Spring is here, the sun is out, and it’s time to refresh your rotation, not just your wardrobe, but the little things that make everyday life feel more artful. This isn’t just any shopping list. This is the Art Style Edition: a curated selection of spring must-haves, from tote bags to book stacks.
Bag Charms: Because Basic Bags Deserve Better
The kitsch bag charm is having a renaissance. Think plush pompoms, collectible Labubus, or tiny versions of your favourite art tools. Clip one onto your everyday canvas tote or shoulder bag to inject instant personality. It’s the smallest upgrade with the biggest energy shift. Top of our wish list? The Anya Brands STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Coin Purse Charm in Neon Yellow by Anya Hindmarch, link here.
The “I Go to Cool Galleries” Tote
Not just any tote, it should say, I’m cultured and know where the best exhibitions are. Maybe it’s screen-printed with the name of an under-the-radar Berlin gallery, a cheeky art pun, or your favourite niche publication. Bonus points if it’s a little beat-up, like it’s been hauling old copies of Elephant Magazine and half-finished sketchbooks since 2016. Need a fresh one? The Frieze Tote Bag is a classic. Made from 100% ethically-produced cotton with a minimalist black-and-white logo, it’s a quiet flex for art world insiders. Grab it here.
The It Shoe (That Actually Walks the Walk)
This spring, footwear is doing the most. Ballerina trainers, runway clogs, chunky loafers, and yes, the humble Havaiana flip-flop is back. But if you really want to stand out, opt for the Onitsuka Tiger MEXICO 66™ in soft metallic silver, a sleek upgrade that puts you one step ahead of the fashion crowd in classic yellow. Originally based on the 1960s LIMBER-UP™ training shoe, this comfortable unisex classic blends heritage style with modern edge, perfect for gallery-hopping, shop them here.
Dressing for the Fair
In a world of global sameness, art fairs still have distinct style codes. Regulars know that TEFAF Maastricht means tailoring and quiet luxury, while Frieze London leans into curated streetwear. At Zona Maco or Frieze Seoul, it’s clubwear with a twist. And at Art Basel Miami Beach? It’s all about flash. Think of the art fair circuit as fashion month’s cooler, more eccentric cousin, and yes, the outfit planning starts weeks in advance. A brand that’s the surprise hit of the season? Desigual. Their new slogan –“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D WEAR DESIGUAL” – says it all. Bold, playful, and refreshingly self-aware, the loud Spanish brand is full of pieces perfect for standing out at a fair. We’re especially into their collaboration with Mr. Christian Lacroix, and this printed T-shirt is a standout for layering under a blazer or pairing with wide-leg trousers.
The “Just Got Back from the Studio” Look
Apron dresses, oversized shirts with inky cuffs, and relaxed trousers with pockets full of who-knows-what. This whole vibe says, “Yes, I showed up to the opening looking dishevelled but on purpose. This is what creativity looks like!” Top pick? The Carhartt WIP Bib Denim Straight-Leg Dungarees, practical, classic, effortlessly cool, and built to last. Pair them with a tucked-in tee for that perfect blend of workwear and art school energy. Shop them here.
Books That Look Good on the Table and in Your Brain
Whether you’re perched in a gallery café or commuting, a good book signals that you’re thoughtful, plugged-in, and a little bit elusive. This spring, the one to carry in your tote is ‘The Lonely City’ by Olivia Laing. Part memoir, part art history, part cultural theory, it explores Laing’s loneliness through her own experience of living in New York, weaving in the lives and work of artists like Edward Hopper, Andy Warhol, and David Wojnarowicz. Introspective, stylish, and smart, a book that starts conversations…buy it here.
