What To Wear In Spring That Isn’t Floral Or Pastel

style & fashion

Put on your finest Miranda Priestly voice, and repeat after us: “Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking...” – followed by a gargantuan eye-roll!

If you also feel that there is so much more to springtime dressing than florals and pretty pastels (gorgeous as they both are) then read on…

Block colours

Don’t just save the block colours for summer! The start of spring is a great time to start experimenting with colour, and colour-blocking is a great trend that will stand out in a sea of pastels.

Experiment with block colours by investing in a few staple pieces that you can throw together easily – even better if they can be mixed and matched with other pieces. A red pantsuit, for example, would make a great addition to your wardrobe, as would a bold blue one. Pantone’s colour of the year for 2020 is classic blue, so getting your hands on a sharp pantsuit in this colour will show true style prowess. As would wearing the red trousers with the blue blazer, and vice versa…

Colour blocking shouldn’t just apply to officewear. How about a floaty pink maxi or midi skirt paired with a mint green blouse for a casual weekend of window shopping? Or a fuchsia pencil dress with a bright yellow blazer for a trip to the theatre?

Garcia bright green blazer

Access Fashion coral red trousers

Mix, match, and make direct swaps

If you can’t or don’t want to break the pastel habit, then there is an easy solution that lets you incorporate the must-have spring trend while still maintaining your own individual style. And that is mixing and matching.

Make direct swaps of your favourite pastels for bolder and more out-there pieces. Or continue to wear pastels, but make something else in a bolder colour the stand-out piece of the outfit, while the pastel piece stays in the background. For example, swap your favourite pastel pink jacket with a bright pink one, worn with a pastel pink or even white blouse and jeans. The bright piece will take centre stage, and will help you stand out for all the right reasons!

Don’t be afraid of wearing dark colours either – your staple black skirt and blazer combo can still work in spring; just swap the white or dark blouse for a lighter, more spring-ready colour for a subtle springtime swap.

Don’t neglect the print! Floral print is only the beginning, so go wild with a selection of animal printed separates that you can mix and match with your springtime staples!

Access Fashion pink jacket

Lace

If you want a soft, romantic, and subtly playful aesthetic for spring without the pastels or florals, then lace could very well be the answer. Lace blouses, or simple blouses with lace detailing added to your usual black trousers or smart jeans can instantly elevate your style.

Alternatively, go all-out with some great lace dresses – either with long sleeves, or short sleeved ones paired with smart blazers, or casual denim or leather jackets for a true contrast.

Grace & Mila black woven top

Rock chick

Isn’t rock and roll all about breaking the rules? Therefore, going against the grain and opting for something a little bit unconventional with a rebellious springtime wardrobe couldn’t be more fitting.

You don’t have to go all out to get your point across, as subtle nods to the rock chick trend can be made with just a few pieces. Distressed jeans are a great way to start; pair them with a classic, sleeveless white blouse to keep things chic, or go all-out and pair them with a slogan tee, or better still, a T-shirt of your favourite rock band. And as far as footwear is concerned, ease yourself in by choosing plimsolls or Converse style sneakers, or repurpose your autumn ankle boots and wear them during spring’s colder days.

And it goes without saying, but your rock chick spring look wouldn’t be complete without a denim jacket – extra points if it’s distressed or has stud detailing. Adding a studded denim jacket to most looks can instantly transform them, so you can still wear a floral dress with sneakers and the aforementioned jacket and maintain the rock chick aesthetic.

Garcia Black Biker Jacket

Grunge

As above, opting for a grungier aesthetic for spring is certainly one way to get people talking. Grunge and other 90s throwbacks couldn’t be more en vogue right now, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Keep the colour palette on the dark side, and keep cool in spring essentials such as linen trousers and maxi skirts, for example. Invest in a comfortable pair of black loafers or sandals to see you through the entire season and even take you into summer.

Coster Copenhagen blue skirt in plissé

Accessories

Accessories are key. Chokers, trilby hats, Alexander McQueen inspired skull scarves, and studded jewellery will all work in your favour if you’re going for a rock or grunge inspired look this spring. And other accessories will have the power to transform any spring look in just the same way.

Choosing the right accessories means you can wear more basic, staple spring pieces – such as plain maxi dresses or the classic jeans and tee combo – and add edge and versatility to the look with your selection of accessories.