my then giraffe-like legs. Now, it’s my go-to for wardrobe staples that can be worn day to night. One thing to always keep in mind about White House Black Market is that the design team truly keeps in mind a woman’s figure – and this I particularly appreciate with their trousers and denim selection. They’re cut with a woman’s hips in mind, unlike many highstreet retailers that cut the side seam to just be straight. There is a little bit of curve in each pair of trousers, denim, skirts, etc. always trying to ensure the perfect fit. I’m not exaggerating when I say this – I still have the same pair of boot-cut denim that I purchased nearly eight years ago, and they still look brand new.

 

How to style a cardigan

 

Another bit to mention about this brand is their range of pieces that can be transitioned from desk to disco or day to night. Not to over do any aspect of eveningwear or daywear, each piece can be easily taken from one occasion to the next, simply by a change of accessories or shoes. One of my all-time favourite dresses in my wardrobe is one such piece. It has a cut-out showing my decolletage, but a high-neck silhouette to keep it work appropriate if you add a blazer over top. To take it for a night out, trade the blazer for a leather jacket and a pair of heels and you’re set on your way.

 

Shop White House Black Market Favourites

 

 

CLUB MONACO – WITH AIRY EASE

Club Monaco is by far one of my favourite retailers for the warmer months. Whilst they have sensational pieces year-round, their Spring/Summer new-in page never fails to excite me. This season it features soft, airy silhouettes and breezy prints. I absolutely adore the ease in which the Club Monaco design team have created these pieces. Recently I’ve been really loving the breezy pieces that have the potential to be taken from casual chic to edgy street style. My opposite style persona from a tailored classic vibe is an edgier, effortless version – call her the free-spirited jetsetter, the model off duty.

One thing that I think that Club Monaco nails season after season is the effortlessness that so many are looking to achieve in their wardrobe. One of my favourite pieces this season happens to be a ruffled dress, one that I could easily picture with tan sandals and a straw bag for the day or edged up with a leather jacket and killer pointed-toe heels for an evening look. Keep in mind that style is meant to be played with – and just because a brand may seem a bit airy or breezy doesn’t mean that these pieces can’t transition into an edgier wardrobe. Quite the opposite actually – and for that reason, I’ve been looking to add some of these bits top my summer wardrobe.

 

Shop Club Monaco Favourites

 

 

BANANA REPUBLIC – TIMELESS AND FASHION FORWARD

One thing that always comes to mind when thinking of Banana Republic is the versatility of their items. They can be dressed up or down without looking too fussy and they allow for a simplistic, easy approach to daywear. When looking through their New-In page, I came across a few printed blouses that – if anything – I need in my wardrobe for this Spring/Summer season. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the look of an updated classic work shirt – same classic silhouette but playing with proportion and print.

Personally, I love the idea of being able to pair classic pieces various ways. If you like the look of the updated shirt, try styling with straight-leg silhouette denim and a pair of leather boots for a casual day or if worn to work, pair with trousers matching one of the colours in the shirt and a pair of pointed-toe pumps. Having go-to combinations in your wardrobe is one of the things that I love about Banana Republic, and especially so this season. So many of their pieces can be mixed together for organic and fresh pairings that don’t feel dated or over-worn.

 

Shop Banana Republic Favourites

 

 

What brands are you looking forward to seeing more from this Spring? Do you prefer to see tailored pieces or breezy linen silhouettes? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

 

how to style a casual look

Monochrome Minimalist uses affiliate links. Read the disclaimer for more information.

 

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