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I’ve already waxed lyrical about how bright pops of colour are a particularly hot trend in the fashion world right now.
Cool girl celebs from Zoë Kravitz to Dakota Johnson have been seen sporting bold-coloured accessories that add an eye-catching, not to mention chic, touch to their off-duty outfits.
But the colour I’m seeing the most, and the colour I’ve found myself craving, is big, bold, vibrant red.
It’s the perfect antithesis to the clean-girl beige that’s been everywhere for years, and I can’t get enough.
If you feel the same, do me a favour and have a gander through my spring shopping wish list. If I’m lucky, dear readers, you’ll buy up everything on it before I lose the will to resist…
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
After what feels like centuries of grim, wet winter; spring has finally sprung (meteorological spring started on 1 March).
The weather seems to have gotten the memo, with sightings of the sun already starting to transform the mental wellbeing of people up and down the nation – including yours truly.
At the beginning of the season, however, the transitional weather can be particularly hard to predict. You might leave the house feeling pretty chilly, start sweating on your lunch break, and be back to seeing your breath again by sunset.
The key to dressing right for the season is by layering, but it doesn’t have to be all function, no fashion.
Here’s a list of some of the best (and most chic) layerable buys on the high street to get you started.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Fashion and function aren’t always the closest of bedfellows, and it’s so easy to overlook one in favour of the other. But that needn’t always be the case.
When you’re looking for a new staple piece for your wardrobe, something that you’ll happily be able to wear again and again, these are two elements that you need to prioritise.
And while it makes shopping harder, it’s far from impossible.
If you’re looking for a coat that’s extra wearable, these are some of the best buys on the high street right now.
These shoes are spring ready – and so are we! (Picture: Metro/Getty)
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Spring is looming, and that means that it’s nearly time to make the exciting (or dreaded, depending on how you view it) wardrobe swap around from chunky boots, heavy knitwear and long coats are tucked away until later in the year. Along with this comes the time of investing in key season staples, such as new shoe trends with the likes of minimalist basics, laidback loafers, and statement stilettos taking over the high street.
It should be a joyful add-to-basket moment. And yet, for those of us with wider feet, it can feel more like an endurance sport. Because while the trends are trending, not every brand gets the memo when it comes to fit. Straps dig in, pointed toes pinch, and by midday, you’re already plotting your escape route home. Blisters? Inevitable. That sinking realisation that they “might stretch”? Rarely accurate.
The good news? More brands are finally delivering fashion-forward options that actually allow your feet to breathe, whilst looking and feeling their best. From polished workwear staples to trend-led heels and everyday flats, there are wide-fit alternatives out there that look just as good as their narrower counterparts.
New Look
New Look Wide Fit Dark Burgundy Faux Patent Leather Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Pumps, £29.99. (Picture: Metro/New Look)
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New Look has been offering wide-fit shoes for a while now, and their collection keeps on growing as they introduce more trend-led options for shoppers to enjoy. From crossover sandals, slingback pumps, and comfy loafers, they are ticking all of the boxes.
Our personal favourites have to be the Wide Fit Dark Burgundy Faux Patent Leather Pointed Toe Ankle Strap Pumps, which retail for £29.99. Not only does it tick multiple trends thanks to the faux patent leather fabric and the burgundy tone, but the pointed toe is a key shape for the new season. The point might make you weary, but they have been made specifically wide so your feet won’t suffer.
Marks & Spencer
M&S Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals, £46(Picture: Metro/Marks and Spencer/Metro)
M&S provide multiple versions of their standard designs in wide fit, so you don’t have to miss out on key styles from their main collection. They say that the perfect spring/ summer sandal doesn’t exist, but the M&S Ankle Strap Wedge Sandals, £46, will give you a run for your money. Available in both standard and wide fit, these espadrille-style wedges have a buckle fastening on the slim ankle strap to maximise comfort, whilst the signature cord heels make for a truly versatile and classic design to pair with countless outfits.
ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Bow Slingback Shoes, £32. (Picture: Metro/ASOS)
ASOS provides a broad range of styles in the wide fit section of their website, including biker boots and studded ballet pumps. However, statement heels are big for the new season, and these ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit bow slingback shoes in sage green velvet, £32, are ones on our wish list. Wear them with a slip skirt and shirt for an office-to-dinner look, a pair of jeans for a smart/ casual vibe, or they make the perfect finishing touch to a wedding guest outfit. They also come available in a natural linen option that is just as stunning.
River Island
River Island Gold Wide Fit Open Toe Heeled Sandals, £32. (Picture: Metro/River Island)
Whilst River Island doesn’t have a great deal of options, they are another high street retailer to keep an eye on for their wide fit range, as they are adding more and more as the season goes on.
One of our favourites, which is a must in every wardrobe, is a go-to pair of gold heels that you can always rely on to have your back (and your feet) when in need of reliable and versatile footwear. These Gold Wide Fit Open Toe Heeled Sandals, £32, are style staples that come with chunky heels that help distribute your weight, providing better balance and comfort.
Next
Next Black Patent Standard/Wide Fit Chunky Loafers, £36. (Picture: Metro/Next)
Next is one of the high street retailers that has a vast amount of wide-fitting designs and styles available to shop. Whether you’re after daytime essentials, need a signature pair of courts, or want to invest in some knee-high boots, you can shop to your heart’s desire to snap up the best they have to offer.
We love their Black Patent Standard/Wide Fit Chunky Loafers, which retail for just £36. Loafers are known to pinch and squash your feet, so opting for a wide fit will help alleviate some of that. This stylish pair has been given an updated look to pair perfectly with formal or casual outfits. The faux leather allows for slight stretch, so as you wear it will relax slightly. They are also fitted with the brand’s Forever Comfort® cushioned footbed, providing all-day comfort.
Sole Bliss
Sole Bliss Hero Stripe, £189. (Picture: Metro/Sole Bliss)
One brand to have on your radar if you suffer from bunions, as well as finding options for wide feet, is Sole Bliss. Loved by celebrities such as Dame Helen Mirren, Julia Roberts, and Shirley Ballas, they’ve even had the royal seal of approval from Queen Camilla and Prince Harry.
Whilst all of their shoes are specially designed with a wide toe box to accommodate wider feet, and have three layers of memory foam for extra cushioning, there are countless options available.
Their Hero-Stripe: White Leather & Multi Pastel trainers, £189, are a brilliant addition to your spring shoe collection, thanks to their pastel stripes along the side that subtly nod to the season. They would look great with a pair of light denim, a Breton stripe tee, and a bomber jacket.
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The looks are bold at this year’s Oscars (Picture: Reuters)
Awards season reaches its grand finale tonight as the 2026 Oscars bring Hollywood’s biggest names together at the Dolby Theatre.
Conan O’Brien takes the helm for his second time hosting, with Ryan Coogler’s horror/action blockbuster Sinners leading the way with a record-breaking 16 nominations.
Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, and more industry titans will also battle it out in the acting categories, while Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, Train Dreams, and Hamnet are among the big hitters hoping to reap rewards.
Before the ceremony kicks off, though, the evening’s first competition actually unfolds long before the envelopes are opened.
The red carpet is where stars make their earliest statement, and for many, it’s a chance to claim a victory in style even if the night’s trophies go elsewhere.
Early arrivals this year included a daring display from best actress contender Renate Reinsve, as the Norwegian starlet went bold with a super high leg split. In contrast, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You lead Rose Byrne wore a strapless black number pooling at her feet and adorned with floral embroidery.
Hamnet actress Jessie Buckley opted for a colour-clashing moment (Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Sentimental Value star Renate Reinsve flashed her legs in a daring red number (Picture: John Shearer/WireImage)
If I Had Legs I’d Kick You lead Rose Byrne looked stunning in a floral black gown (Picture: Reuters)
Wunmi Mosaku dazzled in an emerald sequin dress, cradling her baby bump (Picture: Reuters)
Raye, aka the artist everyone is championing to sing the next James Bond soundtrack, also spread some love by flashing a hand heart to complement her red satin gown, while Robert Downey Jr. and his producer wife, Susan, put on a lovey-dovey display.
Soon enough, the main characters of the evening stepped out, with Hamnet lead Jessie Buckley, who plays Agnes, William Shakespeare’s wife, turning heads in a vibrant Chanel look.
The Irish movie star, also known for roles in Wicked Little Letters and I’m Thinking of Ending Things, beamed in her colour-clashing ensemble, a flowing pink skirt on her bottom half and a red top, which she teamed with matching lipstick.
Demi Moore went for scales and feathers in one of the most outlandish looks of the night (Picture: Reuters)
Raye, aka the girl everyone is championing to sing the next Bond theme, spread some love as she arrived on the carpet (Picture: Reuters)
Robert Downey Jr. and his producer wife, Susan, were all lovey-dovey (Picture: Reuters)
Internet star and Oscars red carpet reporter Amelia Dimoldenberg wowed in a strapless dress with a statement necklace (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Other dazzling arrivals came from Sinners star and supporting actress nominee Wunmi Mosaku in emerald sequins as she proudly cradled her baby bump. The Deadpool & Wolverine actress is expecting her second child with Tash Moseley.
Demi Moore got the green memo, too, seemingly channelling both reptile and peacock chic in half scales, half feathers with one of the most outlandish outfit choices of the night.
Her shimmering attire was designed by Gucci and had a dramatic train and neckline.
Weapons star Amy Madigan couldn’t look cooler (Picture: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)
Emma Stone was a vision in silver (Picture: Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock)
Elle Fanning looked angelic in her Oscars outfit (Picture: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Zoe Saldaña caught eyes with a huge necklace, paired with a lacy, lingerie-inspired look (Picture: Reuters)
On the more demure side, Elle Fanning served ballerina elegance in a corset scattered with blossom embellishments, while Zoe Saldaña wore a black, lacy, lingerie-inspired dress.
We also had Bugonia’s Stone in sparkling silver, while Weapons villain Amy Madigan defied traditional red carpet glamour with her own quirkiness, her blazer made up of feathers and paired with tinted shades for a super cool edge.
For our leading men, Chalamet was flying solo on the carpet, forgoing the chance to pose alongside girlfriend Kylie Jenner in her risqué red look.
Timothée Chalamet defied the classic black tux tradition in all-white (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Kylie Jenner debuted her look on Instagram, choosing not to walk the red carpet with her leading man (Picture: Instagram)
Leonardo DiCaprio seldom strays from tradition on red carpets (Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Jacob Elordi looked super suave and worlds away from The Creature (Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
After a week of controversy for dissing opera and ballet, with many working in the arts believing the backlash has scuppered his best actor chances, he pivoted away from the classic black tux, wearing all white.
Also sporting a moustache and an unruly hairstyle, he completed his trendy vibe with boots and a collection of silver rings.
Someone who seldom strays from tradition, however, is DiCaprio, who rocked up in the black suit and bowtie he’s so famous for.
Stellan Skarsgård proudly posed with his wife, Megan Everett (Picture: Shutterstock)
Award presenter Pedro Pascal wore a white shirt with a twist (Picture: Julian Hamilton/Getty Images)
Ethan Hawke and wife Ryan looked every inch the Hollywood ‘IT’ couple (Picture: Matei Horvath/FilmMagic)
Sinners lead Michael B. Jordan could be the man of the night (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams packed on the PDA at another awards show (Picture: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock)
Mirroring his suaveness, Jacob Elordi was worlds away from The Creature, donning a suit with oversized lapels and a matching waistcoat.
And in one of the sweetest moments of tonight’s carpet, Swedish actor and Sentimental Value’s Stellan Skarsgård placed an arm around his wife, Megan Everett, whom he wed in 2009.
Closing out the film A-listers, award presenter Pedro Pascal put a stylish spin on a plain white shirt thanks to a floral accessory, while Ethan Hawke and his wife, Ryan, were the ultimate Hollywood ‘IT’ couple, she in a deep red gown and he in designer shades.
Later arrivals were Michael B. Jordan, hotly tipped to win big for Sinners and expected to be the main man of the night, while Paul Mescal and girlfriend Gracie Abrams continued their red carpet PDA parade in some affectionate posing.
Polish-American costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, nominated for Hamnet, made a political statement (Picture: Reuters)
Glennon Doyle also held a purse with a political message on amid outrage over ICE killings (Picture: Reuters)
Sara Bareilles wore an ‘ICE OUT’ badge, and her guest showed support for Palestine with a watermelon (Picture: Reuters)
As has become expected at major events in recent years, tonight also saw several attendees grasp the opportunity to make a political statement.
Polish-American costume designer Malgosia Turzanska, nominated for Hamnet, had an ‘ICE OUT’ pin on her dress, as did songstress Sara Bareilles, while Glennon Doyle took a more explicit approach, unashamedly carrying a ‘F**K ICE’ purse.
Their accessories made their red carpet debut amid continued outrage towards the US government’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and its aggressive tactics, including lethal force.
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We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI – prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
Spring has only just sprung, which means it’s time for that tricky edge-of-winter transitional dressing.
You know how it is – you leave the house in the morning, and it’s freezing. Then by lunch, you’re sweating your life away, but when you head home for the day, it’s chilly again.
And heaven help you if you stay out past sunset and forget a good coat!
But one of the best things about this time of year is that the weather is suddenly a lot more flat-shoe friendly, what with the fact that there’s (usually) no more snow or ice to waddle your way through, and a lot less need for thick cosy socks.
If you’re looking for a little flat shoe shopping inspo, here are some of the best flats on the high street right now that are perfect for chic gals about town.
Manchester City fans can get their hands on a ‘perfect’ match day jacket at a discount
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Oodie has dropped the price on this Man City outdoor jacket(Image: Oodie)
Last-minute Christmas shoppers looking to tick off remaining gifts from their lists should cast their eyes towards Oodie. The Australian cosywear brand has dramatically reduced the price of a snug jacket that’s ideal for any Manchester City fan.
The brand’sManchester City Zip Through Outdoor Jacket usually retails at £139, but shoppers can get it with a hefty 58% discount. This brings the price down to just £59, representing a saving of £80.
The outdoor jacket is suitable for both men and women and comes in three sizes, all cut with an oversized fit in mind. Shoppers can choose from small/medium, large/extra large, and OOD.
The jacket features a subtle and stylish quilted design, finished with a water-repellent coating to keep you dry. On the inside, you’ll find Oodie’s utterly-buttery, ultra-soft ToastyTek fleece, designed to keep you warm even when its bitterly cold outside.
It also features a roomy hood for extra warmth and comfort and big side pockets to hold your phone and snacks. The jacket is finished off with a front zip for easy and convenient wearing.
Elsewhere, Regatta’s Waterproof Changing Robeis available for £48 down from £120 alongside an additional 10% off with the discount code OUTLET10 applied at checkout. Featuring the brand’s waterproof and windproof Hydrafort 5000 fabric, the waterproof robe will keep you protected from the element while the Borg fleece lining brings the warmth and comfort.
Alternatively, Mountain Warehouse’s Padded Jacket has been slashed by 56%, now £39,99 down from £89.99. Crafted with tough ripstop polyester fabric, it effortlessly repels moisture, keeping you dry throughout your adventures.
Back at Oodie, the Manchester City Zip Through Outdoor Jacketboasts nothing but glowing reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “My daughter is over the moon with her early Christmas present.”
A second wrote: “Brought this for the colour not because I’m a Man City supporter. Warmest jacket I’ve ever owned. I now own four in all different designs. Best ever can’t recommend enough.”
“Grandson loved his man City jacket and wears it all the time.,” a third penned. Another happy customer wrote: “Bought for a friend. He loves it. Thank you.”
One thing to note, however, is that the Manchester City Zip Through Outdoor Jacket only comes in a limited range of sizes, which could prove to be an issue if you typically enjoy a snug fit. If you’d prefer a jacket that’s not oversized, it may be worth looking elsewhere.
The exhibition theme, “Costume Art,” was revealed in December and will be an examination of “the centrality of the dressed body,” further expanding on how the human form and the art of fashion have informed and influenced one another over generations.
The intention of a dress code is to give more context and elicit a wide range of interpretations of said theme.
The dress code for the 2026 Met Gala has been announced as “Fashion Is Art.” Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesThe dress code, though up to interpretation, is meant to give guardrails for the fashion that will appear on the celebrity red carpet each year. Andrew H. Walker
Vogue explains, “the dress code encourages attendees to consider the many ways that designers use the body as their blank canvas.”
This might just be the most open-ended and abstract dress code yet, with curator Andrew Bolton saying vaguely, “What connects every curatorial department and what connects every single gallery in the museum is fashion, or the dressed body.”
With an instruction as ambiguous as this one, fashion worshipers are surely in for a treat when it comes to red carpet viewing.
The 2026 dress code is quite open-ended, meant to celebrate what “connects every single gallery in the museum.” voguemagazine/InstagramNicole Kidman, a longtime attendee, will also be a co-chair for this year’s event. Getty Images
This year will mark Beyoncé’s return to the event after a decade-long absence, acting as one of three co-chairs of the gala along with Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams.
Anna Wintour, though no longer the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, will also be a co-chair of the event as she has been for decades.
Along with benefit host committee co-chairs Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz, the host committee itself will also include the likes of Teyana Taylor, Sabrina Carpenter, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham and 20 more.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will also serve as honorary chairs as they are the lead sponsors of the event.
Zoë Kravitz, a fashion industry icon, will be one of the two benefit host committee co-chairs as well. Getty ImagesThis will mark Anna Wintour’s first Met Gala since stepping down as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine. Getty Images
The open-ended nature of both the exhibit’s theme as well as the overall dress code is due, in part, to the brand-new Condé M. Nast Galleries, which will open for the first time with the Costume Institute exhibit on the first Monday in May.
The exhibit will be made up of nearly 400 objects, including sculptures and paintings, placed around the newly opened gallery.
The Met Gala will take place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4.