The Chic List: My silver linings playbook

I just adore dressing up and, frankly, wish I had many more occasions to do so. I’m not talking ballgowns, though, but heels with either a favourite dress or skirt and a fabulous top, a swipe of my favourite lipstick – all finished off with the right jewellery. 

When the pandemic squished all the joy out of the world, it was one of the things I missed most: going out for dinner or to see a show and putting on my glad rags. 

And every single day of those miserable, soulless months, I promised myself that when life returned to normal, I would never again take getting dressed up for granted. 

However, even now, I do think there is a general lack of polished glamour out there. Over the past decade, people have become lazier about dressing up for restaurants, the theatre and parties. 

The fact that we then spent two years at home in loungewear hasn’t helped either. It’s become too easy to make no effort, to chuck on any old thing – something that always makes me want to scream in despair. 

But, thankfully, I sense there is a change coming. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, or perhaps it’s finally the much-promised return of the Roaring Twenties, but the new season has made dressing up desirable all over again and there are some exciting options to consider the next time you plan a proper night out. 

Of all the glamorous fresh looks, there are two that I like especially, the first of which is this year’s maxi skirt trend. 

I’ve always loved maxi hemlines – in my opinion, they’re more flattering than a midi length and can be worn from 9am to 9pm, from desk to dinner table, so are extremely versatile, too. 

For the office, I’ll wear a black maxi with a slim knit tucked in and gold jewellery, plus a low heel or sandal. For the evening, I’ll throw on a tailored jacket, which I can wear for cocktails or a work dinner. 

The other spring/summer trend that I’m really buying into is a bit of a rule breaker. One unofficial law of fashion is that metallics are reserved for the festive season, but don’t usually get much airtime beyond New Year’s Eve. In 2023 that’s all changing, with silver dominating the spring collections from the likes of Gucci, Versace and Chanel. 

And this particular metallic is more workable for everyday life than you might think. Personally, I like to team a silver top with a maxi skirt for full-on yet easy-to-wear glamour. Or, for a sleek lunchtime vibe, I’ll pair a silver top with jeans and heels. Alternatively, a silver skirt with a simple white or black knit looks both beautiful and understated.

PICTURE THIS

Check out the wonderful exhibition at London’s Tate Britain by British artist and writer Lynette Yiadom-Boakye

Check out the wonderful exhibition at London’s Tate Britain by British artist and writer Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, acclaimed for her enigmatic depictions of imaginary people. Featuring around 70 works (including Condor and the Mole, below), it is a captivating cast of characters on canvas. Until 26 February; for details visit tate.org.uk. 

MILO MON AMOUR

This crossbody Milo bag is the epitome of Parisian style and a keeper. Bag, £390, sezane.com/en

A beautiful timeless leather piece that will only look better with age, this crossbody Milo bag is the epitome of Parisian style and a keeper. Bag, £390, sezane.com/en. 

PEAK SNEAKERS

I’m loving Adidas’s collection of retro shoes and workout gear for spring. These red Gazelle trainers are a 1985 classic and are going to look amazing peeping out from a pair of tailored trousers. Trainers, £100, net-a-porter.com