It’s still not quite the right time for me to start thinking about new season clothes. I’ve been very restrained so far this year (for me), and have only bought two things. Firstly, these trainers (from last week’s blog) that I’ve been thinking about since last summer. I was worried I wouldn’t have much to wear them with, but they go a treat with cropped trousers or jeans. And I love a new trainer trend to get on board with, so they’re keepers.
I’ve also just ordered these COS jeans, as I keep seeing full-length straight-leg denim on all the cool girls at various fashion weeks around the world. This pair look like a good shape, and I’m always up for a new denim trend. I know, I know – straight-leg jeans aren’t new and they’ve been around forever. But humour me here. They haven’t arrived yet, so I can’t tell you for sure how they fit. I will report back.
So, as we wait for the spring season to actually arrive, I thought it might be more useful this week to look at some accessories that can easily update your outfit rather than going for a whole new look. Sometimes it’s the small things that make a big difference.
BRING OUT THE BROOCHES
I bet you’ve got a few brooches knocking around in a drawer somewhere already. If not, you can pick them up in charity shops or on Etsy or Vinted for minimal cost. I’m predicting that a brooch on your jacket is the 2026 version of the bag charm, so it’s a cheap and easy way to tap into a micro trend. Also, if Celine and Chanel are showing them on the runway, you know it’s a thing.
- Mango satin lace top
- Jigsaw Langford Wool Blazer
- Etsy Vintage Style Gold Wreath Brooch
- Free People Tavi pin
- COS Reprise Straight Leg Jeans
- Rise & Fall Fine V Neck Merino Jumper
- DeMellier The Paris Smooth Leather Bag
- Mango Ruched Shoes with Bow
CONTRASTING COLOURED SOCKS
As you should know by now, I’m a big fan of the humble sock. For more of my favourites, check out this post. A good coloured sock can perk up even the most ordinary ensemble, especially if you’re devoted to wearing all black but don’t want to look like you’re heading to a funeral. You don’t have to match them with anything else in your outfit, but I usually like to throw in something in the same colour to tie it all together nicely.
- M&S Brushed Wool & Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
- TBco Merino Wool Skinny Ruffle Scarf
- & Other Stories Cropped Bomber Jacket
- Mint Velvet Black Leather Slim Belt
- Jigsaw Ponte Barrel Leg Trousers
- Damson Madder 2 Pack Socks
- M&S Leather Woven Flat Loafers
THE LADYLIKE BAG
A more structured bag can elevate almost any outfit. I mean, Kate Moss even takes her Birkin to the beach. Hermès is somewhat out of reach for us mere mortals, but a good leather or suede bag is always an investment. If I’m looking for pre-loved designer, I’ll always turn to Vestiaire Collective. On the high street, I like Massimo Dutti and COS. And for designer without an extortionate price tag, I really rate DeMellier and Parisa Wang. Both make great leather and suede bags that usually come in around the £500 mark or less but look as though they cost way more.
- M&S Argyle Crew Neck Slim Fit Knitted Top
- & Other Stories Oversized Aviator Sunglasses
- COS Boiled Merino Wool Cardigan
- Magda Butrym Leather Belt
- Albaray Dark Wash Turn Up Jeans
- Parisa Wang Gabrielle 35 Suede Bag
- Uniqlo Argyle Socks
- Top Shop Carey Leather Loafers
THE SIMPLE SILK SCARF
A slightly more spring-like take on last year’s woollen triangle scarf. Just like the brooch, I bet you have one of these somewhere. Obviously, it doesn’t matter if it’s actual silk or not. There’s a lady at Sunbury Antiques Market who does two for a fiver – all colours, all patterns. But you can also pick one up from Vinted for a couple of quid. The silk square scarf is also replacing, or at least adding to, the ubiquitous bag charms from last year. Just tie it or wrap it around your bag handles for a subtly more grown-up adornment.
- COS Merino Wool V Neck Jumper
- All Saints Gothic Silk Scarf
- Stripe & Stare High Rise Knickers (use KATE10 for 10% off)
- Citizens of Humanity Ayla cropped wide-leg jeans
- COS Sculpted Merino Wool Cropped Jacket
- M&S Suede Flat Square Toe Ballet Pumps
A REALLY GOOD BELT
I would say out of all these accessories, a really good belt is my number one. Not only does it keep your trousers up if they’re too big, it also acts as a point of interest in the same way that jewellery does. I feel naked if I don’t wear a belt with jeans. I’ve yet to find one as useful as my Déhanche Hollyhock belt, but the high street has cottoned on to this simple design, and now there are plenty of homages for all budgets available. This one from Mint Velvet is probably the closest match, and this from Wat The Brand is a great suede version.
- ME + EM Relaxed Crop Cashmere Jumper
- Monica Vinader Infinity Heart Stud Earrings (use code KATEHMV20 for 20% off)
- COS Clean Cut White T Shirt
- Déhanche Cream Leather Hollyhock Belt
- Whistles Khaki Pleat Front Trousers
- River Island Check Bubble Hem Bomber Jacket
- Jeffrey Campbell Yachting Day Boat Shoes
AVIATOR- STYLE OVERSIZED GLASSES
Aviator sunglasses were a big trend last summer, and they’re here to stay. But if you’re a regular spectacle wearer, you could also grab a pair of aviator frames to update your look. Unfortunately, my prescription is too high for really big frames, but I’m very tempted to get a clear pair to wear with my contact lenses just because I like the look of them.
- Monica Vinader Silver Zodiac Pendant
- Feel Good Harold Aviator Glasses
- Arket Pure Cashmere Boat-Neck Jumper
- White Stuff Eden Denim Jacquard Jacket
- Linea Pelle Black & Silver Belt (use code Hiscox 20 for 20% off)
- Uniqlo Baggy Curve Jeans
- Toteme T‑Lock Small leather bag
- Adidas Silver Samba trainers
I might do a trainers trend special soon, or maybe the best loafers? I’m veering towards loafers, as I find myself wearing them a lot more than my trainers these days, but let me know if you have any preferences.
K x
