After what felt like a never ending winter followed by a chaotic British spring, the weather is finally starting to improve. As one balmy sun-soaked day melts into the next, getting dressed is starting to feel exciting again. Having relied on cosy cashmere cardigans and weighty coats for the last 6 months, this week I realised they had been quietly retired to the back of my wardrobe. In their place were tried-and-true spring staples: think billowy broderie anglaise blouses, lightweight spring jackets and airy linen two-pieces that make sense when there’s a warmth in the air. That being said, this shift happened earlier than expected. After a few weeks of teasing heatwaves, I’ve realised my initial spring swaps might not cut it, and if these early warning signs are anything to go by, I’m decidedly unprepared for the seriously hot summer we’re about to have.

Naturally, I’ve taken this as my cue to do what I do best: shop. Using the warm-weather as both inspiration and justification (as well as my job as junior fashion editor, but I digress), slowly started combing through the high street in search of pieces that feel fresh, elevated (and crucially) budget-friendly. With my summer holidays on the horizon, I’m holding off on any massive splurges ( for this week at least), so the goal is expensive-looking buys falling under £100 and all the best happen to be from Zara, H&M and COS.