It may be coming with a global pandemic, unstable stock market and sold-out toilet paper, but spring 2020 has almost sprung! It’s time to think about transitioning our wardrobes…but also time to think about school closures, travel bans and how to buy loo rolls (which my husband has tried and failed to do for the last two mornings running at Target). So how do we seize the sartorial joy while staying focused on what’s hitting the fan? One answer is to keep it simple. Choose a few good pieces that reflect SS2020’s most wearable, comfortable and functional trends. That way you can look fabulous but also feel ready - for whatever these unusual times may bring. Here are some of the easist, peasiest early spring styles.

1. Effortless outerwear

If you’re looking for fiercely practical pieces, look no further than SS2020’s outerwear. Three of the biggest trends are trench coats (designed for soldiers in the First World War), safari jackets (originally intended for use in the African bush) and faux leather jackets or shackets (often more washable and affordable than the real thing). These are the kind of coats that’ll let you run to the store, office or playground - or be perfectly at home in your own backyard if you’re social distancing. You won’t even need to go to the dry cleaner. All the styles featured above are machine washable. Thanks thoughtful designers!

2. Blazers that let you breathe

Back in my TV days, I was constantly on the hunt for bright blazers - which are more flattering under studio lights. But this season, you don’t have to look far for hot hues. Blazers have had a complete overhaul, becoming brighter - as well as boxier. If you prefer relaxed to fitted, sporty to stiff, ‘70s/’80s to 2010s, then this is your moment. Or, if like me, you’ve been faithfully toting tailored types since the noughties, maybe it’s time for us to loosen up. These commodious cuts are so comfy, you may never want to go constricted again!

3. Permissive pants

shirt, victoria victoria beckham; jeans - mother; sandals - sorel

JACKET - BOYISH; SHORTS - AGOLDE; TRAINERS - net-a-porter

Pants and jeans have also been loosening up for a while - and the trend continues for spring. But exactly where you add volume is up to you. You can choose drawstring, paper-bag or pleated waists (yes, they’re BAAACK!). You can have straight cuts, wide legs or flares. Even length is optional. While there’s been a lot of fuss made about full-length jeans of late, crops, Bermuda’s and shorts all make the cut. Designers have let loose with color, fabrication and pattern too. I never thought I’d wear acid-wash jeans again (flouting the ‘never wear a trend twice’ rule and hideous showing my age) but here we are!

4. More dress to move in

What do a tiered maxi, baby-doll and puff-sleeve dress all have in common? Answer: they all make use of volume. Volume is a consistent theme this season. And even styles with a slimmer cut tend to use slits, cut-outs or other accommodations to allow freedom of movement. In fact, these dresses are so freeing they feel the opposite of dressy - while still managing to look feminine and pretty. Ahh… easy, one-piece dressing that lets us exhale and relax…or at least keep up with the dog, cat or kiddos!

5. Skirts for doing the (daily) hustle

True to the ‘70s vibe of many new-season styles, prairie anything is a go – including tiered peasant skirts. These also stay true to their pioneer roots by being conducive to almost any activity. True, you might not be donning them to milk the cow, clean the outhouse or dig for potatoes, but you could certainly run to the park with your kids, go sightseeing while on holiday or head to the office with addition of a blazer. Other of-the-moment skirt styles include the equally practical A-line denim and the paper-bag waist midi.

6. Basic-but-better tops

shorts - frankie shop; shirt - bella dahl

When it comes to tops, let us rejoice: our basics just got better. Shirts are souped-up with spots, florals, tie-die and other prints. Tees are tied at the waist, twisted or trimmed with tulip sleeves. Tops are ruched, smocked, puffed or collared. Even the humble tank has gone asymmetrical. All this activity on ordinary pieces means you can look distinctive without feeling restricted. At ease, everybody!

5. Shoes made for walking

Bless designers for their shoe offerings this season. No more choosing between fashionable and comfortable; new styles are determinedly both. Take functional sandals. The name says it all. Functional for hiking, walking on cobblestones, doing laps around the park or whatever else your busy life brings. If you want to make these sturdy styles a bit more flattering, just choose a generous heel. This lifts our calves out of our canckles – not that any of us have those of course! Or how about throwback trainers? Yes, we’re revisiting trends again, but who cares?! They’re completely comfortable and completely contemporary. Ditto loafers, square-toed flats and lug-soled boots. Finally, styles we can run with!

I hope these tips have been helpful. What are you looking forward to sporting this spring? Do let us all know by sharing below with a comment!