Spring Style Updates – And The Beauty To Go With Them

I make no apologies for being a warm-weather person. I was born in November and I’ve always thought spring is the best time of the year. There’s nothing like that downhill race into Christmas when socialising reaches fever pitch and fashion gets so much more fun. Here are a few style tweaks that are making me (even more) excited about the festive season ahead – and some beauty ideas to go with them…

THE BALLOON SLEEVE

The volume trend appears to be hanging around for at least two more seasons. (I can confirm it was all over Europe for winter on my last trip). A full sleeve is a great way to integrate volume into your wardrobe without feeling like a Michelin woman. I love this Zimmermann dress – the broderie lace detailing is super pretty and the balloon sleeve balances out the mini length by giving a bit more fabric to the garment.

Beauty wise: Keep hair long, loose and shiny with this look. Healthy hair always looks best, so I’m a big fan of Olaplex. They’ve recently launched their No. 04 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 05 Bond Maintenance Conditioner, which have been making all the difference to restoring my damaged, coloured hair to glass-like shine.

SIGOURNEY WEARS ZIMMERMANN DRESS AND SOL SANA SHOES

THE CROPPED TOP

While this is not a look to be wearing to a three course pasta lunch, it’s super cute and to me is very reminiscent of the nineties supermodels. The puff sleeve, tie-up bust and ruching jean is very Cindy Crawford/Claudia Schiffer – especially when worn with a high waisted jean like these Paige ones from Order of Style. Naturally I love anything that channels that era so this is a fun look for a dinner date or day party when you’re feeling confident.

Beauty-wise: The hands-down fastest way to feel that little more lithe is to get an all-over tan. I used to rely on spray tans but when travelling it can be hard to know which salons to trust (no one wants to risk a dodgy orange job). So find a mousse you love and slather it on carefully with a mitt. I like Sunescape A Week in Fiji and KORA Organic’s Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion.

FOLK DETAILING

Blouses embroidered with folksy details like this one from Tigerlily are a lovely way to do relaxed style. They lend an air of bohemian cool to tailored shorts (these ones are by Elka Collective), denim or even thrown on over a bikini. Look for loose styles in quality cotton.

Beauty-wise: Keep the look unified with rusty or bronze eyeshadows (like the Revlon Colorstay Crème Eyeshadow in Cognac – one swipe over the lid and you’re done) and peach or brown tones on the lip (like Fenty Mattemoiselle in S1ngle, which boasts stellar longevity). Sticking to a warmer palette in the spring months will warm up your skin tone too. Just remember to always blend well.

SIG WEARS TIGERLILY TOP AND ELKA COLLECTIVE SHORTS

THE PRINTED MAXI

This vibrant dress from Paddo To Palmy Dress is not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a fuss-free way to make a strong style statement. Just stick to minimal nude accessories and light makeup.

Beauty-wise: A strong print like this calls for a delicate, not-too-intense fragrance to go with it. My current favourite is Gucci Bloom Nettare Di Fiori – floral and oh-so-pretty, it complements this bold look perfectly.

THE ASSYMETRIC CUT

I’m a sucker for seersucker – the thin, puckered delicately striped fabric has been a British-inspired summer style staple since the Colonial time. I love Elka Collective’s asymmetrical take on the fabric. The belted, one-shouldered style is unique while the casual fabric keeps it low-key. It’s perfect for a garden party or BBQ when you don’t want to feel too ‘done’.

Beauty-wise: Fresh blue and white screams for flawless, natural skin. When the weather warms up I start to up my vitamin A, C and E application, so that I can lighten up on the makeup front. Always make sure you apply A and C at night (try Rationale Six Step) and choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen for daytime.

THE PRINTED PANT

A loose, breezy pair of pants is a great alternative to denim, when you want to feel just that little bit more dressed up. I love these Tigerlily pants just worn with a simple black or white camisole. They also look super cute with a bikini top as an alternative beach cover up as well.

Beauty-wise: One of the best things about spring is the chance to make a statement with your nails. Choose the brightest shade in your printed pants and match them to your mani. I’m loving Sally Hansen polishes at the moment because they’re pretty much chip-resistant and boast a range of fun but chic shades.