If winter kills due to unending monotony, then spring presents the opposite problem: It’s fleeting and unpredictable, meaning that planning out your wardrobe is that much trickier. To help strategize what pieces make sense to buy for the transitional season, we looked to the classically stylish chef-owners of Soho’s King restaurant, Jess Shadbolt and Clare de Boer. Scroll on for the ex-Brits’ interesting but inherently simple picks from NET-A-PORTER — modern, flexible essentials that are perfect for bridging seasons.
Clare de Boer
My wardrobe is built on great basics: jeans, cashmere jumpers, and fresh white t-shirts. I prioritize fit when I shop, as well as comfort and ease. I’d rather have 10 timeless, easy-to-wear things than flurries of fashionable pieces. I’m always on the hunt for minimalist, boyish items that don’t distract from the person wearing them.
This red coat can add a little naughtiness to my otherwise neutral, nude, and white wardrobe, without any effort!
I love athletic and boyish swimwear that’s made to be moved in.
High-rise denim with an ankle peeking out paired with a white t-shirt is my daily uniform. I love pants that accentuate the waist and bum, so these are ideal.
For me to wear a mini-dress, it better have a turtleneck! As a big believer in only showing off one body part [in a look], I appreciate this rare mini that isn’t oversexed.
A chunky sandal is a staple of my summer wardrobe, and Dries Van Noten has made a classic shape uniquely seductive with bandage-like wraparound and ankle straps.
Quite frankly, I’m delighted to wear anything Brock Collection at the moment. Though the prints are more feminine than I usually wear, I love their tailoring and the cinched waists in their silhouettes.
This dress has such an elegant silhouette and is impossibly easy to wear on days when you’re too hot to consider much.
This is the item I’ll get the most wear from, probably because it’s the most comfortable. A chunky, slightly oversized, nude cashmere jumper goes with everything, lasts forever with proper care, and looks good despite its fundamental comfort.
Jess Shadbolt
I’m thrilled to see that the oatmeals and stone colors are firmly back for spring/summer 2019. They’re so versatile, and I love the subtle, relaxed elegance of the palette. I’m looking forward to hunting out some more relaxed tailoring in these tones — along with some playful additions, too.
I can almost feel the evening summer breeze through the brocade in this shirt — so delicate, so romantic, but it feels fiercely present. Love!
This skirt captures all the elements I’m loving this season: beige tones, clean lines, and playful details.
The classic mac takes on a fresh approach with this single-breasted coat. I love the lightweight, cleaner lines, making it easy to unify any outfit.
I adore the more matte finish of these. It’d be easy to keep things casual with trainers, or to indulge with a killer heel and statement jewelry.
Nothing beats a tailored shorts suit — inspired by this one. By keeping it simple with a white tee, these could carry me through spring and into summer. No “big mistakes” here.
I love the silhouette of these pants. All that’s required is a matching blazer for ultimate impact.
Function and form converge with this cropped utility jacket, which offers a great shape and oversized pockets — a must-have!
You had me at bow. The playful addition at the cuff gives this classic some weight. I’d wear it untucked over tailored pants for a “safari chic” effect.
All product images courtesy of Net-a-Porter.
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