Printed dress, £200, Rouje; Leather bucket bag, £495, Strathberry

Transitioning out of black, grey, brown and navy can feel like losing a security blanket. Suddenly the temperature rises and we’re expected to swap the dark, flattering colours we’ve been wearing since September to dress like we’re inspired by Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat. Luckily, there’s a middle ground (and in my opinion, strong Mediterranean colours should be reserved for a strong Mediterranean sun – or at least a good British heatwave). When evenings are cool and our skin is still looking distinctly wintery, opt for pastels like blush or lilac, which feel wonderfully spring-like even when paired with dark jeans. If you’re happy to get your legs out, try a neutral shade with a colourful pattern, like this dress from Rouje, which would look equally good under a dark trench as it would in the height of summer. Or take the easiest path of all and pair your navys and greys with a dash of cream leather on your handbag. Melissa Twigg

As for the men… Three spring dressing fails and how to navigate them

By Stephen Doig

Short sleeve shirts

Short sleeve shirts have their place in warmer climates, but not in formal or office environments over here; leave that blue collar uniform to middle America. Instead, wear long-sleeved shirts for smarter occasions (you can always roll the cuffs up) and limit short sleeved versions to more casual environs. The cut should be airy and blousy – there’s something rather Love Island about that spray-on-tight short-sleeved shirt. If tropical prints and retina-searing hues aren’t your thing, opt for subtle stripes or a muted print. Stick to camp collars rather than structured ones; it sets the mood firmly to ‘off-duty’.

Socks and sandals 

A debate as old as time, and one that’s best side-stepped. It’s not that socks and sandals together are entirely off-limits (Prada’s catwalk show might convince you otherwise), it’s just that it’s a polarising combination, whether it’s worn in an ironic, fashion-forward way or by ramblers on the north Pennines. Instead, consider lightweight footwear in the form of loafers or boat shoes when the mercury rises. The gentleman’s secret weapon here? Invisible socks to keep things fresh.