With the Easter break coming up and spring collections hitting stores, it's easy to be tricked into thinking it's warmer than it actually is. In real life, right now, all we really care about is which knitwear and warm coat to layer up in the mornings. Fashion week was no exception with it being brutally chilly in London, and that's where Grace and Oliver's Elsbeth coat really came into its own.
Coat, £395 Grace and Oliver Jeans, £40 Topshop Shoes, £89 Mint Velvet Sunglasses, £35 Le Specs Bag, Mulberry
One of the unsung heroes of the coat world, Grace and Oliver is a Brit label fairly new on the scene. Now in their second season, the new Elsbeth style is the perfect piece for this tricky transitional weather. A glorious pink hue with a bold grey and orange check cutting through (for extra coolness) it feels suitably cheery for spring, yet the chunky wool finish keeps things toasty and weather-appropriate. A tailored sixties swing cut is the right side of playful - not too toddler twee but prim and smart enough for the working day.
Ultimate Spring Coats To Buy Now:
So who else are getting spring coats right? Topshop's new Truster coats - a trench and duster hybrid - will see you through to summer nicely. Lightweight and fluid, these belt up cuts are like your fave cardigan, with that wrap up and go feel. They look ace with jeans, black tailored trousers and everything in between. This bonded belted style is a favourite. Check out Mango's super soft trench too, it's really got that swish-factor.
Over at Asos, Miss Guided's classic trench with military details is an easy win. Boden's yellow Carrie coat is spring-perfect with its sunny shade and cool drop shoulder shape. While a sporty, ski inspired quilted coat (try Mango and Uniqlo's ultra light down) is a tried and tested no-brainer coat option you'll live in at the weekends.
At Whistles and Mint Velvet a khaki casual smart parka will be your new BFF and you can take it through to festival season. Bonus.
Another new find, Asos's oversize coat with fringe detail has a really special feel about it thanks to the block stripes running through the woven fabric. Visiting the Mulberry showroom during London Fashion Week (that amazing bag comes out soon!) this coat's loose, relaxed shape and added pocket detail is easy to throw on over the thickest of jumpers. I can even fit an extra leather jacket layer underneath when needed. Styling with a pom pom trimmed scarf to complement the fringed coat gives that texture on texture expensive-looking finish.
A little shout out to the very talented Sarah Smart, a fashion illustrator friend who is a pure genius when it comes to interpreting fashion week looks. Her sketch of me at London Fashion Week is too cute. Do check out here work sarahsmartillustration.com
