Spring wardrobe staples: 8 Style Panel tips for making what’s old feel new again
Any day now, it’ll start feeling like spring. When it gets here, we’ll be more than ready to shed layers. And while the web (this site included) is full of new buys to check off your seasonal shopping list, there’s something about the good old wardrobe staple that makes everything old feel new again.
Since we could all use some advice on how to make everything old feel new again, we tuned to our Style Panel members for some trusty tips for wearing their favourite pieces. As we found on the street outside fashion week, statement outerwear is key. Northern Style Kira Paran features an unexpected twist on the classic trench by choosing a sleeveless option as her wardrobe staple. We can’t deny the power of a good motorcycle jacket, which The Signature Bow‘s Leonie Markhorst tries in burgundy suede. As always, stripes signify spring, something Becky Kung and Stephanie Koch both renew for Spring 2014 a la runways like Altuzarra and Tanya Taylor.
So, what’s your spring wardrobe staple? Flip through for inspiration on how to change it up this season.
Challenge 95: What are your spring go-to items and why? Read the answers now! »
BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO |BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | IVA GRBESIC, TORONTO | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | LEONIE MARKHOST, VANCOUVER| SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 26
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
This spring I’m all about sweaters as dresses and statement socks worn with heels. It’s not quite warm enough to bare my toes yet, but theperfect time to showcase some loud and zany socks before my sock-less summer begins.
Sandy’s wearing: Sweater, Nowhere Fast. Purse & Socks, Vintage. Shoes, Zara.
Leonie Markhost, 26
Vancouver | The Signature Bow
One of the things I love most about spring is the fact that I get to spend more time outside! I love those early spring days where you still get excited that you can fi-nal-ly sit outside on a patio again. That is also the time I get to wear lighter outerwear – like a fun trench coat or a leather jacket. This burgundy suede moto jacket is my go-to item. The colour instantly brightens my -mostly muted- looks which is perfect for the new season.
Leonie’s wearing: Moto Jacket, MANGO. Top, COS. Pants, GAP. Chain Bag, H&M. Sunglasses, Vintage.
Barbara Ann Solomon, 26
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
The first thing I gravitate towards once the weather begins to heat up are my pastels and bright colours. I’m usually pretty good with having colour in my wardrobe, but lately I’ve noticed that during the winter months I find my style more tonal or monochromatic, and in spring/summer I’m a bit more playful with colour-blocking brighter shades.
Barbara’s wearing: Jacket, Vintage Danier. Shirt, Husband’s. Skirt, TOPSHOP. Boots, Kurt Geiger.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style
I’m loving a twist on a classic spring wardrobe staple. Everyone needs a flattering trench coat for spring but this year maybe consider getting a sleeveless option to add more versatility this standard item. I can’t get enough of my sleeveless trench, I love that you can see the sleeves to any top or dress I wear. Plus, it will easily transition into
Kira’s wearing: Sleeveless Trench, Pure Cashmere. Blouse, J.Crew. Denim, Elizabeth & James. Bag, Marc Jacobs. Knit Scarf, IAM Gigantic Knit.
Iva Grbesic, 38
Toronto | Falling In Style
My go to spring item this season has to be my leather jacket. I wish I could say sandals or tee shirt but the weather has been so unpredictable and cold that this leather jacket will be key. I can dress it up or down and it will carry me from day to night. Versatility is key when investing in a great leather jacket and this one is perfect.
Iva’s wearing: Jacket, Danier. Jeans, Old Navy. Tee, Tristan. Shoes, Express.
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna | Inherited Jeans
Every Spring I find I start my collection back up of striped items. To me, a classic striped top or boat neck dress like this just feels fresh. The nautical reference is obvious, however brightening up with white, clean lines, and lighter fabrics always prepares me to do these things to my entire closet for the warmer months to come. I also feel like an item like this has so many pairing options so it serves as a great anchor (pun intended) for your Spring wardrobe!
Stephanie’s wearing: Dress, TOPSHOP. Jacket, J.Crew. Boots, Sam Edelman. Hat, Urban Outfitters. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
This Spring I love everything stripes. A monochrome stripe has been my all-time favorite, inspired by runways trends spotted by Jill Stuart and Nicole Miller in their Spring/Summer 2014 collections. My tip for pairing stripes together is to go for pieces that have different stripe shapes such as a wider mixed-stripe in the skirt with the mixed top.
Becky’s wearing: Top, Winners. Skirt, Forever 21. Flats, ShoeMe.ca by Nine West. Necklace, J.Crew. Belt, Call It Spring. Hat, ASOS.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
We are so done with Winter that we want to accelerate the process to its demise, but I think we forget just how messy Spring can be! Yes the snow melts, and the days get longer (WOO more sunlight), but it also rains and it’s just a big mess! Rain boots are a must for me for Spring, I walk to work and so I need something practical (and stylish of course).
After having multiple leaking spells with two separate pairs of Hunter Boots I called it quits. I’m hoping those these super comfortable waterproof Chelsea boots from Rockport hold up better!
Kayla is wearing, Sweater, Gap. Jeans, Joe Fresh. Boots, Rockport. T-Shirt, Banana Republic. Sunnies, Polette Eyewear. Earrings, I Crave Jewels. Purse, Forever 21.
 is full of new buys to check off your seasonal shopping list, there’s something about the good old wardrobe staple that makes everything old feel new again.
Since we could all use some advice on how to make everything old feel new again, we tuned to our Style Panel members for some trusty tips for wearing their favourite pieces. As we found on the street outside fashion week, statement outerwear is key. Northern Style Kira Paran features an unexpected twist on the classic trench by choosing a sleeveless option as her wardrobe staple. We can’t deny the power of a good motorcycle jacket, which The Signature Bow's Leonie Markhorst tries in burgundy suede. As always, stripes signify spring, something Becky Kung and Stephanie Koch both renew for Spring 2014 a la runways like Altuzarra and Tanya Taylor.
So, what’s your spring wardrobe staple? Flip through for inspiration on how to change it up this season.
Challenge 95: What are your spring go-to items and why? Read the answers now! »
BARBARA ANN SOLOMON, TORONTO |BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | IVA GRBESIC, TORONTO | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX | KIRA PARAN, EDMONTON | LEONIE MARKHOST, VANCOUVER| SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | STEPHANIE KOCH, KELOWNA
Sandy Joe Karpetz, 26
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets
This spring I'm all about sweaters as dresses and statement socks worn with heels. It's not quite warm enough to bare my toes yet, but theperfect time to showcase some loud and zany socks before my sock-less summer begins.
Sandy’s wearing: Sweater, Nowhere Fast. Purse & Socks, Vintage. Shoes, Zara.
Leonie Markhost, 26
Vancouver | The Signature Bow
One of the things I love most about spring is the fact that I get to spend more time outside! I love those early spring days where you still get excited that you can fi-nal-ly sit outside on a patio again. That is also the time I get to wear lighter outerwear - like a fun trench coat or a leather jacket. This burgundy suede moto jacket is my go-to item. The colour instantly brightens my -mostly muted- looks which is perfect for the new season.
Leonie’s wearing: Moto Jacket, MANGO. Top, COS. Pants, GAP. Chain Bag, H&M. Sunglasses, Vintage.
[caption id="attachment_175212" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Photography by Trevor Negin[/caption]
Barbara Ann Solomon, 26
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog
The first thing I gravitate towards once the weather begins to heat up are my pastels and bright colours. I'm usually pretty good with having colour in my wardrobe, but lately I've noticed that during the winter months I find my style more tonal or monochromatic, and in spring/summer I'm a bit more playful with colour-blocking brighter shades.
Barbara’s wearing: Jacket, Vintage Danier. Shirt, Husband’s. Skirt, TOPSHOP. Boots, Kurt Geiger.
Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style
I'm loving a twist on a classic spring wardrobe staple. Everyone needs a flattering trench coat for spring but this year maybe consider getting a sleeveless option to add more versatility this standard item. I can't get enough of my sleeveless trench, I love that you can see the sleeves to any top or dress I wear. Plus, it will easily transition into
Kira’s wearing: Sleeveless Trench, Pure Cashmere. Blouse, J.Crew. Denim, Elizabeth & James. Bag, Marc Jacobs. Knit Scarf, IAM Gigantic Knit.
Iva Grbesic, 38
Toronto | Falling In Style
My go to spring item this season has to be my leather jacket. I wish I could say sandals or tee shirt but the weather has been so unpredictable and cold that this leather jacket will be key. I can dress it up or down and it will carry me from day to night. Versatility is key when investing in a great leather jacket and this one is perfect.
Iva’s wearing: Jacket, Danier. Jeans, Old Navy. Tee, Tristan. Shoes, Express.
Stephanie Koch, 27
Kelowna | Inherited Jeans
Every Spring I find I start my collection back up of striped items. To me, a classic striped top or boat neck dress like this just feels fresh. The nautical reference is obvious, however brightening up with white, clean lines, and lighter fabrics always prepares me to do these things to my entire closet for the warmer months to come. I also feel like an item like this has so many pairing options so it serves as a great anchor (pun intended) for your Spring wardrobe!
Stephanie’s wearing: Dress, TOPSHOP. Jacket, J.Crew. Boots, Sam Edelman. Hat, Urban Outfitters. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino
This Spring I love everything stripes. A monochrome stripe has been my all-time favorite, inspired by runways trends spotted by Jill Stuart and Nicole Miller in their Spring/Summer 2014 collections. My tip for pairing stripes together is to go for pieces that have different stripe shapes such as a wider mixed-stripe in the skirt with the mixed top.
Becky’s wearing: Top, Winners. Skirt, Forever 21. Flats, ShoeMe.ca by Nine West. Necklace, J.Crew. Belt, Call It Spring. Hat, ASOS.
Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents
We are so done with Winter that we want to accelerate the process to its demise, but I think we forget just how messy Spring can be! Yes the snow melts, and the days get longer (WOO more sunlight), but it also rains and it's just a big mess! Rain boots are a must for me for Spring, I walk to work and so I need something practical (and stylish of course).
After having multiple leaking spells with two separate pairs of Hunter Boots I called it quits. I'm hoping those these super comfortable waterproof Chelsea boots from Rockport hold up better!
Kayla is wearing, Sweater, Gap. Jeans, Joe Fresh. Boots, Rockport. T-Shirt, Banana Republic. Sunnies, Polette Eyewear. Earrings, I Crave Jewels. Purse, Forever 21.
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