It’s hard to believe that it’s “officially” been spring for over a week now. As I’m writing this, the sun is just starting to peak through after we received a lovely combination of rain, snow, and sleet this afternoon. I may be ready to retire the knitwear for the season, but mother nature certainly is not allowing it.
However, as one does, I’ve already begun compiling my spring/summer wishlist, and I have a few very specific pieces I’m excited to bust out for the season. To help myself forget the somewhat comical weather we experienced today, and the depressing amount of rain in the forecast this next week, I thought I would compile some thoughts here.
Mary Janes
Getting right into it, perhaps the one item I am most excited to start wearing this season are mary janes. I kept a close eye on this trend last year, but wanted to wait until I was sure the style fit my wardrobe before I invested. There’s just something about spring that makes me want to live my French girl slash Alexa Chung fantasy, and I think that played into this purchase a little bit, but I’m also short on flat closed-toe shoes that aren’t sneakers or loafers, so I’m telling myself that this was also a practical choice.
I decided on these off-white mary janes from Aeyde, and I couldn’t love them more if I tried. From the colour to the dainty style, I think they really are the perfect spring shoe. They look awesome with jeans, trousers, dresses, really they run the whole gamut. They’re honestly just such an elegant shoe that I can’t wait to have for years to come.
I also eyed up these Everlane ballet flats, which I think are perfect if you aren’t quite ready to commit to the mary jane. To be honest, I might still get these because they are just so sweet. In a similar vein and if you’re looking to splurge, these woven ones from Freda Salvador are incredible. If you’re going the ballet flat route, the higher the vamp the better in my humble opinion!
Back to mary janes, these little block heeled ones from Sézane are also adorable. And one day, I know I will acquire these Carel mary janes. I’m hesitant to buy without trying them on because patent leather makes me a little bit wary, so perhaps one day when I get back to Paris I will make a souvenir out of them.
Midi Dresses
I think midi dresses have become somewhat of a signature item for me at this point. I’ve amassed quite the collection, but only because I get so much wear out of them throughout the spring and summer months. Infinitely versatile, comfy in the hot weather, and honestly just super cute. They feel like vacation in a clothing item to me.
Faithfull the Brand is perhaps my favourite spot to pick up midi dresses, and I recently got this linen one in their sale. It’s quite similar to one I purchased last year, but I love how this one is sleeveless versus a puff sleeve. While I do love a dramatic sleeve, sometimes in the summer, it can get a bit too warm for any extra material. Faithfull always has such a good variety, from neutrals to brights, solids to prints, and mini to maxi, I really couldn’t recommend them more.
Reformation is also a treasure trove for midi dresses, such as this one, this one, and this one here. Sézane also has a great selection, as does Rouje, and make sure to peruse Matches and Net-a-Porter if you have any special events coming up this season. My one word of wisdom when it comes to dress shopping, especially if you plan to wear it into the summer months, is to stick to natural fibres such as linen and cotton as much as possible.
Basket Bags
A perennial favourite for me, I’ve also accumulated quite the collection of these. I picked up this J.Crew one last summer, which they have again this season, and it’s just the sweetest thing. I’ve also got a couple of vintage ones, so do check that route as well!
I was browsing the Sézane site the other day and came across this iteration, which I think would make for a great holiday bag for those of you who might be travelling this season. And of course, every big designer has their own version, from Loewe to Prada, but to be honest I can’t stomach spending that amount of cash on a raffia bag (or any bag for that matter).
It may be two months early, but I’ve already decided on my birthday gift to myself. This Dragon Diffusion bag first wormed its way into my head 3 years ago now, and I haven’t been able to let it go. The leather makes it a bit more seasonless, so while I might not go full raffia in April, I would absolutely wear this almost all year round. Plus the weaving gives it a Bottega-esque vibe. Just so effortless and classic, it’s a good one!
French Girl Influences
Again, there’s just something about this time of year that makes me want to dress like I’m wandering along the bank of the Seine, baguette in hand. So while this item is less about a specific article of clothing, it’s moreso a vibe I want to channel this season. From the mary janes, to basket bags, to a winged eyeliner, I just think the look is so chic and timeless.
Light Layers
I love layering, but in the winter months everything tends to get swallowed up by a heavy coat; the springtime is when those layers can really shine. A trench over a button down over a t-shirt, or a blazer over sweater vest over a pussy-bow blouse. Infinite possibilities, that now the world can actually see.
I think the necessities for this time of year are a trench coat (groundbreaking), a blazer, a lightweight cardigan, and button-down shirts worn as over shirts. Sézane does a great trench, and I love this one from Nothing Written. For blazers, Aritzia is a failsafe, but the Arket ones are a personal favourite of mine.
I’m currently in the market for a few of these pieces to have in my arsenal. I’d love to find a vintage denim button-down, and I think an oxford cotton button-down is also in order (I’m thinking this one from Sézane). I’d also love to find a lightweight cardigan in either merino wool or cotton. So far this one and this one are my leading contenders. Lastly, I’m on the lookout for a linen blazer like this one for those chillier evenings.
Anything Tonal
Again, this one is more of a vibe than a specific piece, but I’m really leaning into the monochrome and minimal thing this season. Last year, I got the perfect pair of ecru jeans from COS, and I just love how they look with an all white/beige look. This is one I know I’ll be repeating all season long.
And that’s it! Now if only mother nature would get on board…
