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Just as winter jackets and boots hit the shelves long before snow falls, so that we can be ready for the first cold front, spring styles are popping up in stores even though a residual chill remains, getting us excited for the warm weather and all the styling possibilities that come with it.

That’s because designers work ahead to predict trends well in advance of each season. In the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of attending the spring/summer fashion shows, which is beyond exciting except for the fact that they happen so much earlier than the clothes or trends actually hit the stores (the wait is a kind of torture for any stylist).

This year, the spring/summer 2024 Michael Kors show transported me to a vacation paradise with beautiful lace and openwork embroidery pieces, and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind since. It left me eager to start my spring styling early, and although we can’t sensibly sport our sandals and breezy dresses quite yet, I have some ways to introduce spring finds into your outfits now.

Here are my top six spring pieces and how I’m wearing them before it’s warm out.

Eyelet

Zara shirt, $56, zara.com

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We often limit crochet, eyelet and embroidered pieces to the warmest days of spring/summer because of their sheer and airy nature. I encourage you to embrace these pieces early and use them to add an unexpected texture to your looks. Layering a simple camisole or turtleneck in the same colour underneath these pieces will make them weather appropriate.

Tailored shorts

Dynamite shorts $45, dynamiteclothing.com

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Shorts are typically saved for May and beyond but this year, shorts have entered the chat early thanks to celebrities like Hailey Bieber who have popularized the micro short style. Pre-spring, style tailored shorts with an oversized blazer and layer tights underneath. If you really want to step out of the box, opt for a red tight, but the more subtle approach would be to go with a slightly longer short with semi-sheer black tights, tall boots, an oversized sweater and a trench coat.

Ballet flats

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Start wearing ballet flats or Mary Janes early! To avoid cold toes, lean into socks or tights to winterize your flats. This awards season, Billie Eilish rocked socks and flats at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars, inspiring us to try the look. Have fun and experiment with sheer socks or add a pop of colour or a print with your tights to infuse personality. Wear with ankle-length denim for a subtle statement or a mini skirt for maximum impact.

The dress

Abercrombie dress, $160, abercrombie.com

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During warm months, a dress is a complete outfit in one piece. Although it’s still too chilly to wear them on their own, when layered they can make an impact in your closet all year round. Here are a few of my favourite ways to introduce dresses early:
—Have a dress double as a skirt by layering a sweater overtop. Add a belt at the waistline and tuck the sweater into it to achieve a seamless look.
—Pop a blazer over a dress to make it meeting-ready.
—Layer a long-sleeve or tee underneath a sleeveless dress to provide more coverage.
—Pair with a tall boot and a light jacket for warmth and texture.

Linen trousers

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This fabric will give you a summery feel without compromising on coverage. The key to wearing this style now is to find a pair that has a traditional trouser closure. This will help to give the pant an elevated, beyond-the-beach feel and will be more appropriate for work. Balance the relaxed fabric with more structured silhouettes or materials: Pair your linen trousers with a blazer and a tucked in blouse or button-up for work days or a tee and sneakers for a casual look. Later in the season, the popular drawstring style will suit cottage weekends and relaxed patio afternoons.

Floral pants

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Florals are the epitome of spring; bring them into your style early through flower patterns and rosette details. Ground them with winter-weight fabrics like wool or denim and neutrals like navy, camel and cream. Take floral trousers like these: wear them with a deep green or warm cream knit sweater and boots now, then swap to a white linen button-up or a cami and denim jacket with sandals later.

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The post How a Stylist Wears Her Spring Pieces Before it’s Warm Out appeared first on The Kit.