Spring is in full swing! But depending on where you live, it might be all dandelions and sunshine, or just feel like the end of winter – or worse, a combination of both. Spring is all about new beginnings, but it’s also all about challenging wardrobe choices. After all, what do you wear when it’s essentially frigid on the way to work, but balmy by the time you go out for lunch?
If you need inspiration on how to spring your look into the new season or you’re just searching for some fresh (and practical) outfit ideas, check out the looks I’ve created, aka 5 spring outfits that always work. And if inconsistent weather is your dilemma, read how to ‘warm it up’ (for colder weather) or ‘cool it off’ (for when temperatures rise).
JEANS + T-SHIRT + PLAID BLAZER
Casual date night or lunch with friends calls for something easy and cool, right? Then a plaid blazer, t-shirt and jeans are the ideal combo. The contrast of structure and ease creates a streetstyle look worthy of the fashion paparazzi.
WARM IT UP: When the temperature dips, amp up your layers. Opt for a lightweight wool sweater instead of a t-shirt and throw on your favorite chunky scarf to stave off spring chill.
COOL IT OFF: If it’s warmer than you expected, leave your booties at home and grab a cute pair of slides (scarf optional).
Blazer, jeans and booties by Rag & Bone. T-shirt and scarf by Banana Republic.
TRENCH + PRINT DRESS + NUDE HEELS
Whether you need an outfit for a spring bridal shower, afternoon wedding or just your Sunday best, a print dress and trench will always fit the bill. A boldly printed dress provides style impact, while a classic trench coat is your spring wardrobe workhorse (seriously – wear it over tailored separates to work or jeans and a striped sweater to brunch!). And speaking of workhorses, you can always depend on nude heels to solve the “what shoes do I wear?” dilemma. If you’re newly enamored of the trench/print dress/nude heel combo, check out other options in this blog post from a few years back.
WARM IT UP: For cooler weather and outdoor occasions, add a cardigan as a layer between your trench and dress, and/or look for a dress with sleeves. And you can always ditch your heels for closed toe booties to add a hit of edge to an otherwise sweet look.
COOL IT OFF: If an afternoon wedding turns balmy, trade your trench for a white blazer as your outerwear of choice (check out the many reasons you need a white blazer for spring/summer here).
Trench and dress by Karen Millen. Earrings, bag and heels by Vince Camuto.
CROPPED PANTS + LOAFERS + COOL JACKET
Spring is here, and it’s time to show some leg – or some ankle, at least - so finally pull those cropped pants out of the closet that you never quite figured out how to wear with booties. And while you’re at it, grab a cool jacket and sleek loafers for something a bit more stylish than your normal office attire. It’s an updated version of work-appropriate separates that are anything but sedate.
WARM IT UP: If your day is chillier than your first meeting, pay attention to your fabric weights. Go for a sweater instead of a blouse and leave the linen at home.
COOL IT OFF: Keep it light and breezy for sunshine-y days with sleeveless tops, lightweight jackets and pants that are more cotton/silk and less wool/cashmere.
Jacket, blouse and pants by Rebecca Taylor. Loafers by Franco Sarto. Glasses by Warby Parker.
DENIM JACKET + LIGHTWEIGHT SWEATER + KNIT SKIRT
When it’s not quite shorts weather, but heavy pant weather is long gone, an easy skirt is a practical (but often forgotten) option. Pick one that’s a knit, so it moves with you – and then pair it with an easy sweater and denim jacket for the ultimate sassy run-around outfit. If you don’t already have a denim jacket in your wardrobe, click here for the many reasons my clients swear by them.
WARM IT UP: Just because you’re wearing a skirt, that doesn’t mean your outfit can’t be spring chill-worthy. Add some tights and booties and switch your sweater for a thin turtleneck and you’re oh-so good to go.
COOL IT OFF: Keep your layers light, and this outfit can take you right through the next few months. Replace your sweater with a cute t-shirt and add some sandals and you’ll slide right into summer.
Jacket by Slink Jeans. Skirt by Vince Camuto. Sweater, slides and scarf by Banana Republic.
STRIPED TOP + MILITARY JACKET + WHITE JEANS
For those days when your schedule is full, your partner’s schedule is full and your kids’ schedule is full, the easiest outfit formula is a striped top with white jeans (yes, it’s okay to start wearing your white jeans again). But add some utilitarian chic with a military jacket and you’ll shift your style from “I had no time to get dressed and I look it” to “yes, I do just roll out of bed looking this good!”
WARM IT UP: Once again, it’s all about the weight of your fabrics and the layers you choose. If the weather report feels more like March than May, choose a thicker long sleeve top and grab a favorite (but not too heavy) scarf.
COOL IT OFF: The best thing about layering is that you can de-layer as the day warms up. So remember to pick a top that you’re fine wearing without the jacket for when a day of running family errands turns into literal running between appointments.
Jacket, top, jeans and bag by Banana Republic. Slip-ons by Sam Edelman.
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