Trends for Spring 2024, both micro and macro, lean towards creating a cohesive, buildable wardrobe. While past years have proposed that we swap existing pieces in our closets for the newer, trendier “must-haves,” prime movers of the fashion world today are inspiring us to invest in elevated basics or season-less essentials that we can mix, match and deck out. From minimalist silhouettes to sheer layers and sporty polo shirts, Spring’s key looks leave enough elbow room for us to infuse our unique styles and personality into every ensemble. Accessories are taking center stage this Spring, and for the quintessential shoe gal or bag lady, this is music to the ears.
Shoes, when done right, can elevate and bring any outfit to life. The season’s revered off-white dress can take on a multitude of personalities when paired with MiuMui’s ballerina flat, Chloe’s Nama Trainers or Bottega Veneta’s strappy heel. The same idea applies to handbags.The addition of a raffia tote can transport a light-hued short suit to any coastal destination. With a playful clutch, it transforms into a chic after-work cocktail ensemble.
When it comes to accessorizing this season, choose pieces that allow you to let your personality shine through. My fashion consciousness was born in the 90s. It was the era of the supermodel, denim overalls, combat boots, slip dresses, flannel shirts, and baby tees. Having begun my love affair with style during this time, I was always inclined to pick pieces that were safe. When it came to choosing shoes, bags and belts, black was always the go-to. It was only as I grew into my career as a fashion journalist, and unearthed my inner shoe gal that I discovered the power of statement stilettos.
If anything, this style metamorphosis has taught me to embrace color. It has also changed the way I invest in fashion. Instead of buying trendy garments season after season, I now invest in quality pieces that I can reimagine and refresh through accessories. Instead of shoes and bags as an afterthought, they are now utilized as key pieces that allow me to express myself more freely and authentically.
The Look: Business Core
Whether you work a nine-to-five or hustle as a freelance consultant, a business appropriate dress or suit will always come in handy. Even TikTok agrees. For Spring 2024, power blazers, white shirts, and trousers take on a more relaxed silhouette while incorporating key pieces like loafers, brogues, wingtip shoes, and sleek tote.
Key Accessories for Business Core
Miss Margo Mary Janes by The Office by Angela Scott. I love how shoes from the brand are crafted in Portugal by fifth generation cobblers. They employ the time-honored Goodyear Welt technique for making shoes, which means that your shoes can be resoled for a lifetime of wear. In terms of sizing, I strongly suggest that you consult their brand’s size guide to avoid ordering a pair that’s half a size too big or small. Comfort size, I was impressed that the shoes felt broken in and comfortable after only half a day of wear.
Anita Earrings by Lié Studio. There’s Business Core and there’s power Business Core. The right piece of jewelry–elegant but not too flashy–can make all the difference. An emerging brand founded by twin sisters Amalie and Cecile Moosgaard, Lié Studio offers a close edit of versatile, modern jewelry designed for the “busy woman’s everyday wardrobe.”
Large Tondo Tote by Savette. Sized for work and travel, the Tondo Tote is an embodiment of considered design. From the silhouette, proportion, down to the adjustable handles and impeccable hardware, Savette’s bags are meticulously crafted to become modern heirlooms.
Farrow Bucket Bag by Sézane. Regardless of your color palette for Spring, there is a bucket bag crafted just for you. This medium sized, day to night bag may look compact at first glance, but it can truly hold all your everyday essentials–and then some.
The Look: Coastal Chic
Spring is never quite complete without vacation-ready pieces that can take you from the city to idyllic coasts. This year, multi-brand online platforms like Moda Operandi or Net-A-Porter are highlighting scarf dresses, linen sets and garden party ensembles that invite us to discover new destinations, dine al fresco, and dive into new adventures.
Key Accessories for Coastal Chic
Adriani Strappy Flat Sandals by Ancient Greek. There is a good reason why Ancient Greek is the go-to of the stylish jet set, especially during travel season. Apart from versatile and elegant designs, shoes are handmade by skilled craftsmen using time-honored techniques. This includes stitching, lacing, branding and cutting. The Adriana is a sexy sandal that comes in metallic hues like Multi and Platinum. It’s a functional and versatile piece that immediately dresses up any ensemble.
Garden Tote by mas. An emerging quiet luxury brand founded by Marie Philippe, mas creates impeccably crafted, understated bags that transcend seasons. Designs from the brand are a culmination of the founder’s experience and expertise from her former years working at The Row and Hermès. The Garden Tote is a carry all made of fine skins from a French tannery and walnut wood. A hybrid of heritage, expertise, and contemporary design, this resort-ready accessory brings a brand of effortless elegance to any ensemble.
Multimaterico Eyewear by Brunello Cucinelli. In true form, Brunello Cucinelli’s maiden collection of eyewear, brought to life through a long-term partnership with EssilorLuxottica, is a pure expression of craft and savoir-faire. There are four main collections from the launch, and the Multimaterico stands out as it merges workmanship, Italian style, and subtle elegance in a way that only Brunello Cucinelli can.
Mayfair Raffia Bag by Aspinal of London. Think Jane Birkin, with undertones of English charm. The Mayfair Bag is a vintage favorite reimagined for spring and high summer in raffia. The bag envy of the season highlights the natural tones and nuances of the accessory world’s material du jour: raffia.
The Look: A Pop of Art
Creativity never goes out of style. Art movements across eras and genre, are perpetually revered as fountains of fashion inspiration. This Spring, fashion houses from Chanel to Sacai and Rachel Comey and Ferragamo reference the genius of artists in the worlds of visual arts, architecture, pop culture, film, and music as take off points for some of the arresting looks on the runway.
The Key Pieces For A Pop Of Art
Muse by Sebastian Milano. These limited edition shoes pay homage to the hat designed by Philip Treacy for Grace Jones. A wearable piece of art, the Muse celebrates women who are not afraid to speak up and stand out. This pair brings just the right pop of color and art to any ensemble–spring, summer and beyond. Only 99 pairs of the Muse will be released by Sebastian Milano. The designs shoes that also cater to extended sizing (up to IT44), which is rare in the luxury accessory space.
Gold Matchstick Jewelry by Alexandra Hakim. As soon as Alexandra Hakim’s matchstick pendant and earrings popped up on my Instagram feed, I was spellbound. The British-Lebanese designer brings her Midas touch to found objects, casting them directly on to precious metals. Hakim’s matchstick jewelry, Hakim’s matchstick jewelry are made directly from consumed matchsticks and formed using recycled materials. Talk about spring bling that sparks conversation and creativity.
Schiaparelli Anatomy Bag. No one does wearable surrealist art like Schiaparelli. Her creative collaborations with Dali and Cocteau have fueled the creative spirit of the fashion world in the 20th century. The maison continues to celebrate bold ideas and timeless allure with contemporary accessories like the Anatomy Bag. The black and electric blue handbag features the brand’s signature anatomical jewels in enamel and hammered brass.
Flower Acetate Sunglasses by Loewe Paula Ibiza. Fashion cognoscenti always light up every time the Spring and Summer collections from Loewe Paula Ibiza are out. As soon as NET-A-PORTER announced the arrival of “a new wanderlust wardrobe–from archival scarf prints to nature-inspired accents,” I couldn’t help but browse the collection. A pair of bright green cat eye sunglasses impressed as a fun, playful and unique statement piece that captures summer and all the promises it holds.