Styling tips

The April Wardrobe Refresh: 5 Easy Updates to Make Now

Arielle Charnas · April 30, 2026 · Leave a Comment

April is a funny month, fashion-wise. You’re done with heavy winter layers but not quite ready to go full summer. Everything in your wardrobe feels a little stale, but starting over from scratch isn’t realistic. And honestly? It’s not necessary either. Just a few little swaps are usually all it takes to make you current wardrobe feel current again. Here are five worth making right now.

1. Swap Your Shoe

This is the easiest (and probably most impactful) change you can make. Take those same jeans and knits you’ve been wearing already and pair them with a new shoe—it takes the outfit right into spring.

Spring 2026 is a genuinely good season for footwear. Ballet flats are back in a big way, particularly styles with a dainty bow detail. Ruched loafers are showing up everywhere and work with almost everything — jeans, shorts, midi skirts. Mules and clogs are still very much in the mix too, especially in lighter tones and spring-ready textures.

Pick one style that feels like a natural fit for how you already dress. You don’t need all of them. Just one fresh shoe can make your whole wardrobe feel like it had a refresh.

2. Introduce One Spring Color

Bold color is having a major moment this spring — cobalt, violet, aquamarine, punchy reds. But you don’t have to dive headfirst into a head-to-toe color look to feel current. One piece is enough.

The approach here is simple and one that feels familiar if you’ve tried the unexpected red theory covered in a previous post. Pick one color. Wear it against the neutrals you already own. Let it be the focal point of the outfit and keep everything else calm.

Some ideas:

a cobalt blue top with straight-leg light wash jeans
a violet bag with an all-neutral outfit
a warm caramel knit with brown trousers

Small color additions like these feel considered rather than costumey and breathe new life into pieces you’ve had for years.

3. Add a Scarf to Your Rotation

If there’s one styling tool worth picking up this April, it’s a scarf. Not just worn around the neck either. This spring, scarves are being used in ways that make them genuinely versatile — as a belt, a makeshift top, a headband, or tied onto the strap of a bag for a quick color hit.

A square silk or cotton scarf in a neutral or soft print is the most flexible option. Fold it into a triangle, tie it at the waist over a simple dress or wide-leg trousers, and suddenly the outfit has a point of view it didn’t have before. It’s one of those additions that looks intentional without requiring much effort at all.

If you already own scarves that have been sitting in a drawer, now is the time to actually use them.

4. Switch Up Your Denim

This one is simple but makes a bigger difference than you’d expect. If dark wash denim has been your default all winter — and for most people it has — April is the moment to reach for something lighter.

Light wash jeans are dominating spring 2026. The wash is doing most of the heavy lifting this season, so the silhouette matters less than you think. Wide leg, straight, slim, barrel — whichever cut you gravitate toward naturally is fine. Just make sure it’s light.

Light blue denim has an ease to it that dark wash doesn’t. It pairs back to whites, creams, and bold spring colors equally well. It also makes the whole outfit feel less heavy, which is exactly right for April dressing.

5. Reach for One Statement Accessory

This time of year is great for accessories, and just one well-chosen piece can update multiple outfits without changing anything else.

Oversized sunglasses are back in a serious way — bold, high-impact frames that feel more fashion-forward than the minimal styles that have dominated recent years. Chandelier earrings are having a real moment too. And belts with a strong, eye-catching buckle are showing up as the finishing touch on everything from tailored trousers to simple spring dresses.

Before buying anything new, check what you already own. A pair of statement earrings you’ve forgotten about or a bold belt at the back of a drawer might be exactly what your April outfits are missing.

Final Thoughts

A full wardrobe update is usually unnecessary. A new shoe, a fresh color, a scarf you actually style properly this time — these are the kinds of updates that make getting dressed feel good again without the overwhelm.

Arielle Charnas’s LTK has specific picks for each of these five updates if you’re looking for a starting point. Real pieces, real outfits, easy to shop directly.

For more everyday styling ideas, you can also follow Arielle Charnas on TikTok for outfit inspiration updated regularly through the season.

Spring 2026 Style Roundup

Arielle Charnas · March 26, 2026 · Leave a Comment

Spring always brings a shift. Not just in temperature, but also in how you want to dress. And this season, there’s a lot happening on the style front.

Here’s a look at the spring 2026 trends showing up everywhere right now, and how to actually wear them.

Bold Colors, But Make Them Clash

To get in on this trend, you can’t just wear one bright color and call it done. Instead, lean into more unexpected color pairings. Think rich violet & aquamarine or poppy red & lavender—combinations that shouldn’t work but somehow do.

Sculptural Shapes

Peplum tops are back, and this time they feel architectural rather than overly pretty. Balloon pants are showing up everywhere too, alongside fit-and-flare silhouettes that play with proportion in a fresh way. These are the kinds of shapes that make an outfit feel considered without much effort. One statement piece is enough. Let the cut do the work.

Fringe and Lace

Two textures are dominating this season: fringe and frothy lace. Fringe brings movement to skirts, jackets, and dresses. Lace is turning up on blouses, drop-waist skirts, and layered under blazers for a subtle romantic touch. Neither has to feel costume-y. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and the texture reads as intentional.

Scarves as a Styling Tool

The scarf trend has moved well beyond tying one around your neck. This spring, scarves are being worn as tops, belts, and headbands. A square silk scarf folded into a triangle and tied at the waist can replace a belt entirely. It adds color, movement, and a little personality to even the most basic outfit.

Statement Accessories

If there’s one area worth investing in this season, it’s accessories. Oversized sunglasses are back in a big way, think bold, high-impact frames. Chandelier earrings are having a real moment too. And belts with eye-catching buckles are showing up as the finishing touch on everything from tailored trousers to simple dresses. One strong accessory can pull an entire look together.

Light Wash Denim

Dark denim has had its moment. This spring, it’s all about light wash. Wide leg, straight, barrel, slim—the silhouette is less important than the wash. Light blue denim has an easy, effortless quality that pairs well with almost everything in your wardrobe right now.

Quiet Luxury, Still Relevant

Not every trend this season is loud. Quiet luxury is still very much in play—clean lines, quality fabrics, no visible logos. A well-cut white tee, a structured bag, a simple cardigan in a rich material. These pieces don’t shout, but they read as elevated in a way that holds up season after season.

Arielle Charnas’s approach to trends has always been the same: take what works for your wardrobe and leave the rest. Not every spring trend needs to make it into your closet. Pick one or two that feel natural to how you already dress and let those be enough.

For outfit ideas built around this season’s key pieces, visit Arielle Charnas’s LTK for style inspiration.

How to Style Clogs and Mules Every Season

Arielle Charnas · February 26, 2026 · Leave a Comment

Clogs aren’t going anywhere. (And personally, that’s great news for me). They’re one of those shoe styles that never really left, they just got better, more refined, more wearable. Whether you gravitate toward a chunky wooden sole or a sleek slip-on mule, there’s a version of this shoe that fits pretty much every outfit in your rotation.

arielle charnas How to Style Clogs and Mules Every Season

Arielle Charnas recently shared her clogs edit on LTK, featuring picks in different colors and textures worth saving. Take a look at the collage below and then keep reading for practical tips on how to actually wear them.

5 Tips to Style Clogs & Mules

#1. Let the wood-sole clog speak

The traditional clog, wooden sole and all, has a slightly rustic, slightly vintage energy to it. That’s its whole charm. The trick is letting the shoe be the personality of the outfit rather than fighting it for attention.

Wide-leg trousers or straight-leg jeans work really well here. The broader hem echoes the chunkiness of the sole without looking like an accident. Pair with a simple fitted knit or a relaxed linen shirt. Tuck in or half-tuck; both work.

Stick to earthy tones. Tan, cream, olive, rust. These feel natural alongside the wood and keep the look cohesive without being too matchy.

#2. Use black mules as an outfit finisher

A black mule is basically a finishing move. You’ve built your outfit, everything looks decent, then you swap in a black mule and somehow it all clicks. It’s that kind of shoe.

They work with almost anything: tailored trousers, a midi skirt, straight denim, even a relaxed suit. The key is proportion. A sleeker, lower mule reads more polished, which makes it ideal for anything that leans smart or evening-adjacent. A chunkier black mule is better for daywear, a bit more relaxed in spirit.

One thing worth noting: a black mule with a monochrome black outfit is genuinely underrated. The shoe disappears into the look and makes your legs appear longer. Simple, but it works.

#3. Tan & nude tones make you look taller

This is a trick stylists have been using forever: a tan or nude-toned mule that sits close to your skin tone creates a nearly seamless line from leg to foot. The effect is subtle but real.

Arielle Charnas works this well by pairing light-toned mules with neutral outfits that don’t break the visual line at the ankle. Flowy midi dresses, tapered trousers, linen sets, they all benefit from this approach.

If you’re wearing something with a hem that hits mid-calf or lower, a nude mule keeps things from feeling visually chopped. A darker shoe in that same scenario tends to draw the eye down in a less flattering way.

#4. Add some texture to your outfit

Texture is where clogs and mules start to get really interesting. A croc-embossed mule in black or brown adds a layer of visual richness to an otherwise simple outfit. Suede reads softer and more casual. Woven or raffia styles have a warm-weather, almost artisanal quality that pairs well with linen, cotton, and flowy silhouettes.

A few general rules here. Suede works better in fall and winter. Woven and raffia lean spring and summer, though you can stretch it into early fall with the right outfit. Croc-effect works year-round because it reads as elevated without being seasonal.

With heavily textured shoes, keep the outfit itself relatively calm. A croc mule doesn’t need to compete with a printed dress. Let the shoe be the thing.

#5. Add a pop of color in the shoe

A colorful clog or mule operates similarly to the unexpected red theory. One bold shoe, otherwise neutral outfit, and suddenly the whole thing has a point of view.

White clogs feel fresh, almost unexpected in colder months, and look great against dark denim or an all-black outfit. Burgundy and deep brown are easier starting points if you want color without going full statement. They’re warm tones that blend with autumn and winter wardrobes naturally.

The honest truth about colored clogs is that you don’t need to overthink them. Pick a color you already wear in your clothes somewhere. Your outfit will naturally pull together.

A Few Quick Tips Before You Shop

Think about heel height. A flat or very low clog has a different energy than a heeled mule. The flat version skews casual; the heel version can do actual evening duty.

Fit matters a lot with mules. Too loose and they’re uncomfortable to walk in, and it shows. Make sure the foot sits securely on the sole without slipping.

If you’re building from scratch, a tan or black low-heeled mule is the most versatile starting point. From there, a textured or colored pair adds variety without requiring a whole new wardrobe.

For more outfit ideas and styling inspiration, browse Arielle Charnas’s LTK for real outfits built around pieces like these.

How to Use the Unexpected Red Theory in Your Outfits

Arielle Charnas · January 26, 2026 · Leave a Comment

If your outfits lean neutral, there’s a simple way to make them feel more intentional without changing your entire closet. It’s called the unexpected red theory. You may have seen it online, but it’s also closely tied to classic French style, where a single red detail adds contrast and confidence to an otherwise understated look.

arielle charnas How to Use the Unexpected Red Theory in Your Outfits

Here’s what the theory means and how to use it in a way that feels natural, not forced.

What Is the Unexpected Red Theory?

The unexpected red theory is the idea that one small red element can elevate an outfit that’s mostly neutral. The red isn’t planned or matched. It’s meant to stand out slightly and draw the eye.

This shows up all the time in French style. Think black trousers and a white knit paired with red shoes. Or a camel coat with a red lip or bag. The outfit stays simple, while the red adds interest.

The key is restraint. One red piece, with nothing else competing.

Tip 1: Start Small and Keep It Simple

The easiest way to try this is with accessories.

Good places to start:

Red flats or loafers
A red bag with an all-black or denim outfit
A red belt with neutral trousers

A subtle pop here can do the work usually assigned to a big statement piece. If the rest of your outfit is calm, the red will do its job.

Tip 2: Use Red with Neutrals Only

Red works best when the rest of your outfit is neutral. Black, white, grey, beige, denim, and brown all work well.

Skip pairing red with other bold colours. (Not to say you can never do that, just not for the unexpected red theory). The effect is strongest with a clear contrast.

Examples:

Grey knit + black trousers + red shoes
Denim + white tee + red bag
Camel coat + all-black base + red scarf

Tip 3: Let the Red Be Unexpected

This theory is about contrast, not matching.

Instead of coordinating red with another red item, let it stand alone. A red shoe with a brown outfit. A red bag with denim and cream. A red lip with a simple winter coat.

This is where the French influence really shows. The outfit feels effortless because it isn’t over-styled.

Final Thought

You don’t need to rebuild your wardrobe to try the unexpected red theory. Start with one item you already own. Keep the rest of your look simple. Let the red do the work.

For more everyday outfit inspiration and styling ideas, you can explore:

Arielle Charnas’s TikTok for style advice
Arielle Charnas’s LTK to shop her styles directly
Arielle Charnas’s substack for exclusive style guides

Winter Style Inspiration: Luxe Pieces Worth Bookmarking (And How to Thrift The Look)

Arielle Charnas · December 23, 2025 · Leave a Comment

Winter dressing feels best when pieces are elevated, simple, and actually wearable day to day. These five pieces—true investment items—set a tone for the season. But if you can’t splurge, Arielle Charnas is sharing what to hunt for when thrifting or shopping smarter. Think shape, texture, and colour over labels.

See Arielle Charnas’s December LTK collage to shop the look.

1) A shearling‑trim jacket that instantly upgrades every look

Item: Givenchy Shearling‑trimmed jacket

Where to get it: MyTheresa

Price: $3,650

Why this is a winter winner:

Structured, slightly cropped bomber shape with a plush shearling collar—adds real polish to jeans, trousers, or dresses.
Crafted from cotton‑wool with designer attention to detail, so it truly feels special.
Colour is a rich khaki green that pairs beautifully with neutrals or browns.

How to get a similar look:

A cotton or wool jacket with faux shearling or fleece collar.
Cropped or boxy cut to keep it modern, not bulky.
Same earthy shade range: khaki, olive, dark green, or brown.
Check condition on the collar and cuffs first when thrifting; those areas wear fastest.

2) A teddy coat that looks luxe, even from across the street

Item: Max Mara Teddy Bear camel hair and silk coat

Where to get it: MyTheresa

Price: $4,670

Why this is one to dream about:

Plush, high‑impact texture with a tailored, double‑breasted design. It’s cozy yet sharp—rare combo.
The deep camel tone is timeless and easy to style with boots, trousers, or knits.

How to get a similar look:

Seek teddy or faux‑shearling coats in camel, brown, or beige with clean lines.
Double‑breasted fronts or lapels feel more dressy; single‑breasted is fine if the coat already has a luxe texture.
Avoid heavy logos or overly bright trims; the texture should be the focus.

3) A cashmere scarf you’ll actually reach for every day

Item: Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere scarf

Where to get it: NET‑A‑PORTER

Price: $240

Why it’s worth the spend:

Whisper‑soft cashmere in a triangle shape—easy to drape over shoulders or tie as a head wrap. Perfect for layering over coats or knits.
Neutral, understated tone that blends with everything.

How to get a similar look:

Look for wool or cashmere‑blend scarves, ideally in triangle or oversized square shapes to maximize styling.
Choose grey, charcoal, camel, or black; these colours stay wearable through seasons.

4) An everyday teddy jacket for errands, travel, and off‑duty days

Item: The Upside Harlow printed teddy jacket

Where to get it: MyTheresa

Price: $161

Why this pick is practical and chic:

Soft, warm teddy texture that’s still light enough for daily wear, with a high collar and zip.
A subtle all‑over print that feels special without shouting—perfect for neutral basics underneath.

How to get a similar look:

Fleece or teddy zip jackets with a stand collar; aim for cream, beige, or brown patterns.
Slightly oversized fit stays current; avoid ultra‑tight or ultra‑shiny fabrics.
Keep the rest of the outfit minimal so the texture reads thoughtful, not loud.

5) A soft, tonal dress that layers beautifully under coats

Item: Saint Laurent Shirred chiffon satin midi dress

Where to get it: MyTheresa

Price: $3,700

Why this is the dress to keep in mind:

Balloon bodice and shirred waist create movement and structure, in a caramel brown that feels rich and warm.
Layers easily with boots, knits, or coats—perfect for dinners, holidays, or photos.

How to get a similar look:

Look for midi dresses with elasticated waist or subtle ruching in satin, taffeta, or soft jersey.
Stick to brown, caramel, rust, or tan rather than bright prints; these colours feel more winter‑ready and versatile.
A simple fabric belt can mimic the defined waist even if the dress is plain.

How to use this edit

Start with one statement piece—coat, scarf, or dress—and build around neutrals.
When thrifting, prioritise shape, texture, and colour over brand. If the cut is right and the material feels rich, you’ve captured the look.
For visual ideas, see Arielle’s LTK for more inspiration and outfits built around similar pieces.
Winter style doesn’t have to be pricey—just clever about what you pick and how you pair it.