Six alternatives to a floral dress and white trainers

I had a plea from a lovely reader the other week. It went like this: “Help! I have a few events and days out coming up this spring. I used to rely on the easy look of a floral dress, a denim jacket and white trainers, but these days I feel like that’s become a bit dated. What can I wear instead?”

I hear you, I see you, I feel the same way. The floral midi dress and white trainers outfit was like the uniform of middle-aged ladies across the country, but things move on. That’s not to say you can’t still wear that – you do you – but there are alternative options out there that might just make you feel a bit more up to date. I’m not suggesting heels here – God forbid, as we can’t march down train platforms and up escalators in stilettos – but I have come up with six outfit ideas that don’t involve denim for once. Don’t get used to it, though; I can feel withdrawal symptoms already.

THE PREPPY LOOK

A good shirt, a bomber jacket and some smarter-than-average trousers are a very, very easy way to feel a bit more put together than usual without being overly dressed up. This is a perfect look for lunch or the theatre. Comfortable and cool. You can still wear your trainers or you can go for a boat shoe or a pair of loafers.

POLKA DOTTY

If you want a patterned dress but you’re not so keen on florals, polka dots could be the answer. They’re classic, timeless and a bit less mumsy than flowers. This would be a great outfit for graduation or, at the other end of the scale, a christening. And it’s an easy monochrome look so you can wear your black blazer over the top and don’t need to worry about introducing any more colours.

SKIRTING THE ISSUE

This is a look that I’m keen to try myself soon. I like the idea of a lightweight summer skirt worn with a bit of winter cashmere to keep warm as we come out of the fool’s spring we’ve just had and into a second winter. I know that weather last weekend tricked a lot of us, but we must remember that March is a cunning bastard, weather-wise, and we can’t go thinking it’s really spring until at least April. You could also pop your secret leggings underneath this one for extra warmth.

THE RETURN OF BOHO

You can thank Chloé for this one, as you could back in the early 2000s. With a side order of Sienna Miller, of course. If only all it took was a flouncy maxi dress to look like her. But the romantic look can be a forgiving one, not least as there’s no waistband to speak of and I’m definitely on board with that. This style also goes perfectly with comfortable ballet flats, which is an added bonus.

A SIMPLE SUIT

I’m thinking a slightly more relaxed style than your standard city suit look. Step away from that black, badly fitting two-piece from Next, ladies; we can do better than that. This navy one from Zara could take you from the boardroom to the bar without having to change a thing. Swap out a classic white shirt for one with a bit more interest, a touch of lace or some broderie, and add colourful accessories.

IF IN DOUBT WEAR BLACK

Because, and I know we aren’t supposed to care about this, it makes you look thinner than you really are. It’s easy to wear (for most people) and it’s immediately smart. I’m sure we all have a black dress or two in our wardrobes that we fall back on in times of need. Keep them, cherish them, accept the compliments you get when you wear them.

I hope this has given you some ideas beyond a floral dress and trainers. Next week I think we’ll have a look at spring shoes – more alternatives to trainers.

K x

WearsMyMoney

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