Spring Tied

Bow details and retro coats, prim dresses and harem pants – mix it up for spring at Penneys

A CLEAR FOCUS on spring’s strongest new ideas comes chic and cheerful via Penneys where the season’s key players are swinging in with affordable price tags. Fashion fundamentals such as dresses come either long and hippy style in floral chiffon prints or short and rather prim in bolder patterns, which are drop-dead modern. Either way, the range offers the alternative of covering up the figure or showing it off.

Note the bow details this season – remember Aretha Franklin, at the US presidential inauguration, wearing one of the biggest and most flamboyant we’ve ever seen on a hat that looked even more dramatic embellished with silver studs.

In a season of retro throwbacks, there’s a 1960s look to the block coloured mini coats that cover a printed dress or the safer option of a cropped trench that goes with everything – a continual team player and every stylish woman’s comfortable companion. Flouncy gypsy skirts with frill scooped tops are light-hearted summery affairs for those who prefer separates, but a winning dress is the little black and white seagull print, a steal at €17.

As for trousers, take your pick. Techno sport details include seamed zip leggings – great for lengthening the leg like a bandsman’s stripe. Harem pants create a look that’s more difficult to pull off, or indeed pull on, but worn casually with a long scarf and carefree jersey top can look relaxed in every sense and are a new alternative to skinny jeans for the more adventurous. Throw in essential accessories such as neon scarves, vintage-style earrings and high-definition gold or gladiator wedges and you’re away in the right direction.