I love spring. But I struggle with spring fashion. Growing up in Australia, spring essentially meant a cooler summer. T-shirts, shorts and flip flops can be worn in spring with no worries mate. But in the northern hemisphere, every year spring rolls round, I get so excited. I swap my winter woollies over for my spring/summer cottons, my boots over for my flip flops, pop on my sunnies and head outside and… freeze.
Even so, I shudder when I see people still wearing winter coats, gloves and scarves and want to yell at them ‘It’s May for heaven’s sake, get your coat off!’ Also I can’t stand seeing black everywhere – when I see a girl wearing black tights, it looks so wrong to me, then I stare down at my pasty, unshaven legs and realise why she’s still wearing them. It’s still cold and our bodies are not quiet ready. When it’s 14-20 degrees outside, it’s definitely not shorts/t-shirt/flipflop weather.
How to escape the winter black and embrace the spring brights without freezing your bottom off or heating up too much?
I turned to Stockholm’s fashionistas for advice.
Boots away, Ballets In.
Put the knee-highs in the closet for a few months and get out your colourful ballet flats. Your ankles may freeze a little but your top half will warm them up.
Cover up your arms with spring jackets.
No need for woollen coats and winter parkas. Invest in some lighter weight, neutral coloured spring jackets that will give you an extra layer but won’t weigh you down.
Don’t say farewell to the long sleeves.
Coats and scarves may be packed up but your long sleeved shirts, sweaters, cardigans and tops will come in handy. Team them with a spring short or skirt and at least keep your top half warm and then fake tan your legs! And smile!
Welcome the boyfriend jean.
Much hated by my husband but loved by me, the boyfriend jean is here to stay. Comfortable and perfect for spring – rolled up and with a girly shoe these trousers are an essential to the European spring/summer wardrobe. 
Show some skin
Ok cover up if you really have to. But feel free to wear open toed shoes. Get a pedicure, some bright coloured toe nails and don your favourite pair of sandals, with your long sleeves and long trousers.
Long Boots away, Short boots stay
While I think spring is a good time to put away the black tights and knee high boots, I have to say, the ankle booties need to stick around. Especially if you want to show some leg – they look great with shorts or skirts – of all lengths and they at least will give your feet some warmth!
images c/o harpersbazaar – Spring Fashion Week 2013 – Stockholm
