Eastlife Spring 2021

Written by Ruth Essex | ruthessex.com
Hands up if you bought your new spring
handbag way before Christmas? I did. I often
shop for seasonal items, many months in
advance. You see, I get excited for change.
I love the new season coming in with fresh
and inspiring items. It makes me feel joyful,
especially after a winter of hibernation.
As a stylist I need to keep abreast of trends.
I have some clients who, like me, prefer to
shop well in advance. And, if you love buying
second-hand items, or rush to be the first
one in store, when new season stock arrives,
knowing the trends in advance can help. It
guides you to the best picks; what to try and
what to pass by.
For a long-term curated wardrobe, my
top tip for any spring season is to look for
lighter backgrounds for any prints you are
considering. They appear fresher and more
uplifting, than the deeper backgrounds we see
througout the winter.
Shades
of Spring
Also, search for items in tulip shades. These
colours return every year without fail. Review
the Pantone predictions too. Designers and
manufactuerers use these to select their
colour palettes, so it is what you will find in the
shops. You can sign up for my free newsletter
at ruthessex.com if you enjoy seeing the
Pantones for each season.
In 2021, the spring colours will be shades of
lilac, mint, light and dark orange, and a midpink
too. Even a bright turquise. Most of us
have some clothes in a few of these colours
already.
But this season, why not consider a new
handbag instead of more clothes? Perhaps a
floral one instead of a neutral? It adds interest
to a plain outfit with no effort. If you don’t fancy
a pattern, try a bright colour. Pink for cool tones
and an orange or green for warm tones – you
won’t go far wrong. An instant update you can
bring out again next year and already works
with your existing wardobe. What is not to
love?
Ruth Essex is a stylist, writer and
teacher of style. Get in touch at
style@ruthessex.com
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