We’re keeping it simple this week with seven outfit ideas for March. It’s a very tricky month, this one. Yes, it should be getting warmer, but on any given day it could be bleak midwinter so we can’t pack away our winter garments just yet. I know there is a massive temptation to get our spring wardrobe out but we shouldn’t be too previous. I don’t know about you, but I would always rather be too hot than too cold. I’m not into shivering around town with bare ankles.
Layers (and socks) are your friend right now, so along with some new, spring-like pieces that will work from now until the summer, we need to include some extra knitwear, gilets and lighter-weight jackets and coats in our early spring looks. Let’s have a glance at a few outfit suggestions…
NICE NEUTRALS
Why not take a break from black and get into some more spring-like neutrals? Pair your white button-up shirt with some khaki trousers and a beige blazer. Remember, beige doesn’t have to be boring. If you feel you want a splash of colour, add a bright bag in a colour that you think won’t work, but weirdly does.
- River Island line blend embroidered crop shirt
- Isabel Marant Etoile herringbone wool blazer (use code KATE15 for 15% off)
- COS pleated barrel leg cord trousers
- Whistles Emmie top handle bag
- Arket cotton blend cardigan
- New Balance 997R suede trainers
A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD
Talking of bright bags, one of my favourite small brands, Hopeful, have just launched a bespoke service where you can pick which colour leather you want for the bag of your choice. There are seven styles and 17 colours to choose from, which means you can have something truly original. I went for the Manhattan in red and it’s buttery soft and the perfect size tote for everyday use. Code KATE15 will get you 15% off the Hopeful bespoke collection.
I can feel a full leopard blog coming on soon as it’s definitely having a moment, proving that some things are worth hanging on to. Saying that, I sold my Ganni leopard maxi skirt last year and I’m kicking myself a bit for that, but I did replace it with a lightweight leopard coat from Vinted, which I think I will wear more than the skirt, so it feels like a good swap.
- COS pure cashmere jumper
- & Other Stories cat eye sunglasses
- Frame Le high rise wide leg jeans
- Hopeful bespoke Manhattan red leather tote bag
- Damson Madder leopard print Tilly gilet
- All Saints Michaela studded leather belt
- Adidas Handball Spezial trainers
JUMP TO IT
I couldn’t do this week’s blog without a mention of the latest incarnation of the By Iris x Doucer jumpsuit. This one is made from a lightweight cotton/linen blend in preparation for the warmer months ahead, but wear right now either layered over a thermal vest or under a wool coat. Casual enough for everyday wear, but add a tuxedo jacket, some great jewellery and evening shoes for a night out. I have been neglecting my jumpsuits of late; must get into them again this season.
- By Iris x Doucer Sasha cotton khaki jumpsuit
- John Lewis baroque pearl paperclip chain necklace
- Missoma fan gemstone drop earrings
- Ganni crystal embellished satin evening bag
- Hobbs Lillian tuxedo jacket
- Stuart Weitzman suede heeled sandals
A SIMPLE BLACK DRESS
Finally, I found some dresses this week that I like. This isn’t groundbreaking, admittedly, but sometimes you can’t beat a simple black midi dress. I like the skirt/top combo look of this one from H&M. It’s smart, but could also be casual, and it has a flattering scoop neckline for those with bigger boobies. I am very tempted, and I haven’t said that about a midi dress for a long time.
- H&M flared skirt dress
- Oliver Bonas chunky chain necklace
- Sezane Milane good drop earrings
- Whistles wool mix rib cardigan
- Anthropologie woven faux leather shoulder bag
- Aligne Gilda maxi trench coat
- Ganni glossy brown buckle flats
PREP IT UP
I have a feeling collared polo-type shirts and tops are going to be back this year. I’ll do a round-up (maybe next week) on a few trends that I think are worth looking at for 2024. Sometimes it only takes a few small tweaks to update your look without buying into all the one-season fads. Don’t panic, though: denim jackets will never die. They will always have a place in your wardrobe. This year they seem to be simple, unfussy designs which I’m very happy with.
- Isabel Marant Etoile polo knit jumper (use code KATE15 for 15% off)
- ME + EM denim relaxed crop jacket
- John Lewis stripe linen trousers
- Stutterheim Svea waterproof bag
- Ivy Ellis varsity cotton socks
- Adidas original Handball Spezial trainers
GREEN & NAVY
Blue and green should never be seen? I don’t think so. I love navy and green together, in fact I think it looks great. Note to self on another idea for a blog post: colours that you’ve been told don’t work together but actually do.
- Oliver Bonas green quilted cotton jacket
- Arket denim shirt
- H&M wide pleat trousers
- Iro croc effect leather belt
- Adidas Handball Spezial trainers
- Oliver Bonas ribbed stripe square neck top
DENIM DRESSES
You wait ages for a dress to come along that you like and then bang, you get them all at once. Denim dresses are such an easy spring option. You can wear now with your boots (by the way, my FAVOURITE John Lewis boots are back in stock – I’ve been living in them since I got them in October last year), and then you can go for a ballet flat, a loafer or trainers when it’s time to ditch the tights.
- Albaray denim midi dress
- Le Specs Showstopper square frame sunglasses
- H&M coated buckle shoulder bag
- Aligne Gabriella shirt sleeve midi dress
- Mango studded ballerina flats
- H&M horsebit leather loafers
Now if we can just have a few consecutive days without rain to dry out the mud then I’d feel like spring really is on the way…
K x