Every so often, I feel myself starting to lose faith in social media. As I scroll through indistinguishable LA transplants proselytising on protein consumption and heatless curls, the Instagram-endorsed lifestyle can start to feel about as aspirational as chomping down on a soggy Pret baguette.
Thankfully, a few A-listers are still keeping the dream alive, and making all of those hours lost to the algorithm soup worth the slog. Leading the charge for living as a celebrity should: Dua Lipa. Whether it’s the relentless globe-trotting (South Africa, Poland and Italy in the last two weeks), or her perfectly nonchalant photo dumps of archival fashion, oysters and Callum Turner, nobody is doing it like Dua.
Luckily, even mere mortals with a normal amount of annual leave and air miles can tap into her styling tips. Dua’s full summer wardrobe may still be defrosting, but in the meantime, here’s how to channel a little of her megastar style for spring.
Palette refresher
Of course, you can’t go wrong with a beige trench coat (particularly if it’s vintage Burberry), but why not consider a seasonal colour refresh? Take inspo from Dua in minty green, for an updated take on a Brit classic.
Embrace the tourist tee
Simple but effective, a tongue-in-cheek tourist tee is a surefire way to add a little fun to an easy spring outfit. While you could follow in Dua’s footsteps and source yours from Chanel, there are plenty of more accessible alternatives available next to any major global landmark.
Minimalism meets maximalism
Generally to be found wearing enough Bulgari jewellery to set off every metal detector at Heathrow Terminal 5, Dua is hardly a minimalist. But she does apply balance. Mix and match ’90s restraint with something that’ll make a bit of a splash: observe the combination of a simple cami with an in-your-face Versace pencil skirt. Spring is the season to do it all!
Layers, layers, layers
Forget florals, the real key to spring dressing is layering. The Dua approach errs on the preppy side, with lots of crisp Ralph Lauren poplin shirts and leather jackets slung over the shoulders.
Underwear + outerwear
The post-Coachella reports are in, and bras are back. Shirts are taking the summer off, and A-listers are letting a classic blazer do the heavy lifting on its own. A more polished take than the Addison Rae approach, this nods to naked dressing without leaving you entirely at the mercy of the elements.
Spring whites
No spring wardrobe would be complete without a few pastels, but sometimes it pays to strip it right back. An all-white palette is the easiest way to embrace the season of 8pm sunsets. For the full off-duty pop star effect, pair a peasant blouse with an oversized Chanel bag and even more oversized sunglasses.
