Cotton Traders Spring Edit: Two Looks (and a Cosy Backup)
I was gifted these items, for the purpose of this review.
There’s something about this time of year that has me wanting to refresh my wardrobe. Nothing dramatic, its just nice to have a couple of new outfits that feel good to throw on whether I’m heading to the gym or out for dinner.
Cotton Traders kindly sent me a few bits from their new spring collection, and I’ve put together two very different looks to share, plus a cosy third option, because this is a British spring and we can’t exactly rely on the weather! I find at this time of year, I’m always dressed wrong and feel too cold or too hot, so its nice to have options.
Look One: The Gym Outfit
First up, an everyday look. I loved the print of these Stretch Print Leggings with Pockets in light grape, paired with this V-Neck T-Shirt in navy.
The leggings are high-waisted, which, for me, is a non-negotiable when exercising. I always want to feel my trousers are up above my tummy but comfortably, so they are not digging in and that they won’t creep down as I move too. They also have good pockets, deep enough to actually hold my phone while I’m at the gym. The print is subtle enough that they don’t feel too loud, but different enough that they’re not just another pair of black leggings.
The t-shirt is a nice relaxed fit, not too boxy, not too fitted. I like being comfy at the gym, and I’m often at my laptop beforehand, so an outfit that works for both is exactly what I need.
Look Two: The Going-Out Dress
And now for something completely different. This is the Lace Trim Maxi Dress in light tan, and I love it. Leopard print is always a winner for me and this was my first pick as soon as I started looking at what was new on the Cotton Traders website.
The cut is really flattering. It skims over my stomach and thighs rather than clinging, which is exactly what I want from a dress I’m planning to eat a full meal in. The black lace trim around the neckline and waist adds a nice bit of detail, and it’s long enough to feel a bit special and a good length for me being five foot two.
I’ve styled it here with simple black strappy sandals, but I can see it working just as well with trainers and denim jacket (the staple middle age mum look, that I always end up coming back to) for a more casual day look.
Look Three: The Cosy Backup
And this is the bit that makes it a proper spring outfit rather than a summer one. I’ve added this Supersoft Jumper in cream over the top of the maxi dress, and it completely changes the look.
The jumper is genuinely soft (the name doesn’t lie), and is a lovely one for days where it’s warm enough to sit outside for a drink but cool enough that you want something to throw on. Which is, let’s be honest is most of spring and summer in the UK.
Spring Collection at Cotton Traders
What I liked about putting this together is that all three pieces have a clear place in my wardrobe. The leggings will live in my gym drawer. The jumper will be on the back of a chair somewhere until September. And I’m already planning on wearing the dress to a couple of things I’ve got on the calendar in April and May.
