Joanne Hegarty: I’m ready for my spring detox 

Joanne Hegarty: I’m ready for my spring detox


This versatile satin slip dress by MaxMara Leisure looks perfect paired with an Arket Spring green blazer

This year’s big spring clean isn’t about going over the house with a feather duster or even using a detoxifying face mask (although I am in desperate need of lots of those). I’m detoxing my wardrobe – and my life. After this wretched, frightening past 12 months, I’m making some changes – and I think I might just stick to them, too.

Covid has made so many of us understand even more acutely how very short life is. And – with both my wardrobe and more generally – I’m not wasting any more time on, well, time wasters.

With my closet, only loving, reliable, feel-good pieces will be allowed to hang out: a chic slip dress that makes a big effort with my blazer and heel collection. Or this loyal Vague bag (see far right) by Parisian brand Elleme, appropriately derived from the French elle aime for ‘she loves’.

The same rules will be applied to the people in my life. I am culling fake friends just as ruthlessly as I’m recycling uncomfortable shoes. You know the ones I mean – they don’t quite fit, and never made you feel good about yourself, no matter how many chances you gave them. But for some odd reason you have found yourself saying yes to their invitations anyway. Just like those tempting knits that looked great on the hanger, but make you itchy and cross.

Post-Covid they are no longer taking up valuable space. In that spirit, I have made this spring wish list (right) of what I would love to have in my very happy detoxed wardrobe.

First up, never underestimate the power of the right accessory and these two pieces of jewellery would definitely cheer up any outfit – a pair of Wibble, Wobble gold-plated pearl hoop earrings by Completedworks and this gorgeous Paolo and Francesca gold-plated necklace by one of my favourite brands, Alighieri.

Next, I’d love this ribbed cardie with exaggerated sleeves from Totême to offset alfresco dining chills and later in the year to throw over summer dresses.

As I always say, if you’re bored with it, belt it and this premium leather one from Arket, with its gold metal buckle, will jazz up any old favourite jackets or dresses.

Meanwhile high-street brand Massimo Dutti has a strong collection this spring – this bold shirt has caught my eye and will look perfect with white jeans and these go-with-anything chunky heels.

Follow me on Instagram @thestylistandthewardrobe

For a night out, team with your favourite blazer and heels. Dress, £215, MaxMara, matchesfashion.com

A love-forever bag is never a bad buy. Bag, £355, Elleme, farfetch.com

For a night out, team with your favourite blazer and heels. Dress, £215, MaxMara, matchesfashion.com. A love-forever bag is never a bad buy. Bag, £355, Elleme, farfetch.com

Wide sleeves and a ribbed knit make for a super sleek combo. Cardigan, £370, Totême, brownsfashion.com

These move prettily with each turn of your head. Earrings, £255, Completedworks, net-a-porter.com

Wide sleeves and a ribbed knit make for a super sleek combo. Cardigan, £370, Totême, brownsfashion.com. These move prettily with each turn of your head. Earrings, £255, Completedworks, net-a-porter.com

Size up one for that oversized chic look. Shirt, £49.95, massimodutti.com

This belt’s stylish gold details will elevate jackets and dresses. Belt, £59, arket.com

Size up one for that oversized chic look. Shirt, £49.95, massimodutti.com. This belt’s stylish gold details will elevate jackets and dresses. Belt, £59, arket.com