The spring sunshine is so welcome after a long winter, it really makes me want to get on top of my to-do list and plant some flowers and go for a run!  It also reminds me that it’s time for a bit of a wardrobe sort out and a chance to update the outfits I’ve been wearing on repeat. Here’s a few ideas if you want to refresh your style for spring:

Accessories shuffle

It’s easy to fall into a pattern of wearing the same jewellery, day in day out, so it’s good to update your necklaces, earrings and bracelets each season. I was recently sent this gorgeous mini biography locket necklace in sterling silver from the luxury British brand, Astley Clarke. It provides a relaxed spring update to partner with vest tops and tees, made to be worn and enjoyed every day, individually or layered with other necklaces. Astley Clarke jewellery features a stunning range of locket necklaces to enhance your outfits and add a meaningful touch. I love beautiful, quality jewellery where so much attention to detail goes into every piece – as you can see with the locket’s unique centrepiece.

Now is also the ideal opportunity to clear out your purse and go-to handbag. If you’ve been using a black bag all winter, maybe opt for something brighter. A pastel or straw bag maybe. Personally, a red or tan bag is on my wishlist – haven’t found ‘the one’ yet but I think it could be just the thing my spring wardrobe needs. But if you aren’t planning on investing in a new bag, you can always update the one you have by tieing a colourful silk scarf to the handle, for a little oh la la Parisien style.

Time to get some new sunnies too, these are essential (oh and maybe an umbrella here in the UK!) But seriously, I always head to TK Maxx for new sunnies, my current pair are Levis in an aviator style with a lavender tint.

New shoes for spring

You can’t beat a new pair of trainers or sneakers for spring and my choice this time has been Converse high tops. A new pair of shoes gives you that immediate seasonal update to an outfit and the thing with Converse is that they are so versatile, looking great with jeans, shorts, skirts or dresses. Mine are leather Converse All Star Vintage Hi Trainers

But I also love these lilac ones in canvas:

And look at these Birkenstocks in lemon or lilac – such gorgeous colours! Very tempting, I would love a pair of these, too as they’re another great shoe style to go with practically anything this season.

Jeans update

Jeans are major staple in most wardrobes – they certainly are in mine, but this spring I’m swapping my dark skinny jeans for light blue and cream, in a much more comfy and relaxed ‘mom’ fit. As soon as I tried on these M&S Mom Jeans, I knew I had to have them – they are incredibly comfy and give a nice relaxed look. I’m completely over being squished into tight skinny jeans and ready to embrace the looser fit life. Just find a length and fit that suits you – for me it’s a shorter leg length, which lots of brands like M&S do cater for.

Light layers

Spring can be sunny but still chilly so you won’t want to ditch the layers just yet; just make them lighter in colour and fabric. I wore a silver vest top which gives a hint of sparkle and elevates my usual t-shirts. The shacket is Mint Velvet from last year and it is ideal to throw over a short sleeved t-shirt instead of a cardigan or hoodie. Simply swap your dark tees for pastels, bright colours, patterns/slogans. Alternatively, linen shirts for women are ideal for creating a stylish and comfortable ensemble that can transition seamlessly from a formal setting to a more casual occasion. My utility jacket above gives a similarly relaxed, easy to wear look.

Time for a trim

A new trim is one of the best things you can do to refresh your look for spring – get yourself some flirty bottle neck bangs this season! It’s the hot trend to have a long fringe cut in which sweeps playfully outwards. Or perhaps add a few baby lights around your face or even just taking a few inches off the ends of your hair can give it some extra bounce to give your look a seasonal lift.

Make-up shake up

Treating yourself to a spring manicure feels good, whether at home or at the salon, it’s a great way to welcome in the new season. You could opt for something like pastel pink, lilac, lemon, ombre, or maybe a french manicure with rainbow tips or some flowery nail art. As much as we love a dark red, it’s also fun to switch things up and embrace a springtime look.

Empty out that make up bag, clean your brushes, chuck out the old broken pieces and sharpen your pencils. Why not try a shimmery silver eyeshadow in place of a more wintry brown. A brighter lippy will lift your face. This is the season to try a bright red. Rimmel’s Alarm is an affordable red that is supposed to suit most skin tones

Also, mix some highlighter in with your foundation for shimmery sunkissed cheekbones and add a few drops of tan into your face cream. Slap on some vitamin C oil for a brighter complexion and don’t forget the sunscreen! This is so important to protect the delicate face from sun damage and hyperpigmentation. The sunscreen in your foundation is not enough – you need to apply it underneath your make up every day.

Perfume swap

Swap warm, spicy scents of winter in favour of a zingy fresh, floral, sweet or fruity fragrance. I am currently looking around for a new perfume, so would love to have your recommendations! I had a sniff at the JLo fragrance ‘One’ the other day and it smelled good to me, quite summery. I also like Victoria Secrets for their sweet perfumes; such as Tease or Bombshell Gold. But I also enjoy wearing citrus and woody scents – I love the Malin + Goetz fragrances for these qualities, especially when I’m dressed down. If you love perfume that reminds you of suntan lotion and holidays, did you know that Nivea have their suncream smell in an actual fragrance?! Also, Next has a scent called Summer Sun that seems really popular for evoking holiday vibes.

How are you updating your style for spring?