The Ultimate Spring Shopping List: I Searched All Over to Find These Key Pieces

From loafers to colour-block knits, these are the key spring pieces you can buy now whatever your budget.

It might hard to fathom, but spring is just around the corner (wasn't March 2020, like, 2 weeks ago?), and while our diaries remain empty and the future seems uncertain, the one thing we can always rely on is the turning of the seasons. And to be quite honest, we could do with a little spring-based optimism in our lives and in our wardrobes right now. Conveniently, designers have answered our call for dopamine dressing this season, with a line-up of paintbox brights, mood-boosting prints and inspiring silhouettes. No, fashion can't change our situations, but it sure can help us keep going in the meantime. 

Admittedly, the spotlit runway ensembles aren't always the easiest thing to apply to real life, so I'm here to translate the looks for you and offer up pieces you can easily slot into your wardrobes, whatever your requirements and whatever your budget. The overarching theme for spring 2021 is elevated basics, and by that I mean items that don't require great effort to wear or style, yet still imbue any outfit with personality. This comes in the form of everything from pops of pink and printed base-layers to statement-making jeans. You may already own some of the below items, so feel free to simply use our shopping guide as a way to discover old gems.

As always, I believe that the best style comes from a mix of old and new, high-street and high-end, so for each trend, I've included items from each category. Don't say I don't know how to treat you. Scroll down to see and shop the spring items that you can invest in now, whatever your budget. See you on the other side. 

A Pop of Pink

Photo:

@nnennaechem

Style Notes: Even if you haven't previously considered yourself to be a "pink person," this spring might be the moment to give it a go. If you're unsure, try starting out with a clean-lined blazer in a shade of dusty pink and style with dark denim and chunky boots.

DESIGNER
Altuzarra Ana Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Blazer (£1410) HIGH STREET
& Other Stories Cropped Cable Knit Cardigan (£85) VINTAGE
Vintage Romantic Pink Blouse (£33)

Printed Co-Ords

Photo:

@alyssainthecity

Style Notes: Coming out of 2020's loungewear boom, the co-ord trend shows no sign of dissipating for 2021. However, rather than two-pieces in shades of beige and cream, this season we're embracing feel-good prints and bright colours.

DESIGNER
Paloma Wool El Valle Check Jacquard Knit Top (£115)
Paloma Wool Puerto Check Jacquard Knit Trousers (£120) HIGH STREET
Free People Esme Set ( £248) £139 VINTAGE
Vintage 70s Pants Vest Suit (£81)

Loafers

Photo:

@clairewakeman

Style Notes: Loafers have never really dropped off the fashion radar, however, there is something about the reign of flats this season that is making the polished style look particularly appealing. Lose any formal undertones by pairing yours with straight-leg denim.

DESIGNER
Salvatore Ferragamo Gancini Chain Flat Leather Loafers (£585) HIGH STREET
Russell & Bromely Snaffle Loafer (£195) VINTAGE
Donna Carolina Vintage Loafers 38.5 Deadstock Slippers (£145)

Second-Skin Tops

Photo:

@chrissyford

Style Notes: Looking for a versatile layering hero to throw on under everything from dresses to shirts? The second-skin top is the answer to your prayers. Cheerful checked iterations are a fun way to add colour to a white shirt when the weather is still chilly.

DESIGNER
Acne Studios Checked Jersey Turtleneck Top ( £220) £154 HIGH STREET
Weekday Sena Mesh Long Sleeve (£18) VINTAGE
Jean-Paul Gaultier Vintage Maille Mesh Top With Gingham Print (£210)

Colour-Block Jumper

Photo:

@lucywilliams02

Style Notes: We all need a good lightweight jumper for the changeable British spring, and the colour-block knit will do the job nicely. Whether you go for a formfitting ribbed style or a looser vintage offering, these babies will be your weekend go-to right up until summer and beyond.

DESIGNER
Monse Two-Tone Ribbed Wool-Blend Turtleneck Sweater (£795) HIGH STREET
& Other Stories Mock Neck Colour Block Rib Sweater (£55) VINTAGE
Vintage Blue and Brown Color Block Sweater (£44)

Wide-Leg Jeans

Photo:

@sylviemus_

Style Notes: It's time to make a statement with your denim. Yes, it's time to go baggy. No we're not talking '90s grunge fits, rather '70s-inspired high-waisted styles with a wide leg opening. Style with a slim-fit roll-neck for maximum impact.

DESIGNER
Tory Burch Blue Wide-Leg Jeans (£235) HIGH STREET
H&M Wide High Jeans (£25) VINTAGE
Vintage 80s Wide Leg Jeans (£59)

Long Necklaces

Photo:

@lefevrediary

Style Notes: Sometimes it's the small things that count, and this spring this comes in the form of the long necklace. A simple chain will go with everything you own and you don't need to wait for a formal occasion to wear it (not that we have any booked in anyway). Add to your favourite cardigan and jeans when WFH.

DESIGNER
Lauren Rubinski 14-Karat White Gold Necklace (£8350) HIGH STREET
& Other Stories Duo Chain Pearl Pendant Necklace (£23) VINTAGE
Givenchy 1980s Vintage Givenchy Chain Link Necklace (£300)

Colourful Dresses

Photo:

@heartzeena

Style Notes: All the Who What Wear editors are united in our excitement to embrace a colourful dress the moment temperatures creep above 10 degrees. There are of course plenty of eye-popping brights on the market, but I personally love the appeal of patchwork prints, tonal checks and flouncy prairie dresses.

DESIGNER
Staud Millie Gingham Recycled-Nylon Shirtdress (£335) HIGH STREET
Damson Madder Organic Cotton Tiered Maxi Dress in Patchwork With High Neck (£130) VINTAGE
Vintage 1970s Laura Ashley Dress Made in Wales Blue Prairie (£225)

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This story originally appeared on: WhoWhatWear - Author:Joy Montgomery