According to the calendar, we have officially made it to spring!
According to the actual weather outside…the spring vibes are here one day and gone the next.
During this transitional weather in the New York area, I always find it helpful to brainstorm some go-to outfit ideas for when it officially gets warmer outside.
Today I thought I’d share some of my favorite spring outfits from over the years that I would still wear today (and I’ve been fashion blogging for 12+ years so that’s saying a lot!)
I also break down my key NYC spring wardrobe essentials including accessories so you can think about what may be on your wishlist this season or even shop your own closet to dress for the season.
Spring Outfit Ideas
Crop top look
A chic and casual crop top paired with high-waisted jeans creates an effortlessly stylish spring look, perfect for weekend brunches or exploring the city. Add white sneakers and a mini bag to complete the outfit.
Denim dress
A structured denim dress is a versatile spring staple that can be dressed up or down. Pair it with white sneakers for daytime errands or heeled sandals for a night out. I also wore a hair scarf for some added fun.
Colorful mini dress
Embrace vibrant spring vibes with a colorful mini dress that adds a playful touch to your wardrobe. I styled this one with strappy heels but a pair of chunky ankle boots could also make a statement and be more practical for rainy spring weather.
Polka dot midi dress
A polka dot midi dress offers charm and comfort—for me it feels like bringing a silhouette from the 50s into the present day. This style of dress is perfect for spring picnics, garden parties, or brunch with friends. (Please invite me to any and all of the above.)
Tall boots
Don’t shove your tall boots to the back of your closet just because winter has technically ended. Layer a flirty spring dress with tall boots for a transitional look that works on cooler days. You can also add more layers like a trench coat or light cardigan.
Suede jacket
A suede jacket layered over a floral dress or casual jeans adds a touch of texture to your spring outfit. Here I paired it with a pair of loose pants. It’s ideal for breezy days and pairs well with neutral accessories. Just make sure you don’t break it out if there’s a chance of rain.
Styled shorts
Stay cool and trendy with tailored shorts styled with an oversized blazer, lightweight sweater or chic blouse. This look is perfect for weekend getaways or outdoor coffee dates and may even be office-friendly for some.
Little black dress
Just because black isn’t an inherently springy color, doesn’t mean you need to reserve it for cold weather only. Give your little black dress a spring refresh by accessorizing with low heels or a pastel purse. It’s a versatile piece that works for date nights or spring soirées.
Spring midi dress
A flowing spring midi dress in floral or pastel tones brings elegance and ease to your wardrobe. I personally love a long-sleeve midi dress for transitional weather. Pair it with sandals on a warmer day or ankle boots if the weather isn’t quite sprung yet.
White lace dress
A white lace dress is a romantic option for springtime. White lace may feel a bit beachy or bridal, but with the right styling you can give it a city-chic makeover. Pair this type of flowy dress with combat boots for an edgy feel.
Yellow maxi dress
Brighten up your wardrobe with a cheerful yellow maxi dress that captures the essence of spring. Style it with woven sandals and a straw hat for a sunny day out and belt it at the waist to enhance the silhouette.
Floral vest
Vests are a great outerwear option for spring, especially if you anticipate the weather warming up throughout the day. Layer a floral vest over a simple top or dress for a fun, vintage-inspired spring look. I also find pairing mine with jeans to be an easy outfit formula.
Little blue dress
A little blue dress offers a fresh and springy alternative to the other LBD. Choose one in a pastel blue or opt for a more bold shade. Complement your blue dress with white accessories like these tall boots or a mini bag for a polished and cheerful spring outfit.
White blazer
Elevate your spring wardrobe with a white blazer styled over a camisole and relaxed jeans. This look is perfect for brunch or a casual office day, plus the added layer is great for all types of spring weather that you may encounter.
Suede trench coat
A suede trench coat in neutral tones adds sophistication to any spring outfit. Layer it over a floral dress or chic trousers for a stylish, layered look. Choose a dry day to wear this statement piece so the rain doesn’t ruin the fabric.
70s-inspired pants
Embrace retro vibes with 70s-inspired pants featuring bold prints or flared legs. Pair with a fitted tank and platform sandals for a standout look. This is great for days where you want to make a statement but still stay comfy.
Ripped denim
Ripped denim jeans were made for spring. Pair them with sneakers and a blazer for a go-to casual spring outfit or add a tailored blouse and heels for a more polished look. I’m also not leaving the house without a crossbody bag and a pair of sunglasses.
Bright sweater
Add an element of fun to your spring wardrobe with a bright sweater. You can choose from rich purples and pinks or even go for a neon shade. Style your sweater with light-wash jeans or a floral skirt for a cheerful, comfortable outfit.
Mini skirt
I wore a lot of mini skirts back in the mid-aughts and I think that they can make a comeback this year. For me, a more sophisticated denim mini is a bit longer and more tailored than the ones I wore back in middle school. Pair with a graphic tee and sneakers for a casual spring look.
Puff sleeve dress
A puff sleeve dress with a square neckline adds femininity to your spring style and is one of my favorite wardrobe silhouettes (look up Selkie for tons of inspo of this style.) Keep the accessories simple with delicate jewelry and neutral sandals.
Monochrome florals
Monochrome floral prints are a sleek and modern take on the classic spring floral trend. Pair with black and white accessories for a polished, city-chic outfit that can take you from day to night with ease.
Pastel cardigan
I’m not usually one for pastels, but I loved this ombré-style pastel cardigan that I rented from Nuuly. Here I styled it with a plain white t-shirt and leather pants when we were in California in April, but I could also see it paired with a simple midi dress or a pair of distressed denim.
Wardrobe essentials for spring
Long-sleeve mini dresses
- By the time winter is wrapped up, I’m at the point where I want to hide my black leggings away and not think about them for several months. I think a long-sleeve midi dress allows you to break free of the pants, while still keeping an element of warmth with the longer sleeves. You can also style these with tall boots or tights if it isn’t quite bare legs weather yet.
Blazers
- When did I become such a blazer girl? Blazers were never on my radar in high school or college really—it must have been timed to beginning to work in the Real World. An oversized blazer specifically is one of my favorite layering pieces and the blazer + t-shirt + jeans combination is something that I always turn to when I don’t know what to wear.
Light jackets
- Spring is the season of light jackets! Whether you’re choosing a denim jacket, a leather jacket, a suede jacket, or even a cardigan of sorts this is truly the ultimate layering piece. You can choose cropped styles or even longer silhouettes depending on the weather and the outfit.
Flowy pants
- This is as close to leaving the house in pajama pants as I’ll ever get as an adult—so don’t underestimate the power of a pair of flowy pants. I think these are so cute worn with graphic tees for more of a 70s inspired vibe or even paired with a silk or satin top for a night out.
Accessories to buy for spring
Spring boots
- Ankle boots that pair effortlessly with dresses, skirts, and jeans. Opt for neutral tones like white boots or even pastel shades to brighten up your look while staying cozy on those breezy spring days.
Top-handle bags
- I absolutely love a top-handle bag—it feels so chic and almost like we’re back in time. Whether you choose one in a structured or soft leather, this is such a fun way to add interest to your outfit. I’d recommend getting one with a detachable shoulder strap for versatility.
Hair accessories
- Elevate your spring style with fun hair accessories like scrunchies, claw clips or even a hair scarf. They’re a great way to integrate some more color and personality into your outfits.
Which outfit idea was your favorite? Let me know what’s on your spring shopping list for this year!
yours,
Austen
