Fashion
What the Fabulous editors are wearing this Spring & where to shop looks
NEED help choosing what to wear this spring? Fabulous’ team of fashion experts are sharing their top recommendations.
Tracey Lea Sayer, Abby McHale, Clemmie Fieldsend and Emily Regan reveal their top choices, which are all available at high street prices.
Long-line waistcoast, River Island, £45
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
WHILE spring always makes me feel like a wardrobe refresh, I stopped buying into faddy fast fashion trends years ago.
Two kids and a massive mortgage put a stop to my Saturday afternoon shopping sprees.
These days I am much more restrained and picky about what I spend my hard-earned cash on.
To make my new season edit, a piece needs to do three things.
It has to be affordable but look expensive.
It has to work well with pieces I already own, while also adding a new season spin.
And it has to make me want to wear it all the time.
Step forward the suit vest, or long-line waistcoat to you and me.
Named as Vogue’s “most wanted item” this spring and seen on my Instagram feed more than any other single piece, the longline waistcoat is the season’s biggest hit.
What I love about this fresh new garment of tailoring is that it is so versatile.
It can sharpen up a look and be worn over a crisp white shirt for work.
It goes great with jeans over a white T-shirt at the weekend for a trip to the pub.
Heck, I would even get my arms out and wear it with nothing underneath to my friend’s wedding in July with the matching wide-leg suit pants, strappy sandals and a cute micro bag.
Who even am I? Don’t say Steve Davis. Oh god. Am I showing my age?
Quilted jacket, Tu at Sainsbury’s, £32
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
I LOVE a jacket for this time of year, whether that is a blazer to throw on and make any outfit look smarter or my beloved trench coat that goes with everything in my wardrobe.
However, for this season, I’m upgrading my outerwear of choice with a quilted version.
Seen all over the high street, they are perfect for this time of year.
Worn simple with jeans and a T-shirt or over a dress, there are many ways you can get your wear out of a jacket like this.
Boho has had a resurgence this year, thanks to designers such as Chloe and Ralph Lauren, with their SS24 collections showcasing this style.
And this jacket fits into the bohemian look perfectly. Luckily, you also don’t have to break the bank to get one, with this version from Tu at Sainsbury’s costing £32.
I love the monochrome colourway and subtle floral pattern – it will be a great addition to my wardrobe.
Midaxi skirt, Marks & Spencer, £35
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
IN the early Noughties, I thought slipping on a white midi skirt with a halterneck top and a knitted shrug was the height of sophistication.
Now, scrolling through high street websites, I see the look is back.
And instead of recoiling in horror at my past, I am actually quite glad it has returned.
Whether it is the nostalgia of what I thought was dressing like an adult or the fact that simple and clean fashion is reigning supreme, I can’t wait to start wearing one again – but this time a slightly longer length.
Inspired by designer brands Chloe and Khaite, white, ankle-grazing midaxis have no limits.
They look great with trainers or loafers for now and barely-there sandals for when the sun shines.
I love, firstly, the price and the look of this style from M&S with its box-pleat design that flatters the tummy area while creating a waist.
And the great thing about white is that it really is a blank canvas, so you can build a look around it with whatever your style is and with whatever you have in your wardrobe.
For me, that is monochrome classics such as a shirt, T-shirt or crew neck jumper, or with smatterings of leopard print, grey and navy.
Topped with a tailored blazer of any hue, it is an easy style builder that makes getting dressed feel effortless.
I might even dust off a halterneck but I will be leaving the shrug in the past.
Tie-front blouse, H&M, £14.99
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
I COULDN’T be happier that the high street has jumped onto TikTok’s “Copenhagen cool girl” fashion trend.
The Copenhagen blouse is the must-have item for this season, with designer brand Ganni leading the way.
Due to Scandi labels and influencers living in the puffy top with bow detailing, UK and budget brands have begun to embrace the style.
This top taps into another viral trend, Coquette, which is all things feminine and romantic.
My budget doesn’t quite stretch to spending £135 on the Ganni poplin version, but thankfully H&M has a dupe for less than £15.
Pair it with jeans and colourful trainers for a relaxed and effortless look.
And when it is warm, you could style it with a pair of shorts or dress it up with a maxi skirt and heels for a special occasion.
Plus, if you are worried about the gaps in between the ties, this still looks lush with a bralet or good old camisole layered underneath.
I know that I will be reaching for this all summer long – so be quick, it is sure to sell out soon.