How to Style a Trench Coat for Spring | With Soft Pastels and Light Wash Denim

Soft pastels, light wash denim and silver for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb

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I know it’s still very much the dead of winter in much of the Northern Hemisphere, but as soon as February rolls around I usually think March is next month – that means spring!!

I’m always desperately looking for a positive spin on the weather. I guess that’s the Englishman in me coming out.

So it may be a little premature, but I thought now’s a better time than any to think about that transitional period between winter and spring and what I’m looking forward to wearing once I’m at the “eaten too many Cadbury Creme Eggs” stage.

The trench coat is the ultimate classic for transitional dressing, and I think it lends itself perfectly to soft pastels and light wash denim. I’m wearing several pieces from the new Spring/Summer 16 collection by MADELEINE (pure cashmere jumper, cropped jeans and silver trainers), and these lovely soft pastels reflect that brighter light we should be getting as the days get longer – goodbye dark winter colours, I say!

I love it when spring gets a wriggle on, and it’s so nice to wear something a little lighter that doesn’t require a scarf, hat and gloves as well. Plus I think silver sneakers may just be my new favourite thing: Metallics + sport shoes = footwear perfection.

Are you a trench coat wearer? What’s the first thing you reach for when the seasons change (or is there something you love to ditch)? Tell me in the comments!

Soft pastels, light wash denim and silver for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb

Soft pastels, light wash denim and silver for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb
Silver sneakers | Not Dressed As Lamb
Soft pastels, light wash denim for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb
Soft pastels, light wash denim for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb
Soft pastels, light wash denim and silver for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb
Cashmere stripes for spring | Not Dressed As Lamb
Pure cashmere jumper: MADELEINE | Cropped jeans: MADELEINE | Silver trainers: MADELEINE | Trench: Laura Ashley (old) | Earrings: Accessorize (in-store only) | Nails: Nails Inc ‘Black Taxi’

P.S. Like this post? You might also want to see how I styled my trench coat with sequinned Breton stripes, or perhaps draped over (yet another) dress-over-trousers combo!

Disclosure: I have written this post in collaboration with MADELEINE (click here for my full disclosure). All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest. This post may contain affiliate links.

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34 Comments

  1. 15 February 2016 / 5:55 pm

    Love the snazzy metallic sneakers! cool, and the pastels you have been wearing are lovely! I used to own a baby blue trench, dont know where it went off too now. Very nice my friend!

    Thanks for linking up to Turning Heads Tuesday
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • 15 February 2016 / 9:17 pm

      Oooh a baby blue trench sounds lovely Jess – you need to find it!! Thank you sweetie x

  2. 10 February 2016 / 11:16 am

    I'm always a fan of optimism and I love it when your husband catches you in a full smile. It's like a little extra gift in the post. Thanks for sharing your style flair on the My Refined Style Linkup. See you next month!

    Shellie
    http://www.thefabjourney.com

    • 13 February 2016 / 2:20 pm

      Aww bless you, Shellie, that's so very sweet of you!! Thank you xx

    • 13 February 2016 / 2:17 pm

      It's nice to pair lights with lights, Rachel – it makes a nice change! Thanks sweetie x

  3. 9 February 2016 / 9:29 am

    That jumper looks super soft, I love cashmere.
    Laurie x

    • 13 February 2016 / 2:16 pm

      So do I, Laurie… so do I!!!! Thanks hun x

    • 13 February 2016 / 2:13 pm

      Thank you Yvonne – the jeans are actually pre-cuffed, but I'd be rolling them if they weren't already! x

  4. 7 February 2016 / 9:19 am

    Casual and comfy! I like this outfit 🙂 (great earrings!!!)
    Love, Kathleen

    • 13 February 2016 / 2:11 pm

      Thanks so much Kathleen – the earrings are pretty, aren't they…? xx

  5. 6 February 2016 / 5:00 pm

    Wow, you look absolutely great in this outfit!
    Are these sneakers comfy without any socks?
    -Julius

    • 6 February 2016 / 5:38 pm

      Hi Julius, thank you for the compliment! Yes they are very comfy (the leather is very high quality and super soft), though I usually wear those invisible trainer socks anyway just to stop sneakers getting smelly…!!

  6. 6 February 2016 / 3:10 pm

    Oh gosh, yes!
    I ALWAYS look forward to ditching my long waterproof winter coat….and my chunkiest cardigans.
    And my navy trench is now dug out of my "Spring/summer" storage and is pressed, ready for action.
    I am looking forward to feeling a little warmth in the air.
    XXX
    Samantha
    P.S…..those silver trainers are gorgeous! I have white and silver brogues that I am desperate to get out again. X

    • 6 February 2016 / 3:23 pm

      Oh wow I have white and silver brogues too, Samantha… Great minds think alike!!

      If today's weather is anything to go by, spring cannot come soon enough – we have non-stop pouring rain and high winds, it's HIDEOUS!!

      Thank you sweetie, enjoy your weekend (despite the weather)! x

  7. 5 February 2016 / 3:45 pm

    Another vote of big love for the silver trainers! I've got some old ones, but they look so knackered now… your shiny ones are inspiring me to splurge on some new ones, maybe even the ones you're wearing!

    • 5 February 2016 / 5:27 pm

      Hehe it does sound like someone wants new shoes, Lisa…!!!!! Well if yours are getting tired then I say definitely treat yourself ;))

      Thanks sweetie! xx

  8. 5 February 2016 / 2:32 pm

    oh how I love those sneakers – and this whole casual any-day look. Have a fantastic weekend, see you at Vis Monday! xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • 5 February 2016 / 5:25 pm

      Aww Patti thanks so much – have a great weekend! x

  9. 5 February 2016 / 11:01 am

    I absolutely adore those silver shoes! But don't you ankles get cold? I always feel I have to wear something to keep them warm lol! 😉
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 5 February 2016 / 5:25 pm

      Thank you Suzy! I don't know if you mean do my ankles get cold now in February (in which case yes if the temperature drops, no if it's mild like it has been), but if you mean in spring which is when this outfit is for then definitely not…! We've had a very mild winter so have worn shoes without chunky socks several times, but this outfit is looking towards springtime so isn't really meant for February! :))

  10. 5 February 2016 / 10:20 am

    I'm still firmly stuck in winter mode but it's beautifully refreshing and encouraging to see this ready for spring look of yours Catherine! The trench coat is perfect and a true classic. The metallic sneakers bring a great twist to the outfit 🙂

    Take care and enjoy your weekend,
    Daniella xox

    • 5 February 2016 / 5:14 pm

      Many thanks Daniella – I can't wait for spring…!!

  11. 5 February 2016 / 7:36 am

    I love these pastels on you. Fabulous sneakers I can see me wearing too. These pastels look great on you. Such a fresh look! Thanks for joining us on My Refined Style!

    xx Jennifer
    http://awellstyledlife.com

    • 5 February 2016 / 4:54 pm

      Aww thank you Jennifer! They really are comfy (but then I guess most sneakers are) – and I just love the silver. Perfect colour for spring I think!! x

  12. 5 February 2016 / 2:33 am

    I love a cool casual look and you do it so well. Those sneakers really bring the chic too! We're expecting 75 degree weather this week, so I'm starting to think spring too. Thanks soooooo much for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday! YAY!!!!!

    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy
    http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com

    • 5 February 2016 / 4:52 pm

      Oh gosh Dawn Lucy that'd be CRAZY HOT over here, hehe!! I thought I was being premature talking about spring but it seems more people than I thought are getting warm weather already! Thank you sweetie, glad you liked it x

  13. 4 February 2016 / 10:07 pm

    Love your look! It really does make me think of spring!! I am in Los Angeles, and the weather here is either nice or nicer hehe, so if I get to wear a trench, it would be during winter. Trench makes me feel stylish and I love it. xoxo
    http://www.splashofteal.com

    • 5 February 2016 / 4:51 pm

      Thanks Zuma – I just can't imagine what having only nice or nicer weather is like!! In the UK it's either bleak or bleaker (like today)… We go kinda nuts at the merest hint of sunshine!! x

  14. 4 February 2016 / 8:37 pm

    Loving this look, especially those trainers. I'm like you for thinking March brings warmer weather, lets hope its the case.

    X x

    • 4 February 2016 / 8:59 pm

      Oh gosh I hope so too, Trayci!! Thank you sweetie x

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