Longer, warmer and brighter days are here. That means it’s time to lose those heavy winter layers and embrace the vibrant, fresh energy of spring fashion.
Fashion student Hanan is back – experimenting with the newest styles and inviting us into her spring wardrobe to help you cultivate a look that works for you and the season.
Guest blog: Hanan Ahmed
Hanan, who grew up in Middlesbrough and is currently studying fashion at Teesside University, posts daily content to her fashion Instagram account @hautehanan.
1) Powder pink
Autumn and winter were all about burgundy and darker hues. However, as we enter spring, pink has made a huge comeback in its softest tone.
Glinda from Wicked arguably wore it best – I can’t help but think of her whenever I see it now. Powder pink exudes glamour, enchantment and magic. I could wear it every day.
This versatile shade has a gentle impact but still makes people stand out confidently. It can be worn in a sharp suit or flowing evening wear.
Above, I’ve styled two effortlessly chic ways to embrace this playful colour. For the girlies, a flowy pink skirt paired with a quarter-zip sweater, pink ballet pumps, and a matching bow, finished with a silver chain belt for a touch of elegance. The result? Pure princess vibes.
For the masculine look, I kept it simple yet stylish with an oversized powder pink jumper, grey jeans, and bold Nike trainers, striking the perfect balance between casual and cool.
2) Working overtime
There’s been an 80s revival this season. We’re going back to a time of confidence, authority, and making a statement.
Designers are responding to the growing emphasis on powerful yet effortless dressing by bringing back the era’s exaggerated tailoring with a twist.
Oversized blazers served as the inspiration for the trend, and these ensembles show you different ways to style them.
The key to this look is the boxy, light blue blazer. I wore it with an icy blue maxi dress to give it a modern silhouette, accessorising with silver ballet pumps, a shiny blue bag, and silver jewellery.
Why not also experiment with colour? A green blazer can add a fun pop to your wardrobe. Pair it with an all-black outfit and gold jewellery to achieve a stand-out look.
For a feminine touch, I styled a rich grey, velvet blazer with a black top, flared trousers, ballet pumps and silver jewellery.
3) Bags of personality
Bags this season should be big, bold, fun and full of personality. We’re officially saying goodbye to minimalism.
By abandoning traditional shapes in favour of sculptural silhouettes, unusual materials, and playful proportions, designers are approaching handbags as wearable works of art. We’re seeing colourful, textured, embellished and oversized styles dominate.
Shown above are four handbags that scream personality to me, starting with a silver diamond strap clutch and continuing with a denim washed blue rhinestone bag, a medium-sized plum bedazzled Juicy Couture accessory and, last but not least, a rhinestone leopard print handbag. From my picks, it’s clear to say I’m obsessed with sparkle.
4) Parachute parade
Parachute dresses and skirts are something else. So named for their voluminous shape, bigger is definitely better with this 40s-inspired trend.
The dramatic drapery is a perfect fit for an evening date night or special occasion.
And there’s nothing I love more than when a new trend goes hand-in-hand with an abaya (Arabic dress), so I just had to wear my grey parachute abaya with my black hijab. It was the perfect moment for it to shine.
I styled a white parachute skirt with a leopard print blouse and accessorised with matching sunglasses too.
5) Chintz florals
I think everyone will experience nostalgia differently. For me, this look epitomises it. I can’t help but think of the sofas my parents brought back in the 2000s.
So, as we bid farewell to minimalism and enter a world where the standards of traditional femininity are greatly elevated, chintz flowers provide a whimsical and romantic touch to any look.
Displayed above is a blue and white floral dress with flowy sleeves. It’s giving cottagecore, and I love it.
Next up is a layered, yellow dress with a small, white floral design. The dress has been paired with a white blouse. To finish the look, I added a gold handbag.
6) Unbuttoned buttons
Now this is a trend that doesn’t involve getting something new – it’s more about embracing a different way to style whatever you already have laying around in your wardrobe.
It’s as simple as unbuttoning your shirt or cardigan to unlock hidden layers such as the dresses, T-shirts and jumpers underneath.
For a casual look, I styled an unbuttoned dark green shirt with blue wash jeans, a white top and beige trainers. Following that, we have an unbuttoned knitted lime green cardigan over a black top, black pleated maxi skirt and black trainers, which is great for the girlies.
7) Boho chic
This style draws inspiration from free-spirited, artistic sources and has been updated over time to incorporate modern elements. But it still heavily references the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
It frequently includes earthy hues such as beige, tan, olive green and rust alongside a pop of colour like turquoise or burnt orange. It also has floral patterns, elaborate designs, and organic accents like embroidery and fringe.
There are so many fun ways to style this trend, starting with the two ways above. A beige, flowy maxi dress with layered sleeves has been accessorised with a turquoise scarf, chunky belt, blue bag, white pumps and silver jewellery.
On the other side, a black, layered, flowy maxi dress with a rust orange floral print pattern is finished off with a chunky pair of black sunglasses and silver jewellery.
Spring fashion this year is all about colour, comfort and, most importantly, creativity. Fashion is all about self-expression – so it’s time to experiment.
Don’t forget to share your looks with me by tagging @hautehanan on Instagram. You can follow along for more fashion inspiration!