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Wait—September? Already? Somehow we blinked and suddenly it’s spring. Cliché, yes, but also true: the air feels lighter, spritzed with a kind of forced optimism we’re all readily inhaling.
I’ve never quite made peace with Sydney’s humidity, at least not from a dressing perspective. It’s like living in a steamer basket. Which is why I usually cling to the tail-end of winter and the brief, golden window at the start of spring—perfect layering weather. Outerwear. Open-toed shoes. The illusion of sophistication. But this year, even I’m conceding: winter is over, spring is here, and summer is already stretching in the distance.
September, then, is prep month—the audit. It’s the time I take stock of the wardrobe gaps that tripped me up last spring and summer. The missing pieces. The outfits that felt uninspired or frustrating. This is when I start laying the groundwork for the months ahead, when getting dressed is a hot, hurried affair.
Right now, the smartest buys aren’t about fantasy—they’re about versatility. Pieces that straddle both sides of the temperature pendulum. Case in point? A poplin skirt layered with a trench this week, becomes the thing you’ll live in once it’s 30 degrees. Shoes? Sort them now or risk sweating in loafers while everyone else breezes by in the right pair of sandals. (Note to self: book that pedicure. Urgently.)
With that in mind, here’s ten items I’m looking at adding to cart this month
Sporty Outerwear
Lightweight, sport-inspired outerwear is the kind of piece you’ll wear on repeat— easy to layer, and almost designed with September’s inconsistent weather in mind. The subtle technical details add just the right amount of contrast to the softer knits and tailored staples we’re all still clinging to from winter.
Polo Tops
Collared but not stiff, polished yet undone—the preppy polo top strikes the perfect balance. It makes jeans feel intentional and tailored trousers feel laid-back. A short-sleeve version will carry you through the entire summer, while a long-sleeve version can be worn now, and layered over shoulders or tied at the waist well into the warmer months.
Beaded Jewellery
Beaded jewellery just grew up. Muted tones, irregular shapes, and offbeat combinations are stepping in for the bright, beachy strands of seasons past. It’s a quiet prelude to high-summer maximalism—refined, restrained, and ready to wear now.
Statement Skirts
Voluminous, asymmetrical, sheer, pleated—maybe even all at once. This spring, the skirt is anything but off sick. If you’re craving a break from your go-to winter uniforms, try one of these skirt styles paired with a simple tank or oversized knit. It’s an instant refresh that’ll have you feeling brand new.
Nautical Bags
We could credit the re-revival of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic boat-and-tote moment—but either way, canvas carryalls are officially back. With nautical-inspired bags on the rise, the classic utilitarian tote is having a well-deserved comeback, lightening the load both literally and metaphorically.
Inspired Shirting
Off-the-cuff shirts are, in my opinion, the sleeper hit of the season. With unique details like pleated fronts, tie collars, and exaggerated cuffs, they add just the right amount of polish and structure to everyday staples—think soft tailoring and worn-in denim—without ever feeling too formal or fussy.
Lace-Trims
Lace trim is one trend I can’t stop thinking about. Whether it’s a delicate edge on a slip dress, a subtle peek beneath a blazer, or a soft detail stitched into the hem of an otherwise basic tank, it adds an unexpected touch that feels both fresh and feminine. It’s the perfect way to soften all those structured pieces still lingering in your wardrobe from winter.
The post Sporty Outerwear, Nautical Bags & Statement Skirts—7 Pieces Defining The Spring Reset appeared first on ELLE.