Emma Sells

At long last the days are officially longer than the nights and after two weekends of glorious sunshine in a row, I think that we can finally say that spring is here. And, feeling brave and slightly heady from all that vitamin E I was absorbing, on Saturday I did the unthinkable. I wore shorts. All day. Granted, I had a slouchy cashmere sweater on my top half, and sandals still seemed a bit ambitious, but I bared my legs in all their fresh-from-hibernation glory.

Spare a thought for the poor people who had to look at me all day, because my sunshine enthusiasm was way ahead of my summer body preparation. My legs were silky smooth but glowing white and as for my feet - a long winter encased in thick tights and boots has not been kind. A spot of fake tanning and an emergency pedicure are needed fast.

Not only that but the sun has me hankering for a serious spending spree. On my hit list? Tailored shorts - high waisted, a bit slouchy, hitting just a bit above the knee. I want to channel Katherine Hepburn, with her signature brand of decidedly ladylike mannish chic. And, as I’m already infused with the spirit of grunge that’s set to take the fashion world come autumn, I’m itching to stock up on little floral cotton dresses, perfect for teaming with my high heeled Doc Martens.

And my final spring essential? Sheer black tights. Much lighter than winter’s woolly numbers, they’ll go some way to shield you from the spring breezes,look fabulous teamed with shorts and frocks, and camouflage the horror of pale and pasty legs. I’m not leaving home without them.