Mixed proportions. Simple swaps. Balancing smart and casual. Fashion journalist Lisa Armstrong decodes dressing for the new season. The result? Interesting outfits that don’t look too contrived.

Who doesn’t love spring? The freedom that comes with longer days and sunshine deserves celebrating. Time for some fresh sartorial ideas. That doesn’t necessarily mean a radical overhaul. Trends are not how fashion works these days, and definitely not the way personal style operates. So long, must-buys. I find it more helpful to zero in on the tweaks that make old favourites look on point.

Playing with proportions shouldn’t be intimidating, and it can transform your look. Don’t overthink it. Just aim for balance: slim on top, more voluminous below, or vice versa. Remember the contrast – it’s key. An outfit that’s skinny head to toe looks dated. One that’s oversized the whole way down is unflattering. Always prioritise what suits you over the latest thing. Indent your narrowest point and ensure your outfit cinches you there. A belted, lacy shirt dress – part utility but at the same time pretty – is a case in point and possibly your most versatile dress choice this year. Style it with flatforms or strappy sandals, unbuttoned low, or worn under a tank or with a jacket…

Those in-between pieces we often overlook can make or break an outfit. A luxurious-feeling, lightweight, button-through knit, or shorter cotton shirt, add a youthful softness to a tailored trouser suit. Loafers take it to work. Trainers will always be a great weekend flex, but opt for elevated styles with monochrome or colour flashes. Matching them with your trousers creates a longer, sophisticated silhouette.