As winter turns to spring, we just can’t stand it anymore. We all need a break from our True North uniform of skinny jeans tucked into warm utilitarian boots, bulky sweaters, puffy parkas and dark colours. But even if the weather is not fully co-operating with our budding spring fever, we can take steps to lighten and brighten the wardrobe.
Transition trick No. 1 is to master the art of layering. That means diving into the summer closet or the new spring styles and choosing a pretty embroidered blouse to pair with your cardigan. Eyelet, lace and Little Women Victoriana are on trend this spring. For the minimalist, try donning a cosy turtleneck under a crisp white blouse. Longing to wear a dress but you’re not quite ready for tights? Pair your easy, breezy ruffled frock with light blue jeans.
Classic blue, saffron and sunlight, chive, coral, cinnamon and flame scarlet are among 2020’s trending colours, according to Pantone. And classic blue – the perfect indigo denim – is the institute’s colour of the year. Need we say more?Inject colour into your life and style.
Choose jeans in a rainbow of blues, from the palest ice to cobalt and classic denim. Beyond the blue jean, pair tan, pink or lemon yellow denim with your basic black sweaters and boots. Even white! Why wait for summer? You won’t believe how lightened up you’ll feel.
The ultimate summer staple, like the blue jean, is your wardrobe’s great basic, available in multiple variations. Treat your white T as an underpinning – under a blazer in a silky variation for office or fancy affairs – in comfy cotton for every day. That touch of white will brighten your face and your outlook.
The jean jacket, clean or distressed, cropped or long, is a versatile must in any wardrobe.
Layer it under your puffer or your spring wool coat for warmth and fun. When putting on a party dress, top it with a jean jacket for a funky vibe – and that extra warmth. When travelling, don’t leave home without it.
This may be the first level of transitioning to spring and possibly the trendiest. Wide crops remain fresh and cool in every way. You can wear them with a cute bootie or tall fitted boot as the snow melts. Slush on the ground? No problem!
Don't forget to have a look at our new spring collection, new styles are launching throughout spring and summer. For the latest news and even more style inspo, follow us on Instagram.
Happy spring!
V Day – or any date night for that matter – can be fraught with indecision and anxiety. You want to feel comfortable, look polished and put together – but not overdressed.
Jeans may be the answer, allowing you to style them up or down – and not appear to be trying too hard. “They’re a flexible, neutral base,’’ says stylist Caroline Alexander, a co-owner at Montreal’s Ludique agency. “They have that cool, effortless chic.”
That said, with jeans as the neutral base, you want the rest of your outfit to say something about who you are, Alexander says. A fitted cashmere sweater, sharp blazer, flirty blouse or high heel are always options. Comfort is paramount. “Make sure your jeans fit!” Alexander says. Wear heels only if you can easily walk in them. And see your seamstress: the right length for your footwear is important, too.
Alexander offers more advice on how to present yourself on date night: For a fancier look, wear a dark or coated denim, or a wider dark flare. Avoid distressed or ripped denim. For your husband or lover, wear the jeans that turn him on.To seduce (and pretty much generally), wear jeans that flatter your body.
Wear a flattering colour top. Inject a touch of Valentine’s Day red. “Less can be more,’’ Alexander says. A red blouse can be nice; but so can a print with red hearts or flowers. Accessories – shoes, bag, scarf, nail polish – can do the job or carry the theme nicely. Red jeans, she points out, are not for everybody. And red with black can be harsh – blue jeans might be better, she says.Remember that there’s not just one red: if you have olive-toned skin, choose a warm red. Bluer reds complement pinky, cool complexions.Might this be the night for him to get down on one knee and pop the question? Get a manicure and wear waterproof mascara!
We asked two popular blogger/influencers to style themselves up for Valentine’s Day.
Joëlle Paquette (@VeryJoelle) chose the Emily Slim Yoga Jeans in Mindful paired with a sparkly vintage top and gold chain belt.
Relationship status: Engaged
Plans: Joëlle is returning from a two-week trip on Feb. 14, so she expects the evening will be a nice opportunity to have a quiet dinner at home with her boyfriend, with a nice bottle of wine.
Surprises? Maybe flowers, she says.
Valentine’s Day thoughts: “I’ll be more conscious of the people I love, not just my boyfriend. It’s something we should celebrate all year round.”
Why jeans? “I’m not a big dress fan. So jeans and comfort are big priorities.” The sparkly top and gold belt bring it all together, she says.
That touch of red: Lipstick!
Lolitta Dandoy (@LolittaDandoy)went for the wide Lily Yoga Jean in Movement, paired with a red vintage blouse (from her mom!) and red mules from Le Château.
Relationship: Married with a new baby.
Plans: Lolitta’s ideal date has always been a long, intimate dinner, giving her and hubby an opportunity to sit down and talk, appreciate each other’s company.“It’s the first time we have a family Valentine’s Day. So instead of dinner, this year we might go to brunch.”
Surprises? “You never know!”
Valentine’s Day thoughts: “I love Valentine’s Day. It’s a commercial holiday but at the same time, how can we not like a day to celebrate love?“This is our 24th Valentine’s Day together. We’ve always celebrated. These little things matter.”
Why jeans? “Jeans are just a staple,’’ she says, adding that the way you style them is key.
That touch of red: “I’m a thematic person. If there’s a theme I follow it.”
At Yoga Jeans, we undoubtedly love blue – as in blue jeans, of course. So, when we heard that Pantone had come out with Classic Blue as it’s colour of the year 2020, we were thrilled!
