Lightweight knitwear is my transitional style staple. Spring in Ireland is at best mild and at worst biting – and often every class of both within the same day – so a featherweight cashmere knit is my go-to at this time of year. Even trips abroad don’t always promise the dream-like conditions we fantasise about, so I build every capsule holiday wardrobe around three or four key pieces of cashmere.
This reality has informed each of my spring designs. I wanted every Castanea cardigan, sweater and hooded knit to pair as seamlessly with a precious silk skirt as a favourite pair of denims, so subtle but elevated design details and colourways that complement rather than dominate became the touchpoints of the collection. This allows each piece of Castanea cashmere to act as a unifier in your spring wardrobe, making it easier to style separates in a way that feels fresh and contemporary and wholly unique to you.
One of my favourite pairings is the Janie sweater in Cherry Blossom worn with a pair of silk palazzo pants. The further into spring we move, the less often I wear jeans and the more I favour a looser, wider-leg silhouette. It’s such a comfortable, breathable look, and understated enough for daywear but easily reimagined for evening with the right accessories (see this recent blog featuring my go-to jewellery brand Inner Island). There’s an easy sophistication to this outfit that reflects the Castanea brand beautifully.
Trousers: Loup Charmant
Bag: Loewe Paula’s Ibiza
Earrings: Inner Island
Shoes: Malone Souliers
Fragrance: Parfumarija
I suspect slip dresses will be a favourite from now through to summer given the reaction to the couture gown Victoria Beckham wore to her son’s wedding this month. A slip dress and cashmere cardigan can be an elegant, wear-anywhere combination. Tactile, sensuous, refined and streamlined, it’s a classic look, but it can veer into tired or overdone territory if at least one of the individual pieces is not elevated. Castanea cashmere prioritises directional silhouettes and provocative detailing, so any cardigan from the collection will inject interest and newness to this classic pairing. The Dave cardigan is a favourite of mine, with its versatile silhouette – use the cashmere belt to nip in the waist or allow it to hang loose for a cool, languid look.
Dress: Raey
Bag: Loewe
Necklace: Jill Sander
Shoes: Yume Yume
I believe looking effortless is even more important in spring/summer. Perhaps it’s because, balmy or chilly, the sun is usually shining and nobody wants to appear as if they’ve been squirrelled away styling themselves for hours rather than enjoying the longer, brighter days. A cashmere hoodie strikes just the right note. Utilitarian items like the Bex hooded top or the Peraga sportswear-inspired sweater bring a dressed-down elegance to a slip skirt or luxe joggers, while also creating a cool contrast when worn with a tulle or satin evening skirt.
Skirt: Loveshackfancy
Earrings: Charlotte Chenais
Bag: Loewe
Shoes: Simone Rocha
One of my favourite evening-time looks is the Buzz cashmere sweater paired with a dramatic full skirt. Designed with athleisure-style tonal stripes on the sleeves, and side ties, which can be worn ruched up or down, it highlights my waist when the ties are ruched up, and it sits perfectly above the pockets of a skirt, creating a beautifully feminine silhouette but with a modern, boyish sensibility.
Bag: Loewe Paula’s Ibiza
Skirt: Simone Rocha
Shoes: Jacquemus
Bracelet: Loewe
I hope these simple styling ideas give you some inspiration for the coming months, and help you to feel like your most beautiful self every time you wear a piece of Castanea cashmere.
Love Paula x
