The arrival of spring brings with it the desire to inject more colour and print into our wardrobes. Longer, warmer days are the perfect time to try statement florals, bright block colours and clashing prints, best paired back with crisp white accents and beautiful flats for an effortlessly styled look. 

For those fond of menswear, I suggest lightening your palette along with your fabric weights. Park the navy and black suits for now and opt for gentle taupes and soft greys. In my opinion it is hard to beat a crisp white shirt worn open at the neck, but for a seasonal alternative, perhaps experiment with a signature floral shirt and a bright, fun pocket square. We are spoilt for choice locally this spring, with so much on offer. Below are my picks for the 10 best new-season must-haves. 


Mina Rise jumpsuit in mustard, $395
Pair this jumpsuit with a fitted soft turtleneck worn underneath for the colder weeks of spring, then ditch the base layer and show off sun-kissed shoulders as the temperature rises. Locally made from 100 percent viscose, this piece has a beautiful drape to it and is easy care. Pop it on the handwashing cycle in your machine at home and lay it flat in the shade to dry. Shop

Maggie Marilyn Have the Faith blazer, $1150, and I’ll Be There by Your Side pant, $595
Soften your power suiting with this vibrant pink, slouchy, relaxed-fit suit from Maggie Marilyn, designed and made locally using 100 percent deadstock wool. Shop   

Juliette Hogan Micky T in lotus floral, $249
A painterly floral print brings a soft touch to this staple. Try pairing Juliette Hogan’s Micky T tucked into a high-waisted block-coloured pant for a perfect trans-seasonal office look. Shop

Hope Flex dress in floral print from Caughley, $445
Moody florals on a dark base are a good option for those not confident in wearing colour. I love how versatile a shirt dress can be – great either on its own or unbuttoned and open over a tank and wide trouser for a lightweight jacket option. Shop

 

Lucky Dip Eton shirt from Precinct 35, $350
If you’re looking for something truly special, check out local shirt line Lucky Dip. Each garment is one of one, handmade and unique. Tuhirangi Blair constructs these beautiful pieces from salvaged vintage cotton sourced from thrifted shirts from around New Zealand. The tag will tell you the provenance of all the shirting used and exactly who made it. Shop

Twenty-seven Names Spectacular shirt, $390
Rachel Easting and Anjali Burnett of Twenty-seven Names were inspired by the infamous psychedelic episode of The Simpsons in creating this new collection. You’ll see groovy patterns and small nods to the 1970s on offer from these two. I’m digging the exaggerated collar and graphic floral print of this blouse. Shop

Birkenstock Arizona soft footbed in light rose, $200 
Birkenstock NZ recently launched its spring drop, which consists of a handful of styles made of dreamy soft suedes in blush pink, lemon yellow and taupe. My pick is the classic Arizona in light rose. The recent Birkenstock trend is here to stay and these soft suede numbers are my pick of the bunch. Shop

Eldridge suit from Barkers – waistcoat, $129.99, jacket, $399.99, and trousers, $199.99
This well-cut 100 percent wool three-piece suit is a steal, allowing you to be adventurous with your workwear for a low-level investment. I’m a fan of this very light fresh grey and feel it would flatter most wearers. Shop


Working Style colourful floral shirt, $199
A blossoming garden in a shirt. This Liberty-esque floral has a beautiful colour combination and would look great at the office or on the weekend. Added bonus: there is a deal at Working Style where all purchases worth over $150 receive a complimentary face mask. Shop


Retrosuperfuture The Warhol, $399
Set yourself up for a star-studded spring with these glasses, featuring a slender acetate rim and ever so slightly tinted clear frame. A classic shape, these sunglasses are timeless. Shop

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