Spring can often prove a pretty difficult time of year to dress for, and with 2026 boasting some record-breaking rainfall stats, I regret to inform you that it’s, unfortunately, not quite time to retire your college puffer for the year. Like me, I’m sure you’re sick and tired of depressing, dark colours and the constant need to layer up. Winter and Fall fashion might have seemed exciting way back at the start of Michaelmas but by now, you’ve exhausted your jumper collection and had enough of coats covering up cute outfits. As clothes shops are starting to bring out their summery ranges, and with Easter term weather at the forefront of everyone’s mind, you couldn’t be more ready to bring your summer wardrobe and all its pastels out of hibernation!

“Don’t be afraid to let your inner child have a say over your wardrobe this Spring”

Personally, I find these seasonal transition periods the most fun to dress for, as they allow for the most versatility in your wardrobe. I’m most definitely partial to sporting some brighter colours, which pairs well with the general colour palette for this coming season – Vogue forecasts it to be fuschia, lime and emerald. Fun colours can really brighten your mood and go very well with all the flowers coming into bloom this time of year, so I say give them a go! Even if you’re not feeling quite bold enough to dress in rainbow head to toe, subtle pops of colour are also very much in style this season, with colourful socks and tights being an easy and cute way to spice up a more neutral outfit. This trend is part of a larger movement, ‘dopamine dressing’, which we can see everywhere at the moment through bolder colours, prints and nostalgic styles; don’t be afraid to let your inner child have a say over your wardrobe this Spring.

“Fashion need not be sacrificed in the name of warmth”

In spite of all this, I recognise that it can be hard to strike just the right balance. Too many times I’ve been victim to naive optimism: upon looking out my window and seeing bright blue skies for the first time in a while, I immediately reach for my most summery pieces from the depths of my wardrobe and get prematurely excited about my walk to lectures without a coat. Too many times have I been humbled by a lingering chill in the air and Spring’s surprising showers. Therefore, though it may still be necessary to layer up before leaving the house, fashion need not be sacrificed in the name of warmth. Layering is looking to be very in this season, with ponchos gaining in popularity as well as capes. We can also see lace detailing in layering everywhere, which offers a more classy, chic, going-out look.

“Spring is a season of renewal, and an exciting opportunity for reinvention”

Another tradition associated with this time of year is the good old-fashioned spring clean. Now is as good a time as any to properly rifle through your wardrobe and see which pieces you really love, and which are doomed to stay firmly unworn. You can easily take this opportunity to make some easy money on Vinted or Depop, while also clearing more space in your closet for the inevitable, incoming summer purchases. Scouring your wardrobe in this way can provide a much-needed reminder of what you’ve got to work with and can be a source of inspiration for new outfit combinations. After all, Vogue notes that “the mood for 2026 is all about seeing classic items through a new and offbeat lens”, so why not take this opportunity to reinvent your pre-loved pieces.

Ultimately, I can’t help but love this time of year and the fashion that goes along with it. From the more traditional florals and pastels, to bolder silhouettes and clashing prints, Spring is a season of renewal, and an exciting opportunity for reinvention, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your own wardrobe for the sake of new beginnings.