I have a habitual personality when it comes to fashion. For me, winter is an absolute comfort zone: I'm drawn to darker shades, loose silhouettes and layers between me and the world.
Living in Otago, it's tempting to take this wardrobe from season to season. But with the latest fashion climate calling for colour and prints, I've curated a spring wardrobe wish list to break my habit. Consider this your introvert's guide to spring.
Harmonise
Floral prints aren't reserved for ''girly'' aesthetics. If, like me, your style is not overtly feminine, offset your spring floral dress with some simple layering. Harmony in fashion design takes place when a fashion ensemble contains pieces that fit together as a whole.
Creating a balance of floral and muted pieces can create harmony in your overall look. Ethical brand Kowtow pays special attention to this in their designs. I love their Poet Dandelion Dress in lemon, offset with a crisp, white tailored shirt.
Here, they have softened the look with a round collar. The large scale of this line drawn print offers a refreshing take on the spring floral trend (it also has pockets!).
Nothing encompasses spring fashion more than a floral print jumpsuit. Where movement meets mode, spring jumpsuits make you look and feel effortlessly chic and full of energy.
I love this Kiss Hello Jumpsuit by New Zealand brand twentyseven names.
Fun and free, this nonchalant fashion look is the perfect spring addition to your wardrobe. Wear it alone on warmer days or with a simple white tee underneath.
Seek out bold colours and cinched waists. Style with a pair of sneakers to add a little playfulness to your look.
Prints can be a be a great way to show your unique take on fashion. Don't feel as though you have to play it safe. Pick out prints that speak to your personality. For me, the Salasai Spring/Summer 2019 Chain n Hound Print speaks volumes. Edgy and chic, this print is the underdog of this season's selections.
Their Beg for Love dress makes the perfect canvas for this print. It features an elongated waist, softly gathered ruffles, peplum waist and diagonal frill, all draped with a lightweight viscose. Style as shown with bright white Converse sneakers for a casual, tomboy feel.
Revolutionise
Forever trending, plaid is back this season. Though not technically a print as it's achieved through weaving, I'm including it here due to the visual spectacle you can bring to your spring wardrobe. Through the eras of punk and grunge, plaid has become a statement of rebellion for fashion.
Because of this, it's best worn boldly. Seek out oversized jackets, voluminous skirts and matching sets. Try the bottle green, red and white set by LEO + BE. If you're not familiar with this label, LEO + BE is the younger, millennial sister brand to KETZ-KE. Their spring approach to plaid is set to revolutionise your spring aesthetic.
We all know florals are the safest bet for spring. As nature blooms around us, so do the flowers in our wardrobes. If this spring staple is feeling a little stale, seek out prints that challenge this seasonal norm. You don't have to look far to find alternative prints you'll love.
This Dunedin gothic print designed by Company of Strangers offsets everything we know about spring fashion. Their Stargazer print has a black-and-white contrast colour palette and not a flower in sight. I love it on their Sundown Dress. With an adjustable hem and nickel zip trim, this dress diversifies the doctrine of spring fashion.
Modernise
Modernise your wardrobe with innovative, contemporary prints that go against the grain. If spring dresses aren't your thing, seek out alternative pieces with bold prints. I always look to Maaike for modern, seasonal prints and silhouettes. This spring Maaike's Rebel Flower Print, designed by Auckland-based creative Evie Kemp, challenges the timeless flower trend.
I'm obsessed with their kimono-style Element Jacket for its layering potential. This print is strong enough to hold its own, but if you're feeling brave, style it with a matching Maaike dress, daring eyeshadow, statement earrings, and powerhouse boots.
As with any trend, you must adjust it to suit your own personal style. Fashion is worn best when it reflects you. If your style is more minimal, pair down this season's print trend with transparent overlays. This season's see-through trend allows you to show off your undergarments and tone down your prints.
Loobie's Story shows you how with their Tenerife top. A see-through navy overlay tones down the paisley, lace cami worn underneath. Swatching the underlay colours to choose your shoes can add balance to your look. I love their styling with these on-trend, red mules.
I wouldn't feel right not including a traditional, spring floral dress. While I prefer to push the boundaries, there's nothing wrong with sticking to seasonal traditions. This Print Femme Dress or Print Pleat Sleeve Dress by Witchery embodies traditional spring fashion.
Finishing mid-calf with a high neck, this piece is relatively conservative. With modest styles like this, a larger scale flower will look more contemporary. To style, seek out minimal accessories and wear fresh, dewy makeup for a head to toe spring vibe.
