Category: Fashion

Spring is around the corner and this means big news for my wardrobe. Having spent the winter styling heavy boots and black trousers in an effort to avoid mishap on London’s puddle-peppered streets, with the safety of spring finally in sight, I’ll soon be back to styling my favourite colour: bright white.

Whilst I’m partial to a white jean or linen trouser, the true hero of my spring time wardrobe is a fresh white skirt. With spring weather slowly setting in, this breezy clothing choice offers a feminine silhouette that can battle the rising temperature with grace. In a bright white shade flowing skirt can be styled in a myriad of ways—making it one of the most versatile items in my wardrobe.

On casual weekend days this wardrobe hero styles well with an oversized tee and colourful trainers. Or, for a trip to the office the same skirt will look put-together with a mary jane shoes and hourglass blazer. With spring still on the horizon however, I’m currently pairing mind with a classic navy knit and knee-high boots.

Whilst a white skirt a wardrobe staple that transcends seasonal trends, it’s true that the fashion set have been reaching for them more and more in recent months. As such, high street and designer retailers have been quick to offer chic iterations, crafting cotton, satin and denim styles in trending long-line cuts this spring.

From Reformation‘s billowy skirt, to Max Mara’s pleated style, read on to discover our edit of the best white skirts to buy now.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST WHITE SKIRTS HERE:

In my opinion, springtime is the perfect season to refresh your knitwear. When it’s not hot enough to leave the house bare shouldered, but no longer too chilly to have to hide under seemingly endless layers, this wardrobe hero really gets to shine.

With this in mind I’m looking to add something new to my collection, and I’ve been focusing my search towards the chic cropped cardigans that I’ve been seeing everywhere recently. Crafted from traditional wools, cottons and cashmeres, cropped cardigans retain a cosy edge, yet sometimes style even better with light layers than their longline counterparts.

A mainstay in the wardrobes of most French women (at least the ones I follow), a cropped cardigan adds a playful touch to even the most basic of looks. Style with a cotton vest top and high-waisted jeans for an effortlessly chic look that any Parisian would commend you for, or wear with a light cotton dress and mary janes for an easy, spring-ready ensemble.

Whilst the French have been styling this specific knit for years, brands in the UK are finally catching on to its appeal in a significant way. Up and down the high street and throughout designer offerings, the crop cardigan trend can be found in a multitude of guises and at any price point.

From H&M’s melange knit to Marni’s vibrant blue style, scroll on to discover our edit of the best cropped cardigans to buy now.

SHOP THE CROPPED CARDIGAN TREND

(Image credit: @monikh)

If you’d asked us which major trends we had on our fashion bingo card for 2024, cuffed jeans would not have been one of them. Despite the fact that the last 12 months has been the successful return of other major 90s trouser trends like the cargo trouser, baggy jeans and the pedal pusher, we did not expect that a styling hack as simple as turning up the hems of our jeans would turn out to be quite so compelling, but 1000 Instagram posts and several high street shops later, we find ourselves with a certified trend on our hands. Cuffed jeans are officially back.

If like us your first thought when hearing the news is “what do I even wear with cuffed jeans?“, you’ve come to the right place. Clothing-wise they’re easy to style (every top and jacket that goes with your regular jeans works here too). But instead, for those compiling their looks from head to toe, let’s start with the trickiest part—the footwear. What seems like an easy choice (trainers, surely?) falls into a difficult territory when considering how to elevate this style into dressier heights. We know straight-leg jeans look great with pointy shoes, skinny jeans are made for tucking into boots, and anything with a flare comes into it’s own with an ankle boot, but what of the cuffed?

Taking the weather, season, and day-to-day practicality into consideration, we set about putting together a roster of shoe styles that work perfectly with these straight-legged jeans. Some are cute, some are smart, others bridge a gap between the two, but all of them are chic, creating the perfect shoe+cuffed jean formula. Keep scrolling to see and shop some of the best cuffed jeans on the market now, and the five key shoe options that work specifically with them.

The Best Shoes to Wear with Cuffed Jeans

1. Loafers

Style Notes: If your cuffed jeans are cropped in nature, then loafers present a great styling option. While offering more coverage, making them idea for cooler spring days, loafers still show at least a sliver of ankle, which will come in handy when balancing out a cropped cuff detail.

Shop Cuffed Jeans:

Shop Loafers:

2. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: You’ll be hard pressed to find a jeans style that ballet flats don’t go with, but I particularly like the look of cuffed jeans and ballet flats as, together, it makes for a very 2024 combination. Especially if you opt for an on-trend mesh pair.

Shop Cuffed Jeans:

Shop Ballet Flats:

3. Mules

(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: These two are a match made in heaven. The combination of cuffed jeans and mules (especially closed-toe styles like Marianne Smyth’s) feels distinctly “fashion” and will look chic no matter how you style the rest of your outfit. If in doubt, a plain tee clearly works.

Shop Cuffed Jeans:

Shop Mules:

4. Mary Janes

(Image credit: @marinatorres)

Style Notes: If you’re looking to add polish to a pair of cuffed jeans, the easiest way to do so is with some elegant mary janes. Opt for styles with a block heel that mirror the chunkiness of the cuff of your jeans. White socks are optional but highly recommended.

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Shop Mary Janes:

5. Pointed Heels

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

Style Notes: My petite colleague Maxine Eggenberger recently tried on a pair of cuffed jeans and wasn’t sure they were for her. I suggested she try them on with some pointed-toe heels, which she did, which worked perfectly to elongate her legs and keep the cuffed detail in proportion with her frame. So she tells me, anyway.

Shop Cuffed Jeans:

Shop Pointed Heels:

6. Trainers

Style Notes: Where there are jeans, trainers are never fair behind. Right now, the most timely combination I’m seeing via social is cuffed jeans with retro-style sneakers (think any of the Adidas styles currently doing the rounds).

Shop Cuffed Jeans:

Shop Trainers:

PSA: spring is on its way. The air is abuzz with anticipation as we gear up for all the warm-weather clothes to come. Shoe trends in particular are at the forefront of my mind, and thanks to my Instagram feed, Pinterest board and all the street style inspo I’m seeing, I already have my eye on some of the key styles emerging for the season ahead. From mesh flats and Mary Janes to almost blindingly bright trainers, the options are endless. The problem is trying to grab these popular pairs before they inevitably sell out, but I’ve got a secret weapon: NET-A-PORTER.

It’s one of the trusted luxury retailers I can always count on to get my hands on some of the season’s most sought-after shoes, starting with those that live in the New In and Trending sections, which are always perfection. I mean, the e-tailer stocks something for every style, from iconic fashion houses and emerging designers alike, ensuring that my search pulls through the crème de la crème of footwear. There’s just no faulting it.

(Image credit: NET-A-PORTER)

Like clockwork, I found myself once again irresistibly drawn to NET-A-PORTER’s virtual aisles when I started my new-season wardrobe prep, and each click brought me one step closer to the best of spring’s trending shoes. So before you begin your own search for the perfect spring footwear, take a look below at the pairs that are on my wish list.

SHOP MY FAVOURITE SPRING SHOE STYLES:

1. MESH FLATS

2. MARY JANES

3. SLINGBACKS

4. COLOURFUL TRAINERS

We all wear underwear every day (presumably, of course), and that means it’s usually easy to pinpoint which style is your favorite. Hipsters, bikinis, high-waisted, G-strings—you name it. However, in the summertime, we can’t recommend a cotton thong enough. They are true game changers.

Sure, cotton is the most breathable and comfortable fabric to have on your body all day, but when paired with a thong’s seamless silhouette, it creates a smooth feeling underneath your clothing that doesn’t make you hyper-aware of your every movement. (So key in summer.)

Below we’ve rounded up the best cotton thongs that will have you rethinking your usual undergarment ways and hopefully for the better.

As we move ever closer towards spring, I’ve watched on in awe as fashion people all around me have succeeded in honing smart, cosy and stylish wardrobe rotations that seem to capture the current fashion climate whilst maintaining a timeless undercurrent all at once. Inspired by these looks, I’ve put some time into discovering the new-season swaps that work to ensure that classic looks retain fresh edge.

Up there with leopard-print layers and grey crew-neck cardigans, fashion people have been making smart footwear decisions of late, many of which have been born out of bigger new-season trends. The chicest of all? The red flat shoe trend. Tapping into the growing preference for flat shoes over heels, the style set are completing their daily looks with a pop of red, creating a fresh finishing touch that can revive just about any outfit.

We have seen red ballet flats lead the pack in recent months, but this season, fashion people are taking the trend one step further—shopping red flat shoes in all their forms. From sturdy red loafers to slinky red slingbacks and vivid red trainers, the red shoe trend has certainly found its (flat) feet. Not only that, but chilli red has been a key trend across clothing and bags, too, for the past two seasons. I have a feeling that, by the time Fashion Month is over in March, that we’ll be confirming it’s sticking around for autumn/winter 2024. I’ll be sure to update you on that once the shows have happened, but I’m willing to be the rest of the year is going to adhere to trend, too.

Elevating the feel of a simple jeans and t-shirt look, the red flat shoe trend will also style well with white cotton dresses or light linen trousers come summer. Newly inspired to get those in-the-know, I’ve collated the best red flat shoes available to shop now. Read on to discover my edit below.

SHOP THE RED FLAT SHOE TREND:

There’s a new footwear trend lighting up the streets of London, and its appeal is hard to ignore. All around us, fashion people are retiring their beloved black flats for shimmering silver styles ahead of spring, and it has been bringing a smile to my face on the daily.

With a light-catching quality, the emerging silver flat-shoe trend imparts the brightness that the sun generally lacks at this time of year and offers a new way to add some dimension to a transeasonal outfit, without having to layer in bright, vivid colours. Silver as a whole really started to take hold when, at the end of last year, the silver trouser trend grasped our attention. Now, we’re witnessing an offshoot in footwear form, and I’d argue the tone is even more wearable because of this.

The charm of a silver flat shoe comes in its quiet versatility. Masquerading as a statement shoe, silver flats are actually far more wearable than they might appear. Not a far cry from the grey and white tones we’ve been styling for decades, this upgrade pairs just as well with the blacks, beiges and denim shades that typically saturate our wardrobes.

Looking to give my wardrobe a timely spring refresh, I’m backing silver flats to get me through the season in comfort and style. Luckily for me, there are ample shopping options available on the market, too. From Reformation‘s pretty take on a classic ballet flat to Mango’s mesh iteration, read on to discover our edit of the best silver flat shoes here.

SHOP THE SILVER FLAT-SHOE TREND

Up Next: I’m Over Boots—Here’s the Elegant Flat Shoe I’m Wearing with Jeans Instead

Opening Image: @deborabrosa

If there is one haircut that has reigned supreme over the past 12 months, it’s the bob. And it’s perhaps no surprise. Throughout history, the bob has remained a timeless haircut that has never gone out of style; it has only morphed and changed with the decades. Take the Italian bob. Its full-bodied, bouncy lengths are a nod to Old Hollywood glamour, whereas the resurgence of the blunt bob draws inspiration from the minimalist short haircuts we saw through the ’90s (“Beckham Bob“, we’re looking at you). Having seen just about every type of bob haircut make a comeback over the past year, it’s a sure sign that short haircuts are not going anywhere anytime soon for 2024. Ask any hairdresser or salon—they’ve been inundated with requests for shorter, jaw-skimming cuts.

Thinking about getting a bob haircut in 2024? “Remember that trends can evolve, and new variations of the bob haircut may emerge over time, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a hairstylist who can provide the latest insights and tailor the haircut to suit your face shape and personal style,” says Afroditi Koutsouki, senior stylist at Neville Hair & Beauty. So if you’re ready for the chop and are curious to know which bob haircuts will be trending for 2024, I asked top hairstylists and the busiest salons to share their predictions. Prepare to call your hairdresser, because there’s plenty of inspiration ahead.

1. The Classic Bob

TyLynne Nguyen’s minimal cut is a classic bob hairstyle.

A classic, no-frills bob transcends seasonal trends and looks stylish on just about everyone, says Koutsouki. “Timeless and versatile, the classic bob is a chin-length cut with a straight and even line. It’s a simple and elegant look that can be customised based on individual preferences,” she adds.

2. The Parisian Bob

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

Taylor Lashae is a great reference for the Parisian-inspired bob haircut.

“The Parisian French-girl bob is a chic and effortless hairstyle that reflects the timeless and sophisticated style associated with Parisian women,” says Jordanna Cobella, British Hairdressing Awards London Hairdresser of the Year 2023 and creative director of Cobella Salon. “It often features a shoulder-length cut with subtle layers, creating a tousled and natural look. The key is to achieve an undone elegance, appearing as if you woke up with effortlessly stylish hair.”

3. The Grunge Bob

Taylor Hill’s new haircut channels the grunge bob trend.

The ’90s-inspired bixie haircut has entered the chat in form of the grunge bob, says Hollie Rose Clarke, hairstylist in residence at Dryby London, who notes ’90s Winona Ryder, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore as references. “The grunge Bob is the edgier, art-school sister of the Parisian bob,” she says. “She’s carefree and a little shorter, and the blunt finish of a classic bob is lost in favour of soft texture and shorter layers. It has a whole lot of face-framing, knocking that signature corner off the bob and adding short, Bardot inspired bangs,” says Clarke. “The grunge bob/bixie is an effortless cool-girl cut, with a ‘she woke up like this’ mood. It’s all about embracing your natural texture.”

4. The Inverted Bob

Note the graduated, longer length towards the front of this cut that is characteristic of the inverted bob.

Also known as the stacked bob or graduated bob, the inverted bob is back for 2024 with a modern update. “The inverted bob is shorter at the back and gradually longer towards the front, which creates a stacked, angled effect,” says Koutsouki. “This haircut accentuates your jawline and brings attention to your cheekbones. The graduated bob features a shorter back with added volume, whilst the front boasts more length,” she says.

“At the back, layers provide ample volume and texture, creating a dynamic look with a slight angle towards the front. The graduated bob exudes chic and timeless style, always staying on-trend,” adds Koutsouki, who explains that this hairstyle complements both oval and round face shapes.

5. The ’90s Bob

The ’90s bob is here to stay, with its slightly longer, shoulder-skimming blunt ends, as seen on Hailey Bieber.

The ’90s bob never really went away, but is set to gain popularity in 2024. “The ’90s bob is a classic hairstyle characterised by a chin-length or slightly longer cut with blunt ends, often accompanied by face-framing layers and styled with a bevel,” says Cobella. “It’s expected to remain popular in 2024 due to the ongoing revival of ’90s fashion and nostalgia. The simplicity and versatility of the ’90s bob make it a timeless choice that transcends trends,” she adds.

6. The Baroque Bob

The Baroque bob lends itself well to natural textures such as curls and waves.

“The Baroque bob is a hairstyle inspired by the opulence and intricate details of the Baroque era,” says Cobella. “It often features a shorter length with voluminous curls, waves or elaborate textures. The trend in 2024 may stem from a desire for bold, statement looks and a fusion of historical aesthetics with contemporary styles, creating a visually striking and unique appearance,” she adds.

7. The Blunt Bob

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)

The to-the-point precision of the blunt bob haircut gives it both a chic and timeless vibe.

The blunt bob has been dominating our feeds of late, but it remains a timeless short haircut that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. “The blunt bob features a straight-across, even cut at the ends. It can be worn at various lengths and is known for its sharp and modern appearance,” says Koutsouki.

8. The A-Line Bob

The A-line bob works beautifully for those with thicker hair textures, creating an elegant “A” silhouette. 

“The A-line bob is characterised by a shorter back that gradually gets longer toward the front. This creates an angled and dynamic look, framing the face beautifully,” says Koutsouki. It lends itself well to those with curly or thick hair textures to create a bold silhouette.

9. The Italian Bob

The Italian bob sees a bouncy curled bob that is reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamour.

“The Italian Bob is a longer, bouncier, sensual and more versatile cut that gives Old Hollywood glamour,” says Clarke, who references actors such as Gene Tierney and Elizabeth Taylor who have inspired this glamourous haircut that we’ve since seen more recently on the likes of Zendaya. “The Italian bob made its big splash onto our screens on Lucia [played by Simona Tabasco, pictured] on season two of The White Lotus, becoming one of the biggest hair trends of 2023 whilst bringing the side parting back from its time out,” she says.

10. The Nano Bob

Hairstylists tip shorter, cropped bobs to rise in popularity in 2024.

As we all went crazy for the bob over the past 12 months, we’re beginning to see an experimentation with shorter versions, says Clarke. “The bob is the LBD of the hair world, and Hailey Bieber was very much the bob poster girl of 2023. This cut featured a middle part and blunt baseline, creating a perfect layer-free, ultra-mini bob that grazes just below the jaw,” she says. “This trend will be going shorter in 2024—time to make way for the nano bob,” predicts Clarke. We’ve seen influencers such as stylist Loïcka Grâce (pictured), wearing cropped haircuts all over our feeds, and the trend is expected to pick up momentum during 2024.

11. The Airy Bob

Our love of bouncy blowouts isn’t just reserved for longer lengths. The blowout effect looks great on shorter hair too. 

Make way for the airy bob in 2024, says Clarke. “Bigger is better with this style, and many of us want that va-va-voom volume. This take on the classic bob with an old-money blowout is like a capsule wardrobe for hair; timeless and chic with an edge of sassiness,” she says. With our love affair with blowout brushes and hair multi-stylers, there are plenty of great hair tools to achieve this bouncy, aerated style.

12. The Lob

A shoulder-length lob, or long bob, is a versatile style that still keeps some length in your hair.

Thinking of growing out your current bob? Or perhaps you want to go a little shorter but remain in your comfort zone? The lob is a great choice. “The lob is a longer version of the bob, typically falling just above the shoulders or grazing them,” says Koutsouki. “It offers more styling options whilst maintaining the sophistication of the classic bob.”

13. The Textured Bob

Layers can add shape and texture to a traditionally sleek bob.

Choppy bobs are back and are great for creating body and volume in your lengths. “Adding layers and texture to a bob creates a more dynamic and voluminous look,” says Koutsouki. “Textured bobs can be achieved through cutting techniques that add movement and dimension to the hair,” she adds. Some hairstylists favour a razor to create that effortless texture through the lengths.

Next Up: I Asked the Experts—These 9 Hair Trends Will Dominate in 2024

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day comes with a few benefits. First, it means that flowers and chocolate are readily available. (Who doesn’t love that?) Second, it’s an opportunity to double down on self-care. (Who better to love than yourself?) Third, it means we can get our nails done (if only as an excuse to be in the spirit of the season). It might sound like a flimsy excuse, but it’s not. We’re serious when it comes to our nails.

However, classic Valentine’s Day manicures can sometimes leave something to be desired. Load up too much on cutesy red and pink hearts, and the design can feel too… obvious. That’s why we’re looking for something different this February 14. Maybe it’s a minimalist nail design. Maybe it’s a velvet-effect manicure. Regardless, we don’t want our nails to scream Valentine’s; we want them to quietly whisper it. Ahead, see the 15 nail designs we’re considering this year.

Sometimes, a strategic nail charm is all you need to make an impact. Use nail glue to attach it to one nail, keeping the rest of the nails bare. It’s simple yet effective.

An easy way to upgrade a reverse French manicure is to make it silver and sparkly.

Classic red is made more interesting when you add a hint of pink near the cuticles.

White may not be the most obvious choice, but that’s kind of the point.

This manicure is giving Beauty and the Beast in the best way.

Why not opt for a wine-colored manicure to match your date-night drink?

Beige and red is the unexpected color combo we didn’t know we needed.

This black bow design is the perfect mani for lovers of the coquette aesthetic.

Velvet nails will always make our Valentine’s Day mood board.

The only thing better than chocolates on Valentine’s Day? Chocolate-colored nails.

We’re calling these “pink daydream nails,” and they’re so pretty.

A minimal black French manicure is so elevated. Be sure to apply a super-glossy topcoat over it to give it that little something extra.

Rose quartz is the stone of self-love, so why not bring it into your manicure?

We’re obsessed with the delicate black designs on this red French manicure.

This is proof that an all-black manicure can still be romantic.

I know it seems like this winter is never-ending, but I promise that spring is on the way. To get you prepared for the best in next-season fashion, we’ve been giving you the download on everything from the hottest designer buys to know to the prettiest shoes to feast your eyes on and everything in between. Spring 2024 has so much in store for us, so I can say with certainty that the season will be worth the wait, at least when it comes to our wardrobes. One of the most exciting categories you’ll want to focus on? Shoes.

After combing through the runways, my social media feeds, and the market, I’ve landed on the seven shoe trends that are having the biggest impact this spring. With the netted flats inspired by the Proenza Schouler runway and the elegant patent-leather pumps that are currently having a renaissance, consider this list to be your North Star for all things stylish footwear. Continue on to get your fill of the major spring 2024 shoe trends and shop the pairs we love most.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Altuzarra; @louloudesaison; @darjabarnnik)

Nothing says spring quite like the arrival of all things pretty and delicate. Mark our words: As soon as these long winter months are officially behind us, we’ll be slipping our feet into a pair of shoes coated in lustrous satin. The trend popped up on the runways of Altuzarra and Prada, where we saw satin heels in an array of candy hues like powder blue and lime green. Now that they’re starting to trickle into the market, we can’t help but swoon over every pair we see.

(Image credit: @hoskelsa; Launchmetrics Spotlight/The Row; Net-a-Porter)

In case you haven’t noticed, we’re dialing the clocks back to the 1950s and ’60s, fashion-wise and revisiting some of the defining items of the era. One such revival we’re noticing is the return of almond pumps, a style of heels that feature rounded toes, low kitten heels, and glove-like uppers.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Prada; Backgrid; @georgia_threads)

The reign of the ballet flat has yet to falter, but if you’re looking for alternatives to traditional ballerinas, this more elevated take might be just the thing. Sleek pointed-toe flats offer a much more grown-up feel and immediately add polish to whatever you wear them with, be it a pencil skirt or pair of jeans.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Ferragamo; @camillecharriere; @iliridakrasniqi)

The number one way to elevate any look in 2024 will be through a pair of glossy patent-leather shoes. Whether they’re fitted boots like at Ferragamo or slingback pumps by the likes of Saint Laurent and Gucci, patent finishes are defining cool footwear for the season (and year) ahead.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Proenza Schouler; @erinoffduty; @anna__laplaca)

Netting is another perfect example of a recent shoe trend that’s getting a fresh makeover this year. With the onslaught of mesh flats that went viral, it was only a matter of time until we saw their successor, and now it’s arrived in the form of netting. The labels already backing this include The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Stella McCartney, who tend to be trend leaders, so while these might seem out of left field, everyone who’s “in the know” will soon be onto them.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Gucci; @threadsstyling)

Nothing is safe from the burgundy movement. Everything under the sun is getting the oxblood treatment right now—from handbags to beauty looks—and, yes, that 100% includes shoes. The black shoes in your closet probably needed a break anyway, so this is your sign to reach for this chic alt for a quick update.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Chanel; @erinoffduty; @threadsstyling)

Classic style is everywhere we look this spring, and no shoe trend better encapsulates this timeless outlook quite like cap-toe styles. Chanel debuted a pair of white Mary Janes with the detail in its S/S 24 collection, and our editors haven’t been able to stop talking about them since. Now, we’re noticing a rise in the classic style, especially low heels and flats that can easily become new everyday pairs.