Looking forward

from QueenBee Hope Issue Spring 2021

Welcome to the Spring 'Hope' issue 2021

By Michelle Abbott @maison_abbott

This ‘Hope’ issue is so appropriate in every way right now. But what do we hope for in terms of what we are wearing?

We’ve spent months in loungewear, layered up in chunky knits, thermals and boots, but with Spring in sight, it’s time to shed some of those layers and look forward to some lighter, fresher outfits which echo the optimism we can now start to feel.

I think, more than ever, women want to wear clothes which bring us joy, enhance confidence and fulfill a sense of self. These are things that clothes should do for us, but after the last year it feels even more relevant and necessary that what we wear should make us feel happy.

At the moment, we can't experience the thrill of the arrival of new season styles in stores, so online shopping remains the prevalent option. There is no reason why we can’t enjoy that feeling - newness, sources of inspiration for the months ahead, a possible addition to the wardrobe and seeing what you already have that can be worn in different ways.

What am I excited for? Colour, print and a bit of flamboyance! I want to wear the bright pink floral dress and skip along the road in the spring sunshine on my daily walk - just for the sheer pleasure of it.

Heels and formal footwear are probably still slightly redundant (although there’s nothing wrong with looking forward to those occasions when we will wear them again) so consider a box fresh pair of trainers to sharpen your outfits, or try a pair of chunky sandals.

As I mentioned, a dress, for me, is the statement piece which means spring is here. Go for a classic floral print, something which can be layered when chilly, but sing when worn on its own. Jumpsuits are a modern classic - they work for everyone if the fabric and cut is right.

I love a full skirt with a simple tee tucked in for a nostalgic feminine look. We’ll still need some knitwear until it’s really warm, so consider something bright, maybe with a sleeve detail (puff sleeves are still a strong trend).

I’ve chosen a few pieces that will inject some life into your wardrobe. Hopefully for the coming months we can enjoy the process of creating outfits which symbolise that most basic of emotions - hope

Michelle x