Sunshine styling: Spring’s top fashion trends, from barrel-leg trousers to boho floatiness

The season will blend practicality and function with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia

Spring fashion: A suede jacket is one of the key pieces trending across the high street (whistles.com)
Spring fashion: A suede jacket is one of the key pieces trending across the high street (whistles.com)

With a mix of tried-and-tested trends and some throwbacks, if you were to define the spring fashion season, it would be practical and functional with a dose of whimsy and nostalgia.

Take stock of your wardrobe; you may see some trends lurking as fashion’s favoured trends re-emerge.

Of course, there are some fresh trends, or maybe more refreshed with romantic and boho returning, this time in more modern guises.

Here is a rundown of the spring runway trends to have on your radar.

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Barrelled over

Barrel leg jeans, €99, Arket
Barrel leg jeans, €99, Arket
Michelle Keegan barrel leg jeans, €45, very.ie
Michelle Keegan barrel leg jeans, €45, very.ie

There may be whispers about the return of skinny jeans, but it’s all about the barrel leg for now. The shape is defined as a wider fit through the thigh and subtle narrowing at the ankle, and although it might seem intimidating, it’s as easy to style as your straight-leg compadres. It’s the perfect style for ankle-baring season. It’s usually a looser, breezier style that comes cropped, so style them with courts, kitten heels and ballet flats.

Romance

Dress, €32, Penneys
Dress, €32, Penneys
Corsage maxi dress, €83, very.ie
Corsage maxi dress, €83, very.ie

After seasons dominated by tailoring and separates, the dress is back – this time with added extras of ruffles, frills and soft sorbet shades. Think butter yellow, blush pink and mint; the best way to style a sweet-hued dress is with metallic heels to add some edge. If dresses aren’t for you, the softer shades are carried through everything from tailoring to denim.

Boho 2.0

Dress, €99, H&M
Dress, €99, H&M

Earthy tones, suede and lace, the Boho return is less cosplay and more chic, with French fashion house Chloe instrumental in bringing back the free-spirited fashion aesthetic. Think Sienna Miller as the ultimate bohemian muse; wear your floaty lace-tiered dresses with leather to give it an edge. A suede jacket is one of the key pieces trending across the high street; opt for clean-lined, contemporary styles that instantly elevate a simple T-shirt and jeans look.

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Animal print

Trench coat, €126.50, Next
Trench coat, €126.50, Next
Kitten heels, €69, Charles & Keith
Kitten heels, €69, Charles & Keith
Bag, €99, &Other Stories
Bag, €99, &Other Stories

Leopard, tiger, snake and even bovine – there’s a whole host of animal patterns for spring. For the spring season, they are more refined and easier to incorporate into your wardrobe. Soften leopard print further by pairing it with neutrals like classic camel or black, taking the tones in print and co-ordinating accordingly. Snake print works best in the muted shades of cream and grey, making it the ideal partner to silvers, steely grey and classic cream.

Utility

Overshirt, €36, Penneys
Overshirt, €36, Penneys

Who doesn’t love a good pocket? With the utility trend, there are multiples to play with. Functional, technical and workwear-style jackets aren’t just for off-duty. On the spring runways, designers, including Prada and Zimmerman, mixed them with unexpected combinations such as sequins, silk and chiffon to elevate the casual topper. But the utility jacket will work for real life, thrown over everything from your printed midi dress to your knit, jeans and evening ensemble if you feel brave.

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