The four key trends you need to know for spring (and how to style them)

March 22, 2019

It’s that time of the year again. The flowers are blossoming, the sun is shining (sort of) and the days are slowly but surely getting longer. Spring is officially upon us and of course, that means one thing: it’s time to revamp our wardrobes

Still stuck in the depths of winter wear? Fear not: according to the experts in the YOU fashion team, there’s 4 key trends you need to know about, and each one sounds sunnier than the last.

1. Short suiting
2. Pastels
3. Shell accessories
4. Yellow, yellow and more yellow

Whether you want to dip a toe or go totally head-to-toe, these summery trends are all easily wearable – for everyone.

Not only have we worked out how to style each trend, we’ve picked out the best buys on the high street to get you started. From blazers to bags, here’s your bright and beautiful shopping list.

Short suiting

‘The suit couldn’t be more popular right now, with skirt and trouser combos being the go-to coordinates for formal style that can be turned casual with a simple t-shirt or pair of trainers,’ says the team.

‘For spring, we’re seeing the emergence of a new duo – the short suit. Whilst nodding back to the 90s (Julia Robert’s red short suit in Pretty Woman), we’re loving the modern twist of tonal colour schemes and oversized silhouettes. Keep things elegant with high-waisted tailored shorts and minimal accessories. Layered gold necklaces, ankle boots and cat-eye sunglasses will make the look.’

Grey Shorts Suit, £95, Topshop

ASOS Design Cream Cord Suit & Blazer Shorts, £90, ASOS

Pockets Structured Blazer & Belted Bermuda Shorts, £119.98, Mango

Beatrix Jacket Textured Blazer in Soft Pink, Reiss

Single-Breasted Jacket, £24.99, H&M

ASOS Design Pop Green Soft Suit Shorts & Blazer, £67, Asos

Pastel shades

‘This trend pops up every spring, to everyone’s delight,’ say our in-house fashionistas. ‘Nothing says spring is here like pastels. But sometimes the trend can look a little bit daunting, with magazines and ad campaigns flaunting head-to-toe looks that for those new to the trend it becomes too much too soon.

‘If you love the hues but just want to dip your toe for now, keep the trend to your accessories. Pastels look amazing with neutrals, so a pastel blue bag with a camel trench will not look out of place. The trend is so popular it extends to everything from shoes and jewellery to sunglasses and hats, so start off small and we’re sure you’ll fall in love.

‘Otherwise try a pastel dress. Minimal enough to not look like a head-to-toe look, neutral accessories will pair it back and soften. And for those super fans, play around with mix-and-match co-ords – the final product is a feast for the eyes.’

Buckle Slip Ons, £49, Charles & Keith

Veery Sing Blue Jeans, £40, Weekday

Pleated Skirt, £25.99, Zara

Monet Blue Leopard Daisy Midi Tiered Dress, £285, Rixo

Abigail Frill Wrap Dress, £159, Whistles

Cat Intruder Pastels, £85, Cat

Orla Earrings in Lilac, £35, Wolf & Moon

Pure Linen Double Breasted Blazer, £79, Marks & Spencer

Tapered Paperbag Waist Trousers, £69, & Other Stories

Shell accessoires

‘It’s no surprise that nautical makes an appearance every year as a Spring/Summer trend,’ the team continues. ‘But one element has broken away on its own and dominated the accessory trends two summers in a row – shells.

‘Last summer, what started as an Insta-trend with the emergence of shell earrings and bracelets soon gathered momentum, and this season any brand worth its salt is adorning anything and everything with intricate shell detail. Whether you keep it stripped back and minimal or layer up, this trend looks beautiful either way. Mixing the jewellery with gold gives a high-end look, whilst shells and straw bags are a match made in heaven.’

Smokey Tortoiseshell Barette, £12, Cos

Contrasting Earrings, £12.99, Zara

Shell Charm Collar Necklace, £18, Warehouse

Shell Hoop Earrings, £15.99, Mango

Jangly Shell Hoop Earrings, £10, Accessorize

Gold Plated Earrings, £19.99, Pilgrim

Shell-Pendant Necklace, £44, Anthropologie

Mini Crossbody Bag With Shells, £29.99, Zara

Shell Bangle, £85, rae feather

Yellow

Last, but certainly not least is the biggest spring/summer trend of all – yellow.

‘Every season the colours battle it out for top shade, and this Spring/Summer yellow is on top. Labelled Gen-Z yellow, it’s replaced Millenial Pink as the eye-catching Insta-bait, and our new favourite hue,’ the team declares.

‘Covering everything from banana to buttercup, there’s a shade for everyone, regardless of generation. Just like pastels, if this is a hue that has never appeared in your wardrobe before, test it out with accessories. Yellow sandals are a great place to start. Otherwise, yellow tops look great with denim, and yellow dresses add instant summer cool and work perfectly with black / tan accessories.’