If the runways are any indication, this spring is all about expanding your style comfort zone and putting fresh twists on old favourites. From Bollywood-inspired prints on tailored trousers at Thakoon and tribal print pantsuits at L.A.M.B, to fanciful feathers and Art Deco beading at Ralph Lauren, there was plenty to capture the eye on the catwalk. But giving your wardrobe a revamp doesn’t have to be daunting or dramatic. We put together six simple spring style swaps to make this season to help you update your closet and inject some life into your spring staples.

Spring style swap #1: Slim pencil skirt for a pleated drop-waist style

Pencil skirts may be a timeless office classic but this spring switch things up with a drop-waist and pleats. We saw an homage to the 1920s on several runways, from Marc Jacobs to Etro and the most popular Jazz Age gems were pleated, drop-waist dresses and skirts. Both work-appropriate and evening-ready, you can easily give your spring wardrobe a fresh yet feminine twist with these
pretty pieces. Paired with either flats (for day) or a stacked heel or platform (for the office or evening), these Gatsby-inspired looks work well for most body types and provide a simple yet polished look for a new season.

Spring style swap #2: Trade grey for pastel separates

If grey and beige are your go-to basic hues, inject a subtle spark into your array of separates with pastels. No longer relegated to children’s dresses or Easter bonnets, this
spring’s pastels offer a cool, confident yet ladylike vibe. Several designers put their stamp on softer, eggshell-inspired shades, including Carolina Herrera and Narciso Rodriguez (who gave us fresh, expertly draped spring dresses) and Preen (who gave pantsuits a new twist with a light-as-air shade of yellow). T-shirts, trousers, skirts and sweaters all look spring-ready and fashion forward in pastel tones.

More spring style swaps you should try this season on the next page...

Spring style swap #3: Trade your denim jacket for a bomber

Trade your denim jacket this spring for a
bomber or varsity style. The quintessential school age staple is back – with a decidedly designer twist. Everyone from Prada and Chloe to Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent have embraced the bomber in various hues and textures. Whether in leather or something lighter, the 1950s-inspired outerwear classic gives any outfit a slightly masculine feel (great for toning down more feminine or floral pieces) and adds interest to more staid outfits.

Spring style swap #4: Trade muted accessories for neon confections

Neutrals may never go out of style but many designers took a detour into dayglo territory by playing with
bold neon hues. Rag & Bone gave us handbags and flats with splashes of orange, Nanette Lepore chose highlighter yellow for her accessories and we saw eye-catching electric blue heels at Ruffian. While head-to-toe neon is a fashion don’t, a skinny belt, piece of statement jewellery or ladylike purse in a traffic-stopping shade can make an otherwise neutral outfit pop.

Spring style swap #5: Trade tailored trousers for pyjama-style bottoms

ADAM, Luca Luca and Betsey Johnson all proved comfort can be chic. Relaxed yet elegant pants inspired by sleepwear drifted down the runways paired with everything from fitted blazers to breezy blouses. Look for a pair with some structure (anything too flowing will be too relaxed for the office) and in a material that moves well. Pair with a fitted T-shirt and blazer for day or heels, crop top and envelope clutch for evening.

Spring style swap #6: Trade long sweaters for crop tops

Get ready to show a little skin this spring. Several designers put the midriff front and centre including Proenza Schouler and Oscar de la Renta. Not to be mistaken for the ‘belly shirts’ of youth, this season’s shorter shirts are fun and flirty while maintaining a polished look. Layered over a bodysuit, camisole or body-hugging long-sleeve shirt, a cropped top adds depth and texture to any daytime ensemble. Paired with high-waisted skirts or trousers and round toe pumps, a crop top can even be evening or office-friendly.

Read more:
Spring fashion trends: Red and oranges
Blue hues perfect for spring!
This season’s must-haves: Modern glam accessories