Springtime calls for a renewed sense of vigour, and when it comes to dressing the part, there’s plenty on offer, including a shapeshifting bolero, a sensual blouse, a hue that evokes riotous laughter, and a dress guaranteed to move you.
A cropped jacket with plenty of attitude
We’re not asking you to slip into a leotard and fishnet tights for spring (unless you want to), but this power bolero from local designer Natasha Ovely of Starving Artists Fund begged for something that could complement the sheer dramatics of its shape. When a cardigan is too dull or a relaxed blazer too predictable, we’re inspired by the proposition this structured cropped jacket offers; whether thrown over a classic T-shirt and jeans or as a lightweight accompaniment to a loose-fitting dress for cool spring evenings, this highly dramatic wardrobe piece is destined for great things.
Starving Artists Fund jacket $327. Rachel Mills bodysuit $229. Columbine tights, $20, from Farmers. Cos earrings $80.
A coat not too heavy, not too light
Whether it’s a spring shower or a layer of protection without the bulk, opt for something classic like an elegant trench coat. Now here’s a wardrobe item that needs no introduction. With its double-breasted front and utilitarian roots, if there’s one reliable piece of outerwear that will serve you well through the seasons, it's a trench coat with plenty of chutzpah.
Gucci trench coat $6170. Versace silk scarf $915. 18k gold Pomellato earrings, $6600, from Orsini Fine Jewellery. Gucci sandals $1860. Pleasure State tights $20.
Primary colour palette
Colour-blocking might be easier said than done, but we implore you to not be reserved this time. None of this pairing with a neutral hue for wearability — in fact, go to town. Saturated, primary brights are surprisingly easy to combine when you select the right layers. Opt for something tailored as the focal point, then everything else can fall into place.
Cos blazer $990. Starving Artists Fund dress $304. Twenty-seven Names shirt $440. Levante tights, $25, from Farmers. AGL mules, $790, from Scarpa.
A daytime occasion dress for the outdoors
It’s about this time of year when designers and fabric merchants proclaim it’s the season for saccharine pastels and sugary sorbet, so we’re taken by this lemon-hued number from Kate Sylvester, with its dramatic front pleated detail and easy silhouette. Like a tea dress to be worn on the terrace with a glass of Pimm’s in hand, what better way to harness the energy of a new season than by shedding winter’s sombre layers and slinking into a dress that says spring? Complementary accessories are, of course, the key to taking a dress to another level, but there are no rules when it comes to a dress this effortless. Wear it with chic loafers like Hyesun here, or team it with your favourite pair of trainers and layered over your favourite old band T-shirt for the perfect outfit formula.
Kate Sylvester dress $549. Gucci loafers $1515 and bag $7470. Cos earrings $45.
A romantic blouse
There’s something slightly throwback about the idea of a fluid blouse. While there are several lovely blouses out there offering a welcome, soft alternative to the structure of a crisp shirt, this Camilla and Marc option is perfect for something that segues from daytime to evening with the subtle addition of the right accessories.
Camilla & Marc blouse $540. Twenty-seven Names trousers $450. Knuefermann camisole $225. Swarovski earrings $730. Stuart Weitzman heels, $920, from Scarpa.
A professional-looking short suit
Now here’s a rather lovely take on a Bermuda suit. Something to buy now and wear even in the depths of summer, this sharp set from Gregory offers up an endless array of ways to wear and style it. Short suits aren’t always easy to pull off, but there’s enough to work with here that you can’t possibly go wrong. With a simple fresh T-shirt or a shirt, staying cool, calm and collected as temperatures warm up requires an outfit that can support you around the clock. We’d wear this with a pair of smart sandals or a pair of court shoes with a sensible height.
Gregory blazer $699 and shorts $339. Harris Tapper T-shirt $239. Silk & Steel necklace $229 and earrings $99.
The statement of a spring skirt
What better way to honour the start of spring than with a silhouette inspired directly by Mother Nature? The history of a tulip-shaped skirt is well documented, dating back to Monsieur Christian Dior’s seminal Tulip Collection of 1953. Today, we’ve seen several iterations of tulip skirts making a pretty renaissance, from Erdem to Chloe, and we’re inspired by its easy appeal. Pleated at the hip and jutting out before sweeping into an elegant taper at the ankle, this is one head-turning skirt that commands plenty of attention.
Gregory skirt $459. Harris Tapper T-shirt $199. Heather Brennan Evans camisole $350. Columbine lace tights, $25, from Farmers. Stuart Weitzman heels, $920, from Scarpa. Swarovski earrings $229 and tennis bracelet $349.
A print that isn’t floral
There’s a multitude of prints to wade through for spring, and aside from the ubiquitous florals and preppy stripes, what really counts this time is a print that nods to the escapist value of contemporary art and our digital age. Abstract art prints that are manipulated and distorted feel prescient for the times we live in; take this concept and render it on easy, languid separates and you have a winning recipe for an outfit that feels immediately current. Local designer Amber Gardner of Shjark has a knack for creating a capsule wardrobe of classics, but we’re surprised by this fresh addition to her spring delivery, a print that seamlessly does the precarious balancing act of being both loud and quiet, sombre yet simultaneously joyful. Like a new take on pyjamas for every day, this shirt and trouser combo works particularly well together.
Shjark shirt $449 and trousers $399. Sebago loafers $390. Swarvoski earrings $500.
A going-out dress with pockets
The best way to layer for a spring event is to take a leaf out of Sharon Stone’s timeless formula of a men’s Gap shirt worn with a Vera Wang skirt to the 1996 Academy Awards. So controversial was her mix of high-low at the time, 27 years later it continues to inspire. In a busy world, something as simple as a white shirt can entirely reimagine an otherwise precious cocktail skirt or dress, like this playfully embellished bubble dress from Blair Wheeler’s label BW36.174. Complete with supportive pockets, it’s a thoroughly modern way to go out in style for spring.
Gucci shirt POA. BW36.174 dress $890. Swarovski earrings $229, necklace $550 and tennis bracelet $349. Columbine lace tights, $25, from Farmers.
A denim maxi skirt
A foil to the preciousness of a tulip skirt, on the flip side, we’re convinced a denim maxi skirt is one skirt you’ll get plenty of mileage from purely because denim has the unwavering ability to make an outfit feel unpretentious. Freer than a pair of jeans, a denim skirt offers the same cool factor, even better styled with a clean-cut top. In this case, this shirt/jacket hybrid ( we’re reluctantly using the unfortunately termed portmanteau ‘shacket’ here) from local label Beach Brains, who are now offering a couple of more sophisticated options like this to complement its devotion to beachy, casual separates like shorts, jeans and camp-collar shirts for men and women.
Beach Brains top $289. Levi’s skirt $190. Deadly Ponies slides $489. Swarovski earrings $229.
A hit dress
A mid-length, a collar, a singular button to secure, and sleeves that leave room for bracelets and watches. Could this be the most perfect dress for the season?
Co dress, $1275, from Scotties. Gucci boots $2635. Vintage scarf stylist’s own.
A dress to dance in
... is essential, really. While we’ll continue to explore a parade of practical dresses for spring, we can’t help but feel moved by a dress that wants to get up and dance too.
Welcome Back vintage dress $125. Versace earrings $1240. Scarpa shoes $450.
Photographer / Mara Sommer
Fashion director / Dan Ahwa
Models / Shanaya Crasto from 62 Models and Hyesun Moon from Super MGMT
Hair and makeup / Virginia Carde
Photographer’s assistant / Sara Hewson
Fashion assistant / Annabel Dickson
Design / Laura Hutchins
Stockists: BW36174.com; Nz.Camillaandmarc.com; Cos.com; Gucci.com; Farmers.co.nz; Knuefermann.co.nz; Orsini.co.nz; Rachelmills.co.nz; Scarpa.co.nz; Starvingartistsfund.co.nz; Swarovski.com; Twentysevennames.co.nz; Versace.com; @Welcomeback_slowfashion
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