What do they say about March? It comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I take that to mean it’s bloody Baltic at the start, but it could very well be approaching Phil Collins* weather by the time it ends. It’s definitely a month to think about lighter layers and maybe replacing your trusty winter coat or puffer with a less bulky option. But definitely don’t pack away all those winter clothes just yet, because as soon as you do, it will snow.
To that end, I would like to apologise in advance, as I did order some new garden furniture this week after that one day of spring we had the previous week. This inevitably means the weather won’t be good enough to sit outside until at least April.
I’ve based many of these outfits on items I already own and am looking forward to wearing again this month. Remember, you don’t need a whole new wardrobe every season – maybe just the odd addition to update the pieces you already have.
* No Jacket Required.
THE CLASSIC TRENCH
I returned the Zara trench I ordered the other week because I was rightfully reminded that I already have a coat that’s very similar – and nicer. That’s the Sézane Clyde trench coat. It’s not reversible like the Zara version, but the shape and the fabric quality are much better. I’ll be wearing it this month with my Reformation Cary wide-leg jeans and a nice piece of light knitwear. Probably layered over a thermal vest for now.

- Boden Eloise Frill Henley Jumper
- Daisy London Clover Charm Necklace
- Sezane Clyde Trench Coat
- Zara Brown Suede Belt
- Reformation Cary High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
- DeMellier Midi Stockholm Bag
- Zara Studded Suede Deck Shoes
THE KHAKI TROUSERS
I stand by the fact that a good pair of khaki trousers can take you from early spring right through to summer. Wear them with your best crisp white T‑shirt, layered under a light cardigan or jumper. This Uniqlo tee is nice and fitted, so it’s perfect for layering. It’s also one of the only white T‑shirts I own that hasn’t lost its shape at all and is still actually white. Shout out to these Glowhite sachets and Vanish Oxi Action for their help in this department.
It might also be getting safer to wear your suede trainers. I’ve had these Adidas Spezial trainers for a couple of years now, and I even bought a ‘spare’ pair last year in case they ever stop making them, as this colour literally goes with everything.

- Uniqlo Supima Cotton T‑Shirt
- Maya Brenner Crescent Moon Gold Earrings
- Barbour Bronwyn Showerproof Jacket
- Boden Tan Leather Belt
- M&S Pleat Front Tapered Trousers
- 440ME Cashmere Silk Cardigan
- Massimo Dutti Small Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag
- Adidas Spezial Trainers
THE LEATHER SKIRT
If you have a leather skirt lurking at the back of your wardrobe, now is its time. It’s one of those pieces a lot of us have, but it’s also what I call a ‘Goldilocks’ item. By that, I mean the weather can’t be too cold (leather skirts don’t look great with thick tights), and it can’t be too hot (no one wants sweaty legs encased in leather) – it has to be just right.
I fancy wearing mine with loafers and grey socks. I’ll take my chances with being compared to Miss Trunchbull in the name of fashion.

- Oliver Bonas Green Sunglasses
- Astley Clark Gold Heart Necklace
- River Island Black Trench Coat
- Whistles Fine Gauge Crew Neck Cardigan
- Massimo Dutti Nappa leather midi skirt
- JW Anderson Loafer Suede Shoulder Bag
- Uniqlo Ribbed Socks
- Grenson Phillipa Leather Loafers
THE ‘SNEAKERINAS’
OK, so this is the only item I don’t actually own (yet). But I’ve seen a few pairs around, and I’m definitely intrigued. I can see these being a bit of a ‘Marmite’ trend, but if you love the comfort of trainers and the look of ballerina flats, this could be one to try.

- Navinder Nangla Slogan T Shirt
- Smooth Jazz Embroidered Cap
- & Other Stories Funnel-Neck Zip-Up Sweatshirt
- ME + EM Exaggerated Crop Jeans
- Free People Tivoli Leather Tote Bag
- & Other Stories Zip Up Twill Jacket
- Nike Air Rift Split Toe Trainers
THE EXCELLENT NAVY TROUSERS
The Zara trench may have gone back, but these pleat-front trousers are definitely a keeper. A very flattering and easy-to-wear shape in a lightweight drapey fabric. I had to get mine taken up a bit since they run quite long, but I was willing to do that in the pursuit of great spring trousers.

- M&S Cotton Cap Sleeve T‑Shirt
- Rixo Zodiac Pendant
- Zara Suede Effect Bomber Jacket
- Zara Wide Leg Pleated Trousers
- Massimo Dutti Large woven leather bag
- Bella Freud Culture Cotton Jumper (use KATEXBELLA for 15% off)
- Suede Mary Jane Flats
THE GREY SWEATSHIRT
As we move slowly into the warmer months, don’t forget one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe: the grey sweatshirt. It’s the perfect casual item for everyday wear. It’s also one of those pieces I’m inclined to re-buy in the eternal search for the perfect version. My current favourite is this one I bought from Sessun in Paris, but this Arket Terry sweatshirt runs a very close second.

- Hush Moderately Social Embroidered Sweatshirt
- Sezane Joseph Necklace
- Uniqlo Ribbed Bra Top (Regular Length)
- Anine Bing Cyrus Shell Bomber Jacket
- Mint Velvet Tan Suede Slim Belt
- & Other Stories Barrel Jeans
- Uniqlo Drawstring Bag
- Olive Martini Phone Case
- Nokwol Atlas Suede Trainers
THE BLACK MIDI & BACKLESS LOAFERS
I might be being a bit previous with this one, but it’s OK to think ahead a bit. Plus, you never know — we might get a few more warm days this month. If, like me, you shirk a heel these days but still want a smart shoe to wear with your midi dresses, enter the backless loafer. It’s just a little more feminine than a full loafer, and I think it works really well with a black midi.

- Monica Vinader Antica Bold Chain Necklace
- ME + EM Mixed Media Midi Dress
- Astrid & Miyu Medium Hoop Earrings
- Toteme Gathered Lightweight Wool Dress
- COS Oval Gold Bangle
- John Lewis V‑Neck Cap Sleeve Panelled Midi Dress
- Grenson Maggie Backless Loafers
- Steve Madden Rafe Mule-Style Loafers
- Gucci Leather Princetown Slippers
THE STRIPED TOP
Finally, let’s give some kudos to the classic stripe top. I picked up a lovely fine-knit version from COS last year, and it’s pretty much a twin of this one from M&S. Works perfectly with chino-style trousers, culottes or jeans. Basically, it goes with everything. And who knows? By the end of the month, we might even be daring enough to bare an ankle sans socks.

- M&S Pure Merino Wool Striped Jumper
- Missoma Mixed Metal Hoop Earrings
- COS Rounded Jersey Jacket
- ME + EM Relaxed Leg Engineered Jeans
- Skagen SKW6374 Signature Watch
- Flat Leather Ballet Pumps
- Loewe Edge Puzzle Bag
Update: the day after my new garden furniture arrived, rain started again. I will buy an umbrella next week in the hope that means the sun will come back.
K x
