Fashion is certainly never boring, as we can see from two extremes at the recent catwalk shows and now replicated on our high street. Sheer is everywhere and featured heavily during the recent awards season where many women embraced the trend. With the warmer weather around the corner, I predict we will see a lot more!

At the other end of the spectrum is the perennially popular power dressing, which refers to anything from a smart suit to a three-piece suit. You may recall Melania Trump wearing a very sharp Ralph Lauren three-piece recently – a rather severe look – but one which has proven popular.

Waistcoats were big last year and are even more popular this season. There is certainly something for everyone out there, so let’s take a look at what is trending this spring.

Three-piece suit
This look helpfully favours either a neatly fitted jacket or an oversized jacket, with a matching waistcoat, as well as trousers with a high waist. If you invest in this particular look you have the benefit of being able to wear any of the items separately, therefore making it a more reasonable investment. Shirts and ties also seem to fit into this new style of power dressing; these can really shake up the look depending on the pattern and colour you choose.

Trousers and jackets
High waisted trousers are very flowing and super long; if you choose this look, balance it with either a fitted top or a neatly fitted jacket. Next offers a lovely cream-gold, buttoned collarless, boucle jacket with a slightly longer cut – perfect to go over dresses or for any formal occasion.

New Look’s baby-blue boucle crew-neck boxy jacket is short and also collarless; perfect for wider leg trousers or any white trouser or jean. Marks and Spencer have a lovely navy and white check tweed jacket lined with a striking fringe and pretty silver buttons. It’s ideal for the spring to summer transition and the style of this jacket would go with so many dress, trouser or skirt options. One thing they all have in common is the Chanel style minus the Chanel price tag!

Sheer
The see-through look is often referred to as ‘soft’ power dressing. Transparency is ever-growing in popularity, so if you dare to bare you will be spoilt for choice. On the catwalks, top designers have been showcasing gossamer shirts, dresses and skirts.
At his 2025 Hamptons show, Ralph Lauren had the sheer look on display; a see-through shirt barely buttoned up and tucked into flowing trousers with a belt. I am unsure who out there wants to push more boundaries, but designers know what sells – otherwise they wouldn’t present these looks.

Victoria Beckham, Loewe and Stella McCartney all showed sheer garments on the catwalk. These ‘barely there’ tops can, of course, be worn with a camisole underneath for those who prefer to cover up a little more. Fabrics such as tulle, organza and chiffon can look ultra-feminine if styled in the right way.