At the market: Real people in spring

The market is in glorious first bloom, drawing visitors shopping for flats of flowers, strawberries and our sublime first-crop asparagus. We are there too, to do some discreet enough people-watching.

In stripes

We aren't seeing many women in full summer wear, but they dip a toe in by wearing blue stripes on a white ground.

Left: a classic striped scarf contrasts with the dots on her shopping buggy. That's a snuggly fleece top in a pretty sky blue.

Centre: A marinière with a blazer in boldly-printed spring shades. A watermelon is the perfect accent!

Right: A young woman in a trim striped knit, just to the waist, with elbow-length sleeves that provide a little cover but looks seasonal. I like this silhouette. 

The pales

On the other hand, there are always those who hop into whites and pales the minute they can. And sandals!

Left: She was a most-summery standout, and reminded me again of the undeniable charm of white cotton eyelet, one of my favourite sunny looks. The chunky slides show off how her red toes match her lips. I loved her punctuation-mark hairstyle.

Right: All-beige; relaxed, but not messy. The tee with its abstract pattern was interesting, and the purple sandals with her red bag, an unexpected combination.

A scoop of spring colour 

It isn't all jeans! Women depart from winter's darks in spring-coloured bottoms:

Left: We noticed how the electric blue suede sneakers really light up yellow crops and a black tee.

Centre: Coral trousers, a bright yellow bag and a well-cut white linen jacket. Elegant yet easy.

Right: An unexpected combination of teal tee and sheer, mint skirt, not colours often used together, but they work because the blue has green in it. The backpack introduces another tone of green and the white sneakers keep the mood light. 

Is the long dress 'the one'?

I'm definitely seeing more long (midi to maxi) skirts and dresses than I have in years, on women of every build and age.

Left: Folkloric detail; I'd like to own this one! Her sneakers relate to that embroidery on the bodice of the blue-and-white striped dress; her large tote keeps a consistent look perking. This is a petite woman; the volume is right for her frame.

Centre: A very simple black cotton dress (I couldn't get in front of her discreetly) but what punctuated it is the lobster-print shopping bag. (Baggu make similar), reminding us that an inexpensive shopper can be a cheerful accessory.

Right: The abstract print on this graceful dress is cobalt blue and golden brown, so it's really versatile. She chose metallic gold thick-soled sneakers and carried a matching half-moon bag. The updated shoes make a style that comes around every few years look current.

If you carry the lettuces, I'll take our strawberries. It's not too early for an ice cream, is it?  And look, we're right in front of the gelato stand!