Three ways to refresh your wardrobe for spring: advice from personal stylist Rebecca Clouston
Photo: Claire Pepper
Rebecca Clouston is a 56-year-old personal stylist who lives near me. We see each other around, say hello and follow each other on Instagram. A sort of seven degrees of style separation, or the fashion version of the Mini driver wave – does that still happen? Rebecca always looks super-cool and so it was only a matter of time before I messaged to ask if she’d like to share some of her expert style advice with That’s Not My Age readers. ‘Things are quite heavy at the minute – we’ve been through a lot and it’s a big adjustment. It takes a lot of energy transitioning from winter to spring,’ says Rebecca over the phone and she’s not kidding. After two years of the pandemic (and with Covid rates higher than ever in the UK) we are all feeling tired, bewildered and in need of some easy style pick-me-ups.
Here’s Rebecca’s expert advice on refreshing your wardrobe for spring:
The main thing I tell my clients is to shed the winter coat. Switch to a jacket or a lighter weight spring coat. It’s not warm enough yet to go without layers and this is where you can introduce brighter colours and move into a more uplifting space. Layer your knitwear – wear a lightweight knitted top with a cardigan over – the cardigan is an incredibly versatile layering piece.
My biggest push is accessories. I make them more spring-like, so a chunky wool scarf is replaced by beautiful printed silk one. This is such an easy way of elevating your outfit, whatever your jam – bring some colour in. Add a great necklace and some wrist candy. I also recommend switching your bag to a more summery style, Sezane has a really joyous collection of raffia shoppers (for when it’s not raining!) or wear a colourful crossbody.
Footwear tweaks can switch up an outfit – and you’ve probably been wearing ankle boots and trainers all winter! So, get your ankles out for spring. Wear trousers or a long skirt with elegant loafers or mules and a light jacket or trench coat. But don’t put your boots away, I tend to wear mine all year round (in summer with a dress) and I try to make my client’s wardrobes interchangeable so that each piece of clothing is a good investment and earns its keep. Don’t pigeonhole your clothes, work them into the different seasons.
Style Notes: Rebecca wears orange mohair jumper from J&M Davidson. Tailored track pants from Me+ Em. Hoop earrings are an old pair from Oliver Bonas and beaded bracelet from Ghana.
Details of Rebecca Clouston’s styling service HERE.
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Discussion (14 Comments)
carole b says:
Just looking at Rebecca is a pick me up – she looks gorgeous! I was going to say effortlessly stylish, but I know that thought and planning will have gone into her look… I’m loving changing my clothes, leaving the black behind and wearing navy as a base colour, or brown/beige. Lighter weight boots are coming into their own (some 20 year old max mara dark brown ankle boots with a kitten heel are proving really useful) and a favourite pair of navy patent leather loafers with a thickish sole, as they can cope with the rain!
Anne Watkis says:
Love the clothes detailed. The only drawback is that I’m petite, 5’ 1”. Most influencers feature midi length, which makes me look even smaller, likewise wonderful knits, which are usually too short. Cropped length shows my tummy. Help!
Kind regards Anne x
Lesley E says:
Rebecca does look effortlessly stylish, but as Carole has said, I am sure it was not effortless! However, this is what most of us would like to emulate. Stylish without looking as though you have really tried! I do love the idea of making your wardrobe work year round. Thank you, Rebecca, for your wise advice. After a day’s gardening in bright sunshine, but gale force winds, I am off to try to transform myself from windswept wreck to understatedly stylish before prepping supper!
Mrs Tonia says:
Thanks Alyson and Rebecca for some styling tips as we move between seasons and temperature extremes in past few weeks. It was warm than much colder once more. Thick duvet coats were replaced by lighter outer layers and brighter colours introduced. Than we went backwards. As suggested above I have been adding in brighter colours to the mix. Apple green with a more olive shade. I’ve managed to buy really marked down in price recently a thick ribbed square cropped vermillion pullover. And a delightful green and white striped soft wool cashmere mix top. Again substantially discounted as shops fill with lightweight summer frocks. And as Rebecca suggests I’ve swopped the thick scarves for more brightly coloured silk ones and brighter accessories I already own.
All of these points of colour brighten the mood and the complexion. I’m certainly one for the daily “ arm candy” not to mention “neck candy”. They too had a note of cheer. The red loafers, old but good, came out but needed replacing with sturdier footwear.
We shall get there as surely as new foliage is appearing on bare branches. It’s fun to plan ahead a few outfit combinations and experiment.mrsglimmer says:
Love Rebecca’s look here. “Effortlessly” (as already mentioned, clearly well thought out!) stylish, but also looks so comfortable. Some very helpful tips for transitional outfits, despite the temperatures in Scotland having reverted to winter levels. Great article, thanks.
Sierra says:
Thanks for reminding me of two large raffia/basket totes stuck in the back of the hall cupboard. Currently hidden by warm coats and parkas. They’ve not seen the light of day during the pandemic, but as soon as I’m recovered from Covid they’re coming out along with the sunshine!
slf says:
Comfortable (but not sloppy) is the chic! Rebecca’s outfit is a winner. And color is often the inspiration for a new look.
bev says:
Help people! I was out today shopping and I was suddenly invisible. Shop assistants ignored me and the waiter in the cafe served two people who were behind me. My confidence was flattened and thought I was wearing total Cloak of Invisibility. Need a rousing, practical suggestion and fast!
Cindy says:
Hi Bev,
This is ageism rearing its ugly head. I have been in a similar situation, and I will leave a business if I am not respected by staff. I vote with my wallet. If this is a business that you deal with, respectfully contact their management to express your concerns.
Frustrating to read this happened to you. People need to be treated with respect and be valued.
Leigh 
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As a woman who is afraid of colour I am really drawn to bright tomato red at the moment. Most things I own are black, grey, navy and khaki but I am obsessing about the exact colour of this fab lady’s jumper. Something strange is going on?!