This is a tricky time of year if you’re yearning for something brand spanking new that fits in with the new season and that you can wear right now and on as the weather warms up. A summer dress, lightweight jacket, pair of sandals will just sit in your cupboard - unless you’re off somewhere hot, of course - until the sun comes out, but these three items can be happily unwrapped and used right now, to blend in as it gets warmer and enjoyed from the get-go.
1. A Neutral Top Handle Tote
Yes there are plenty of carry-all totes around but make your new season’s tote a top handle version that’ll still take everything you need it to (as in, you really need it to) without looking like you’re hefting the world on your shoulder. The grab handle makes it oh so ladylike, and the cross body strap, if there is one, gives you the option of going hands free. Perfect.
2. A Hooded Jacket or Top
If the word hoodie gives you the chills just stop for a moment, the trend right now is for relaxed gym to lunch dressing. It’s flexible and you can wear your most comfortable piece of clothing all day long. If Balenciaga’s doing them you can too.
3. The Athleisure Sneaker
Of all the shoes from the new season the most popular is going to be the sneaker, but not as you’ve known it before. Not destined for the gym, let alone running, these are designed to be seen in out on the town, worn to lunch and off to work. Possibly to dinner. And they’re frequently investment buys rather than a less expensive footwear option.
We’re becoming more and more aware that high heels aren’t great for us, and anyway who wants to walk to work in a vertiginous pair of heels? Put on a pair of modern, chic sneakers and you can walk anywhere. long or short distance, up and down the stairs instead of taking the lift. In this age of fitness trackers, counting steps and the motivation to exercise more making it easy by wearing sneakers makes enormous sense.
The problem is changing back into heels. It’s definitely becoming more and more difficult. Sales of sneakers last year rose 37%. No surprise there then………