Five style swaps to make now spring is on its way, from midi dresses to mules

Here's how to dress during this curious climate

(Getty

The first day of spring might be a way off yet but the UK is already experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures.

So much so, that Kew Gardens in London reached 21.2C on Tuesday, signalling the highest winter temperatures since records began over a hundred years ago.

While the balmy weather has ignited more debates about the reality of climate change, it’s also led us to consider how the shift in temperatures will affect our wardrobe choices in the coming weeks.

Knowing how to dress for this troublesome transitional period can be tricky. You might leave the house ready to take on typically frosty February weather only to find the sun is suddenly beaming.

The good news is that the great British weather is only just warming, meaning that most of your wardrobe will suffice when combined with a few new season buys.

Here are five savvy style swaps to make so you can nail dressing during this curious climate.

Stash: Puffer jacket Shop: Trench coat

(L-R: Sacai, Alexander McQueen, Roksanda, Tom Ford)

Puffer jackets were the must-have item of the winter months, with everyone from Vetements to Balenciaga and high-street stores like Zara and Topshop giving them a grown-up reboot for autumn/winter 2018.

But, while you would be wise to stash yours away carefully (according to Tom Ford they’ll be back for autumn/winter 2019) strolling around in what looks, and feels, like a duvet isn't the most practical idea now it's starting to warm up.

That being said, the changeable weather means it’s never wise to do away with outerwear completely.

The solution? A trench coat.

A style that’s been adopted throughout history by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Meghan Markle, the trench has long been considered a staple item and is just the kind of transitional outerwear refresh your wardrobe needs.

Chuck Taylor All Star Lift, £60, Converse; Trench Coat with Belt, £79.99, Zara; Buckle Crossbody Bag, £79, & Other Stories; Boat-Necked Jersey Top, £8.99, H&M; Slim Tailored Trousers with Zips, £69, Cos

Versatile and easy-to-wear, these days trench coats come in an array of colour options and cuts but for a style that will stand the test of time we suggest investing in a traditional beige or khaki version.

When it comes to styling, layer up the loose shape with knitwear on days when the winter chill is lingering or wear undone with light-wash denim and a simple blouse as the weather warms up.

They also look great styled with the sleeves rolled up and a popped collar, while pairing with a striped T-shirt and converse will ensure you don't feel too grown up

Stash: Jumper dress Shop: Floaty midi dress

Wooden Handle Leather Bag, £59.99, Mango; Ganni, Goldstone Floral-Print Crepe de Chine Wrap Dress, £160, Net-a-Porter; Black Ribbed Roll Neck Top, £8.99, New Look; Vagabond Simone High Chelsea White Leather Boots, £125, Office

We love the idea of bundling up in a knitted dress and tights, but it’s a combination that doesn’t quite cut it for spring in the same way a diaphanous midi does.

That’s right, it’s finally acceptable to pull out those floaty frocks you’ve had stashed at the back of your wardrobe and free your legs from the constraints of jeans.

A look that has made a comeback thanks to the ongoing trend for 70s style – think corduroy, boho blouses and tassel bags – midi dresses were spotted all over the runway for spring/summer 2019: from Erdem’s floral versions that came with puffed-up sleeves to Tibi’s two-toned pleats and Chloe’s crochet creations.

Cami-style or long-sleeved, floral or unadorned, chiffon or silky: there really is a style out there for everyone.

Wear yours alone with trainers, or if the weather’s looking drab, layer it over a thin roll neck jumper and pair with ankle boots.

Stash: Knee-high boots Shop: Mules

Gina Ball Boxy Grab Bag, £32, Topshop; Black Straight Leg Jeans, £16, Dorothy Perkins; Blouse with Broderie Anglaise, £24.99, H&M; Gucci, Pink Princetown Merino Wool Mules, £805, Farfetch; Aquazzura, Crystal Lotus 45 Suede Mules, £580, Selfridges

The onset of spring means that dreams of bare ankles are that little bit closer to becoming a reality and so it’s time to keep your feet happy with the ultimate transitional shoe: the mule.

After many months spent in chunky boots, there’s no better feeling than embracing the slip-on and the good news is they come in a variety of styles.

From Gucci’s merino wool versions and Rejina Pyo’s sculptural heels to Roksanda’s flat pom pom styles, backless shoes are firmly in the fashion game again.

Unsure how to style them? Luckily they go with pretty much anything. Adding a heeled pair to jeans will instantly dress up your look, while flat styles provide long floaty dresses with an air of nonchalance.

Stash: Colour-blocking Shop: Tonal dressing

Stilla Gold Hoop Earrings, £70, Astley Clarke; Alpaca Blend Sweater, £69, & Other Stories; Henley High Ankle Boots, £89, Topshop; Loewe, Gate Small Textured Leather Shoulder Bag, £1,350, Net-a-Porter; Overdyed Jeans, £55, Arket

While we’re not abandoning bright colours altogether, this season is poised for a shift towards more muted shades, particularly when worn head-to-toe.

A trend seen on the runways of Burberry, Balmain, Dior and Kenzo, tonal dressing with dusky hues like beige has never looked so stylish.

An easy-to-wear colour that suits every skin tone, dressing in multiple pieces in the same shade exudes sartorial confidence but the trick to pulling this look off successfully is to add a little dimension.

(L-R: Dior, Balmain, Jil Sander, Burberry)

Don't be afraid to experiment and build up your look using a number of different textures. Think a silky camel shirt or fluffy knit worn with cream wide-leg jeans and tan brogues.

Stash: Black skinny jeans Shop: Light-wash denim

Large Lottie Bag, £650, Aspinal of London; Bleach Editor Jeans, £49, Topshop; Orseund Iris, Night Out Ruched Satin Blouse, £515, Net-a-Porter; Cassedy Heels, £75, Aldo

Skinny jeans were once the ultimate grab-and-go staple for most women, but those days are long gone.

Over the last few years, the trend for baggier, softer denim has infiltrated the fashion fold with straight-leg and ‘mom’ styles leading the way.

For spring especially, vintage-inspired jeans that come slightly cropped are a great alternative as they can be dressed-up or down fairly easily.

Lightwash denim, a silk blouse and strappy heels make for a fabulous dinner option, while weekend jaunts are catered for with the addition of a graphic T-shirt and white trainers.

If you don’t like the idea of wearing a lighter colour on your bottom half, try a jacket or oversized shirt used as an accent to an otherwise dark outfit instead.