Keeping up to date with ‘current fashion’ has never really been a top priority for me, but that’s not to say that I don’t like to be aware of what’s on trend.
Recently, I’ve been pondering about how to update my style for Spring 2016 and whether there’s anything out there that could work for me.
As a starting point, I turned to Vogue (as the bible of fashion) to see what they decreed as the trends for Spring/Summer. I have to admit that this had me chuckling rather, as I pictured walking up the hill to school in a ‘Luxe Greek Chic’ number or a style best described as ‘Lingerie’! Aside from causing others to laugh, I’m pretty sure I’d freeze to bits! After all, Spring/Summer in Edinburgh usually just means slightly warmer rain.
I’ve mentioned before that I’m of the opinion that ‘fashion’ is a very different thing from having ‘style’. In my mind, there is no question that one can be stylish without possessing any of the current seasons trends. In fact, I would go as far to say that by picking up on too many of these ideas one can end up with a cluster bomb of a wardrobe.
Take the current seasons offerings as an example. Imagine I purchased a frilly blouse, something a bit boho glitter geek, and then some big earrings. Given I’m unlikely to own anything that goes with these items, they would more likely than not languish in the depths of my wardrobe, forgotten.
My best wardrobe plan is to maintain a uniform of sorts. A capsule of clothes in a very limited colour palette that I know works for me. At the end of the day, I know what I’m comfortable in and what works for me. No matter how trendy hot pink may be – it would still look hideous on me.
This is also a practical approach for a busy Mum. I don’t have to think quite so hard about what to wear in the morning, or panic if a certain pair of jeans ends up with baby sick on them – in all likelihood there would be a similar enough pair ready to go!
However, that’s not to say that one cannot add to a capsule wardrobe. In fact, I would go as far to say that maintaining a limited core wardrobe makes seasonal updates far easier – you have a solid base from which to work and by simply introducing a few new tops or accessories, it’s possible to look a little more ‘on trend.’
I give you, my Spring/Summer wardrobe for Edinburgh Life – with kids:
- Crew neck jumpers
In the future when I imagine I won’t have to deal with a daily dose of baby goop, I’d like to own cashmere jumpers. Given that’s not my here and now, I have 3 jumpers in a cotton mix. This adds a layer of warmth and is a practical option for me. I like to buy a size up for a loose fit, this not only keeps things casual but means it’s easy to pull up for breast feeding.
- Casual shirt
The ‘prairie dress’ was identified by Vogue as a must have for this season – whilst I’m not wanting to add dresses into my wardrobe, I’ve seen a few shirts that around in the stores that certainly nod towards this style so may well add one in to mix things up.
- Skinny jeans
Whilst I am aware that skinny jeans are meant to be on their way out, I simply cannot bring myself to buy a pair that are remotely flared. Although I’ll keep my Boyfriend jeans for relaxed days, Skinny jeans are comfortable and beyond practical – who would want to go back to the days of having your hems dragging in the dirt?!
I favour dark colours like black or dark indigo – and as someone still carrying a fair Mummy Tummy – the high waisted variety is a god send.
- Trainers
I’ll certainly be keeping my Adidas Stan Smiths in my Spring wardrobe. They’re comfortable, practical and go with everything – an essential in my book.
- Parka
Whilst I recognise this is a Spring wardrobe – it’s designed for Edinburgh. On blue sky days I look out the window and think it must be lovely and warm. All too often I’ve been lured into a false sense of security and stupidly leave the house with a light jacket. I rarely regret taking a warmer option. This is staying in my wardrobe until at least May!
- Neutral scarf
I like to always have a scarf handy for days that it’s a bit breezier – I often carry Thomas in a sling and find that with a generous infinity scarf, I can just loop him in too.
- Hareem pants
I’m not sure what I would do without these – I love having these to throw on when I just need a bit more comfort. Whilst they could be relegated to lounge wear, I’m not adverse to donning them for a trip to the store or to collect Katie from school. Easy to dress up with a pair of ballet flats too!
- A lace vest
After the initial amusement, it occurred to me that I have a few things in my wardrobe that would nod towards the ‘lingerie’ trend – namely lace trimmed vests. Worn under a shirt or jumper I find vest/camisole tops to be great for breast feeding as I can just pull the vest down and then the top round or up. I could say this allows for modesty but actually – it keeps me a bit warmer than if I were to strip!
- Ankle boots
I think I’ll be keeping my Chelsea boots in for the coming season – perfect for splashing through a few Spring showers without getting my feet wet.
- Bright accessories
As someone who likes to maintain a fairly monotone wardrobe, the idea of a ‘rainbow palette’ as advocated by Vogue isn’t exactly my cup of tea. However, I’m not adverse to introducing a few bright accessories for Spring. Particularly a useful teething necklace as Thomas is very taken with the one I have.
- Leather jacket
This is the item I covet. I see them around, feel unsure whether it would suit me… but I think it would be a good addition to the capsule.
- Umbrella
Spring Showers. Edinburgh. Need I say more?
- Changing bag
I won’t be abandoning my Changing bag anytime soon but look forward to filling it with some Spring items for the kids!
- Ballet flats
These go with everything in my wardrobe and I find they can instantly make an outfit look a bit smarter. I think this would be another easy way to add a bit of colour into my wardrobe. I have a gold pair for LK Bennet that are definitely on their uppers so may well replace them with a brighter option.
- Checked shirts
Throughout Winter I’ve been wearing an array of plaid shirts – I think Spring is the time to bring my Oxford shirts back out and maybe invest in a few gingham or checked ones.
- T-shirts
Finally, three t-shirts in my key colours – v-neck for me to allow for access to feeding but ordinarily I’d probably opt for round necks to go under my jumpers.
There you have it – my Spring capsule wardrobe! Whilst I may not have incorporated every ‘Vogue-identified’ trend – frills, luxe Greek and off the shoulder numbers are just a bit beyond what I can cope with!
I wouldn’t have been adverse to include some ‘big earrings’ but can you imagine those combined with a baby? Ouch!
How about you? What are you hoping to include in your Spring wardrobe?
I own at least one of nearly all these items 🙂 Great choices, casual but stylish is the best look for mums. I have to admit that I ditched the changing bag quite early on for a large handbag – it was a moment of liberation!! (All nappies and wipes and what-not are still in my handbag, but still!)
Such a gorgeous collection! I’ve lost a bit of weight. I need a whole new wardrobe! Great ideas here 🙂