How to ease your wardrobe into Spring/Summer mode

It's still cold and rainy but the flowers are out, and leaves are escaping their buds. Come on, guys; you've got to admit, it's Spring/Summer time at last!

When you go to work trouserless, you know it's almost summer. Not that I especially condone walking around wearing only the top part of an outfit. Today, friends, I wore a dress to work, with no tights. Because I found a box of disposable emergency razors when I was doing a mini-spring clean (aka general weekly tidy) and my bathroom is no longer a freeze box, I saw that as a sign to defuzz the pins and reintroduce Sally Hansen to my makeup routine. My friends said I was crazy - no, really, I could feel their incredulity through the WhatsApp vibes when I casually dipped into conversation that my legs were bare. But it seems to me that spring is finally here and I'm SO SICK of wearing jeans and jumpers. I never thought it would happen, but that's what the world's longest winter will do to a gal.

I get that going barelegged is a step too far for people when the forecast tells us that snow is still a possibility. But, the temperature looks like it's going to be over 10 degrees for the foreseeable so let's just take the first steps towards springlightenment and make a few little changes to ease our mindset away from winter-mode.

Change your coat

I spent way too much on dry-cleaning last week but it was pay week, so I treated myself. One piece that came back all shiny and new was my camel coat. You see, you don't have to ditch an actual coat, just swap it for one that's less arctic-expedition looking. Camel coats are wardrobe essentials; they can be worn in spring and autumn when it's cold but not that cold. If the temperature is low, wear a big scarf. When it rises, wear a light scarf.

One of the other pieces that returned to me clean and nice was my trench. I'll be throwing this on in a couple of weeks time when it really feels like spring. If you're feeling daring, it might be time to dust off your leather jacket.

Topshop Plisse Belted Duster Coat €80

Switch your sweaters for shirts

Never has there been a bigger need for jumpers than the Winter That Would Never End. I transitioned to lighter sweaters rather than big chunks of things at the start of the month, and yesterday, I ironed all of my shirts to have them ready for the day the temperature goes above 11.

Shirts are not just for work. I love them tucked into skirts or jeans Jenna Lyons-style for going out. The next step after a shirt is a t-shirt... but let's not get too ahead of ourselves. Remember, you can wear something underneath a shirt, or a cardi over.

& Other Stories Pink Floral Silk Shirt €89

Buy 'trend' shoes

There's no easier way to nod to the season's trend than with new footwear. This step towards spring also puts you in the mood for it. For SS18, the biggest shoe trend is 'dad runners' - see those monstrosities in the Topshop pic above or just Google Bella Hadid. If you're tempted, I've found a pair in Zara.

Zara Chunky Sole Sneakers €49.95

I'll be getting my cowgirl on this season. Western-style boots are big this season, and these, also from Zara, are my faves.

Zara Leather Cowboy Ankle Boots €99.95