great heights

After two long years of wearing slippers — or, let’s face it, no shoes at all — the idea of ​​putting on a pair of heels might actually be appealing. Ease the transition with platforms that are very stylish and painless. These brown patent leather platforms from Jeffrey Campbell play the perfect supporting role in a wardrobe with their block heels and slingback design. To help you stand extra tall, Acne offers towering and chunky styles. Or opt for a snug, elevated shoe in a retro print, as seen together on Coperni’s spring runway.

Jeffrey Campbell Ammaly Platforms, $194.95 at Nordström.

tiles forever

Some impressions come and go but a check always lingers. This spring’s picnic gingham criss-crosses everything from bags to bath towels. H&M’s printed denim looks can be worn more subtly with a cheerful cardigan. Michael Kors went sporty with a contrasting black and white two-piece gingham set. For an endless selection of softly styled checks, head to Lisa Says Gah’s online store for color block denims and knits.

High-rise straight jeans, $39.99 at H&M.

stack on

You might remember the dress-over-trousers trend from the early years when a busy dress layered over jeans ruled the runways and red carpets. Fortunately, the trend has become more elegant and simpler. Stick to one color and fabric worn head-to-toe, like Silk Laundry’s jacket, dress and pants. Her look is much cooler than frumpy. Alternatively, mix one part color with two parts print of a spring offering from the Nanushka.

Silk laundry robe $300, pants $385, jacket $470 up to silklinen.ca.

Virtuous gemstones

Add a dose of color by sprinkling colored balls. Spotted at Saint Laurent, giant gemstones in complementary hues dangled from 1980s silhouettes. Giambattista Valli took pop rocks one step further by inflating the stone’s proportions and encasing them in crystal. If you are looking for more than a day than Dynasty Look, this transparent and green stone choker from Mais x Frida is the perfect dose of pizzazz.

Mais x Frida Paola green choker, €75 up to butxfrida.com.

University rules

The varsity jacket is back, though some would say it never really went away. This season, design updates include wider, boxier cuts as seen on a Letterman Boss. Bold, bright colors like those featured at Louis Vuitton and Dior menswear shows also feel new and nod to their 1990s predecessors.

Jacket, price on request at Chief.

vested interest

Although it’s always been a staple in grandpa’s closet, the sweater cardigan has finally shed its stifling reputation. Its slow and steady rise in the menswear sphere is due, in part, to celebrities such as Ryan Gosling and Harry Styles. Wear one loose and layered over a tee or make a statement with a bold stripe. Whether you go traditional, retro, quirky or modern, sleeveless is so much more.

Arket Crew Neck Wool Vest, US$79 up market.com.

The new tie

When it comes to men’s accessories, a bandana can be surprisingly versatile. Wear it tied around your neck with a favorite t-shirt or sweatshirt, or fold it neatly into the breast pocket of your suit jacket for a casual look. Choose a monogram print from MCM or an embroidered cotton scarf from Nanushka. The animal motif on this Engineered Garments piece is a new classic. It is available in navy, olive, khaki and black.

Engineered Garments Printed Bandana in Olive Animal Print, $25 at lost found.

On the run

Everything old is new again, which is especially true in the world of sneakers. Spurred on by the revival of New Balance, the brands are revisiting sporting classics from the 70s and 80s. Common Projects’ Track 80 style is inspired by vintage running shoes, marrying leather, ripstop nylon and suede for an upgraded look . Adidas has reissued four archival styles, including its mesh and leather Race Walk OG sneaker. Gucci takes vintage redux to another level with its distressed leather Virtus trainers, which feature a deliberately pre-worn look.

Adidas Consortium EQT Race Walk OG Sneakers, $90 USD up to mrporter.com.