Look to mid-century detailing for spring style

Marc Jacobs Resort 2018.

An easy, surefire way to look polished for spring festivities is to take subtle cues from mid-century dressing, an era where the devil was in the details. Hard-handled purses, crisp shirts tucked into pencil skirts, cat eye sunglasses and vintage-inspired brooches add interest to daytime occasions. Rather than looking like a pastiche rehash of the past, mid-century-inspired pieces available now have a minimalist, no-fuss approach in their design, with clean-cut silhouettes encouraging an easy way to smarten up. Events such as garden parties and a day at the races offer opportunities to think about light and tactile hats. Straw boaters see no sign of disappearing any time soon - and teamed with boxy linen jackets and crisp skirts make for a fresh addition to looking chic during the new season.

Citta design straw boater $219.
R.M Williams top $89.
Wynn Hamlyn skirt $599.
Ruby brooch $35.
Gucci crystal pineapple earrings, about $670, from Matches.
MiH Jeans shirt, $405, from Seletti Concept Store.
Boden kitten heels $200.
Sunday Somewhere sunglasses, $330, from The Iconic.

Peter Jensen Resort 2018
Ted Baker trench, $689, from Smith & Caughey's.
Seed Heritage top $130.
Zara bag $85.