It may be windy, raining and a little grey outside, but that doesn’t mean that January isn’t the perfect opportunity to refresh your spring wardrobe.
As most fashion fans will tell you, getting ahead of the latest seasonal trends is always a must. So, while the current weather might not seem like it, now is a good opportunity to check out new clothing for when it gets a bit sunnier.
If you don’t know where to start, then fashion expert Bethan Shufflebotham of The Mirror has recently shared her recommendations and tips on what colour will be huge this year. And it looks like we will be saying goodbye to pillar box red and hello to pale blue.
Even better, this hue is already beginning to trend in some of the biggest high street retailers such as New Look, Uniqlo and M&S. For those looking to shop the latest pale blue trend, Bethan has shared some of her recommendations that you can check out right now.
According to the fashion expert, New Look has already dubbed the colour ‘the new Barbie pink’, and has already urged shoppers to get on the trend early. Currently, the fashion chain has a landing page dedicated to the calming colour, with a variety of shades ranging from pale to navy.
Fashion deal of the week
There are few wardrobe essentials that will keep you both warm and stylish in the colder weather like the knitted dress.
Whether you are pairing them with chunky boots or layering over thermal leggings, these winter knits can be both versatile and flattering to wear. Luckily, you can nab one “must have” number from H&M for up to 65 percent less.
The high street fashion retailer’s Polo-Neck Dress, which originally cost £42.99, has been slashed in its mammoth January sale, with the cream colour now costing just £15 – saving shoppers an impressive £27.99. The dress can also be purchased in beige marl, grey and black and white stripes, although they are pricier.
Boasting a rib material with some wool, long raglan sleeves and a snug polo neck, this £15 knitted sale dress is “super cosy” and “perfect for cold days”, according to reviews. Meanwhile, its ribbing at the cuffs and hem give it a bit of a trendy, textured look.
Meanwhile, its long knee-length design and slightly baggier shape is perfect for hiding a multitude of sins that you don’t want to show off, with a few fashion fans praising it for “hiding all your lumps and bumps”. The Polo-Neck Dress is available to buy in sizes ranging from an XS to an XL.
The Polo-Neck Dress currently has an impressive 4.4 star rating based on 510 reviews, with shoppers rushing out to praise its material that is “cosy” for the current weather, and its design that “skims over any unwanted areas.”
One glowing review read: “This is a super cosy and warm casual dress, but is stylish enough to make you feel like you’ve put some effort in! I love the relaxed fit.”
A second shopper praised: “Perfect dress, great at sale price. Skims all the unwanted Xmas weight!! Perfect length and material not too bad, may be scratch for some but I found it was lovely and warm.”
Another gushed: “Beautiful sweater dress. Length perfect for my 5 ft 1 height , skims over any unwanted areas, perfect.”
H&M shoppers can purchase the Polo-Neck Dress for £15 in the January Sale here.
Speaking of some highlights, Bethan said: “This £15 Blue Knit Crew Neck Jumper from the obsessed for less range, ideal for layering over a white shirt for a stylish work look.
“For something more casual, this Blue Colorado Logo Crew Neck Sweatshirt for £22.99 is giving all the off-duty vibes, while for something a little more glam, this Goddiva Pale Blue Chiffon Tiered Maxi Dress is a gorgeous spring wedding guest option for under £50.”
Meanwhile, Loose Women presenter and fashion icon Frankie Bridge recently styled her ‘jeans and a nice top’ with a sky blue woven Anthropologie bag for £78. She told her followers: “I’ve paired [my jeans] with this cute button up top and a little pop of pale blue, which is going to be a big colour in 2024.”
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If you’re looking for accessories, the Bethan has shared that the highly sought after £14.90 Uniqlo bag is now available in the latest sought-after hue. She said: “Priced under £15, the much-loved Mary Poppins-style bag is perfect for injecting some colour into your seasonal wardrobe without having to buy a whole load of new clothes, as it really is the perfect pop of colour while being totally practical, too.”
You don’t just have to shop online for the latest colour trend, as it can also be found in some of your favourite high street stores right now. Bethan checked out in her Marks and Spencer, noting that the retailer that is “leading the charge”.
(Image: The Mirror/Bethan Shufflebotham)
She said: “I headed to my local branch to see what sky-shades I could find, and I was spoiled for choice, from these £29.50 Tapered Ankle Grazer Trousers that shoppers say ‘look so smart’, to more knitwear in the form of this Recycled Blend Textured Crew Neck Jumper for £35, which has been praised for its ‘great colour’ and warmth online.”
“When it comes to dresses, you have two options. You could go bold with something like this Printed Round Neck Midaxi Tea Dress, or opt for something a little more subtle, such as a black floral dress with hints of blue woven into the design, which you could then bring out with a matching accessory.”
Meanwhile, another retailer that Bethan has recommended is H&M, with the fashion store lined wall-to-wall in blue. Bethan mentioned that her “top pick” was the Light turquoise/Vermont sweatshirt for £18.99, which is “an easy and effortless way to wear the look without spending a fortune.”
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