As the days grow longer and a few more sunny spells come our way, it's tempting to want to revamp your entire wardrobe for the new season.
But as the Arnotts Spring/Summer season launch this morning proved, there's plenty of key pieces, colours and fabrics that are just as popular this spring as they were in the dark and cosy winter months.
Held in the Henry St department store, in a room draped in dusky rose curtains and outfitted with bunches of flowers on each table, the season launch made a case for polished looks that combined preppy classics and fresh takes on vintage staples.
Preppiness, taking its cues from 90s minimalism and American classics, dominated many of the looks. Sweater vests and flowing skirts from Polo Ralph Lauren and Gant lent an air of relaxed leisurewear.
"It's fresh, but it's really sort of evolved in terms of how you might have thought about preppiness beforehand", Tracey Despard, Head of Fashion Buying at Arnotts, told RTÉ Lifestyle. "It's a lot more relaxed, there's a lot more colour."
There were fewer florals for spring, but their colours took centre stage: shades of baby blue as in an embellished mini dress from Elliatt and a striped frilled swing dress from Sister Jane, to pink, also in Elliatt's long gown with appliqué flowers, stood out.
Pattern stood out, also, not least in GANNI's black and white polka dot pieces and their leopard print, seen in a sheer midi dress with exaggerated shoulders and a short vinyl coat.
Irish fashion influencer Ciara Doherty predicted that "polka dots are set to be huge for spring/summer", while celebrity stylist Corina Gaffey shouted out the practical fabrics used:
"I am obsessed with the GANNI vinyl leopard print coat with the oversized collar. It's leopard print, which we know is more than a trend - it's a classic at this stage. I love its patent, so I'm sure the rain will bounce off it - don't quote me on that," she laughs. "I'm saying it's practical and cool."
In contrast, suede - very much a fine weather fabric - is popular for spring too, having been a go-to option for chilly autumn days last year. "It's coming through in lighter tones, so we've a lot more tan suede that's coming through in jackets and skirts", Despard said, pointing to Marella's timeless pieces featured this year.
For most fashion lovers, finding ways to transition between seasons is a priority, especially when trying to get the most out of what's already in your wardrobe. If there was one accessory to pick up and revitalise your wardrobe with this year, Despard said it is the silk scarf.
"I absolutely think this is the season that we've rediscovered our love [for] silk scarves and silk squares", she said.
"It's almost got that preppiness vibe to it as well but it's a really great way that, if you're like me and you do kind of deviate towards a more neutral palette, you can just bring that pop of colour in through a great silk scarf.
"A beautiful silk scarf, paired over a simple white t-shirt, jeans, a pair of loafers, and you're set!"
Another vintage-inspired accessory to lean into, she said, was brooches - something that has dominated menswear red carpet trends in recent months, as well as being adopted by fashion fans on a budget.
Having jetted from Milan Fashion Week to Paris Fashion Week in the last month, Despard has seen first-hand what fashion trends are taking hold, but explained that individuality is still reigning supreme:
"What you see at the show - it's beautiful and so inspirational, but it's what you're seeing in terms of the people attending the shows and how they're taking those trends and making them their own in a real kind of individual way.
"I think that statement piece, that high glamour, is what people gravitate towards, and that doesn't necessarily have to be the full-on embroidery coat. It can be a really cool pair of sunglasses, it could be a great bag, it could be a great shoe.
"But also it's how you're wearing it."
Creative director and stylist Lawson Mpame echoed this when it comes to menswear. Fresh from a glamorous trip to Florence for Pitti Uomo, he spoke about the "overlap" happening between high fashion and street style on the streets of European cities.
"I saw guys wearing these oversized, vintage-style suits that were tailored to be that style, but then they were throwing over [it] a bomber jacket, which is a street style element, or throwing this massive fur coat on top, and then maybe going shirtless or adding accessories..."
At today's season launch, menswear trends included elegant suits from Boggi Milano that are ideal for summer weddings, and relaxed, punchy pieces from Deus Ex Machina.
As for closer to home, Mpame said about Dublin: "I have to say, we are on the map."
"I don't know what's going on, but everywhere you look, guys are dressed really good. Before it just used to be the women, but now they're catching up!"
Dressed in a cream corduroy suit with a dusky rose top, Mpame made the case for adding colour to your wardrobe:
"Don't be afraid to try colour. I wear colours to brighten up my day, even on days when it is cloudy, those are the most important days when we should actually wear the colour because it actually boosts your mood, scientifically."
