I used to get so frustrated trying to create stylish spring outfits from my closet. Then I realized that the reason I frequently had trouble creating outfits I loved during this time of year is because the weather is so unpredictable…and I hadn’t planned for it. I was actually skipping spring and stocking my closet with warm weather clothes that are more appropriate for summer. But I didn’t have the layers and essentials for the cooler, wetter weather indicative of spring. Today I’m sharing 5 no-fail stylish spring outfit secrets that will help you to create the looks you love consistently through this season.
How to Shop Here: To shop the items I feature, just click on the words in the captions of photos, the highlighted words in my text or the images in the shopping widgets I sometimes include. When you shop through my links I potentially earn a commission on your purchases, but at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my work here by shopping my links. Items that have been gifted to me by the associated brand are indicated with “c/o”.
These are five style ideas that you can fall back on when you don’t know what to wear. You do want to think about the varying weather during this time of year, but I also suggest you use one of these outfit-making secrets to help you create weather appropriate looks that are also fashionable and stylish.
Lean Into Matching Sets
Having a couple of matching sets in your spring wardrobe is a great way to have multiple outfits on the ready. This year these coordinating sets are very on trend and I’m seeing them in all sorts of stylish variations.
Of course the print set from Talbots above can be broken up into other outfits as well. But the coordinating twill button front top and wide leg pull on pants create an instantly stylish combination.
Likewise, the Frank & Eileen Tuscany getaway set above is a chic and effortless combination. Head to toe dressing is very fashionable, but it also elongates, slenderizes and makes you look polished and put together. I’ve gathered a few matching set possibilities in the shopping widget below, too.
Complete Your Looks with Modern Jackets
As I mentioned at the top of this post, I frequently grew frustrated with my spring wardrobe in the past because I wasn’t prepared for the unpredictable but often cold and messy weather. During the spring we have to be prepared to create outfits with wearable, fashionable layers.
That means the base layers have to be able to stand alone as a complete and stylish outfit. But you also need to add a top layer or completer piece that looks just as fashionable and pleasing to the eye. So it’s almost like you have to be able to create two outfits in one each day – one without the completer piece and one with.
While I do still see some cardigans and I enjoy wearing those, too, I find that modern jackets really are the key here. I tend to wear cardigans more when I’m going to be inside mostly. But if I’m getting out and about a lot, maybe running between stores at an outdoor mall or browsing through a cute downtown, I prefer jackets.
Modern jackets can be anything from blazers to cropped utility jackets to trending barn jackets to pretty windbreakers. But you do want your jackets to be true outfit completers. They need to add something to your look, certainly not distract from it.
You can check out the blog posts linked in the captions of these photos if you’d like details about those outfits and completer pieces. But I’ve also linked some great options in the shopping widget below. I carried this sporty Levi’s cotton twill utility jacket on my trip and absolutely loved wearing it. In fact, I’m traveling with it today. I have the tan jacket with the brown corduroy collar, but it comes in other nice options for spring, too. And it’s 33% off right now. The jacket fits true to size.
Cognac Accessories Make Every Outfit Richer
I’ve discovered in recent years that cognac or caramel or saddle leather accessories make almost every outfit look just a little richer and more interesting. Those are all just different names used for that same rich reddish brown color that is so popular in belts, handbags and shoes.
As much as I believe in having some flesh toned shoes in your closet, especially to wear with skirts and dresses, I think it’s just as smart to have one or a few pairs of cognac colored shoes, too. They add a depth and richness to any outfit, but especially denim, blue and white and black and white combinations.
I shared some beautiful cognac options in sandals and heels in this recent blog post. And you’ll find a wide assortment of cognac or caramel bags in this recent blog post about the essential spring and summer handbags.
You don’t have to match your shoes, belt and handbag, by the way. But they should go together. And I do find that wearing all three accessories in this rich hue really does pull a spring outfit together beautifully. It’s worth investing in these accessories because you’ll find it so much easier to look put together when you use them.
Reach for a Pretty Dress
The next no-fail stylish spring outfit secret is to reach for a pretty dress as frequently as possible. After getting through a cold winter, there’s nothing as refreshing as slipping into a feminine frock.
You can always wear a cardigan over a dress if you need a little something for warmth. Or a pullover sweater tossed over your shoulders is another modern way to warm up a dress just a bit. And if you need more protection from the elements, you can wear a trench coat over your dress. But wear a dress!
As the spring progresses you can choose lighter weight dresses, shorter sleeves and sandals instead of pumps or flats. But definitely reach for a pretty dress as frequently as possible.
Of course a pretty dress is a great spring outfit option for a special event such as a bridal or baby shower, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, a garden tea or a birthday party.
But dresses are also smart for work and church. And I even enjoy wearing dresses for outings of a more casual nature. I don’t have photos, but yesterday my daughter and I took my granddaughter to the park and we both wore dresses. I wore this blue linen one with sandals and Abigail looked beautiful in this red dress and white sneakers. You can see us wearing them in this little video.
Wear White Whenever You Can
And my final no-fail stylish spring outfit secret is to wear white whenever you can. No longer do we need to wait until after Memorial Day to break out the white jeans, pants or dresses. You truly can wear white year round, if you’d like. I personally prefer to save mine for spring and summer, but definitely wear white whenever you can during these warmer months.
I like to wear white skirts, pants and jeans, specifically. Add a pop of color or create a soft look with another pale neutral like beige or camel. And black and white can be fun this time of year, too.
Women frequently ask me how I wear white without fear of getting it dirty. Ha! I get my white denim and skirts and pants often enough for sure. But I’ve found most stains come out in the laundry with a little work.
I’m also asked about wearing white on parts of our bodies that we feel look large. But with some styling techniques you can wear white and still look more slender. For instance, a loose fitting unbuttoned shirt over my white pants above helps to create a more slender appearance. So don’t be afraid to incorporate white into your summer outfits. It’s a no-fail stylish spring outfit secret.
Do you have other no-fail stylish spring outfit secrets for us to consider? What helps you to create great outfits during this season on the repeat? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Don’t Miss a Post:
If you like what you’re seeing here at Dressed for My Day, I invite you to subscribe to my email list. You can receive an email each time I post (about 6 times weekly) or just on Saturdays. You choose! But you’ll also receive the password to open up all the subscriber freebies I offer. You can subscribe HERE.
Blessed for My Day
Later this week we’ll be celebrating Easter. But Christians really have the opportunity and impetus to celebrate the risen Savior every day. Easter is a reminder that God so loved the world that He sent His only Son to die for our sins so that we could have a restored relationship with Him. It’s a testament to His great love and compelling grace.
But Easter is also a reminder that God keeps His Word. Jesus told His disciples that He would die, but that He would rise three days later. They undoubtedly did not understand this promise because they did not really seem to expect to see Jesus again after He was buried in a borrowed tomb. But later they would realize and remember that Jesus had indeed assured them of His return. We can know that He will keep an additional promise. Jesus will return for us. He is a promise keeper and a mighty Savior.
For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
I used to live inAtlanta and loved Mary Mac’s. So glad to hear its still going stront. Spent a lot of time also at Piedmont Park. Loved my time there.
You gave lots of good pointers in this post. That Talbots print set is really growing on me …. hmmm.
My “secret” for wearing white is to always carry a Tide Pen in my bag 🙂
I’m with you on the cognac handbags and shoes. I also love ecru jeans and slacks. I’m not sure I have a specific formula for spring outfits, I use my same outfit formulas and just choose slightly lighter colors than I wear in fall and winter. Oh, and I wear a lighter material third piece, if I need it (ie, a linen cardigan vs merino). Just have to add, that white lace blouse, navy trousers, with the cognac accessories look you featured again in this post, is one of my all time favorites!
Love your style and these ideas. I truly enjoy spring dressing because I’m obsessed with jackets of all kinds! And I’m leaning into cognac accessories as well.
Wow! So much wonderful information. I absolutely love your navy pants, white blouse outfit on you, and just love the red dress on Abigail. Cognac accessories are my favorite. I am team Ecru vs. white.
Great ideas in today’s post. I especially liked the different types of jackets that you highlighted.
I would have never thought to wear. cognac accessories with white. It looks great together and I appreciate how you open my eyes to so many new fashion ideas. I am considering buying the cognac wedge sandals, but have a question. Are they heavy? I once had a pair of wedges that I loved, but avoided wearing because they seemed so heavy. Also wondering if you have any suggestions for a completer piece that isn’t a jacket or blazer. I just put together my wardrobe for an upcoming trip to Florida. It is mostly centered around white denim and linen and also jeans. I think I could use something in white. Perhaps a light cardigan or linen type piece to wear with sleeveless tops. Thanks for any thoughts you might have.
Hi Kim, if you don’t mind my input… Nic & Zoe makes really nice linen blend cardigans. You can get them directly at N&Z’s website or through Nordstrom (probably elsewhere, too). Most often they come in basic colors – white, navy, black, but sometimes they have some fun colors like apple green or fruit punch pink. They are perfect for layering over tanks in warm weather. Hope this helps!
No, I don’t mind at all and your suggestion sounds perfect. I am off to check it out. Thank you so much!
Happy Holy week to you!!!! I love your video of you, your daughter and granddaughter. My first grandchild is a girl and we have a special bond too. She use to live 1 1/2 hours from me and I got to see her all the time and babysit but right before she turned 3 they moved 4 hours away due to her husbands job. That was so hard. I still grieve them being closer. My granddaughter and I still have a special bond that can’t be broken by distance. You know how it is. I was like you, never prepared for Spring weather, by jumping to but Summer too soon. Now I have the completer jackets and blazers and I layer. I’m a denim and shirts kind of girl, so love adding different jackets and shoes to make the outfit pop. Have a great week.
Beautiful outfits once again.
I’m loving cognac with everything. I think it looks especially nice with black. The black dress you showed was my favorite.
In the summer I like to wear white jeans. You don’t really have to think what to wear with them because everything goes with it.
Great suggestions. I’m partial to the jacket/sweater tip and tend to default there. Perhaps it’s time for variety.
Thanks for the variety of ideas. Being in the upper Midwest I like to have lighter weight long sleeve sweaters to wear in spring colors. I did buy a natural color spring jacket last year which I appreciate having on cooler days. Thanks for your BFMD encouragement to keep Easter our focus each and everyday. What comfort!
So many great outfit ideas. I love the Talbot’s print outfit. Such a sweet video with your granddaughter! I have 4 grandchildren to spoil. Still waiting for some warm weather here in Ohio.
So agree with thinking I can wear summer now. I took care of that dilemma in about one week. I leaned into jackets, and now my options are sooo many. Wish we could see Hannah’s sweet face
I really like the print set from Talbotts. They are my favorite store since Christopher and Banks left my mall. These are great ideas for spring outfits. I can’t wait for it to be warm enough so I can wear my white jeans. It’s still cold here in WI>
I loved all the outfits. Like you I love dresses for spring and summer. During this holy week, it’s a good time to reflect on the passion of Jesus and his promises to us.
Great post! Thanks especially for BfMD and reminder to celebrate a risen Savior!
Great post! I love wearing my whites! Happy Easter!
Loved the little video with you and your daughter and granddaughter.
Thanks for the tips for putting spring outfits together. Now if it would just warm up here in Illinois.
Kay, your Mimi Monday video is just precious! Thank you for sharing! I rely on outfit formulas to make getting dressed faster in the morning. They also help me dress a better when I’m just not feeling like putting effort into getting ready for my day.
Really love your post today. I love a good jacket . Paying attention to your purse selection too. Beautiful spring dresses. Thanks Kay
Great ideas! And loved the Mimi Monday video … 3 generations of lovely ladies dressed for their day 😊
Love the pink jacket! It’s a happy look! Good to know how to style white in a better way. Thank you, Kay.
Hey Kay! I love all of your outfits. Talbots has some beautiful pieces. My favorite is the matching set in the black and white. I’m glad you had a Wonderful time with your family. Those are Special Times. Have a great week!
Good ideas and timely, as I spent much of today going through my closet and trying things on so I’m ready for different occasions and weather instead of waiting and hoping I’ll get insired at the last minute!
I agree with you that a jacket instantly elevates any outfit. I ordered the Levi’s jacket and can’t wait until it arrives! I also ordered the Sanctuary tee shirt you recommended. I appreciate all of your great advice and look forward to reading your blog every day!
I am leaning more into dresses. I see them everywhere and try to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I am petite so I am unable to wear some of the styles I see but I am working on it.
I like how you accessorize with cognac. When we get cold weather in spring like we did a couple of weeks ago, I wear my spring color sweaters and sweatshirts. My church is always cold so I do wear my spring jackets through spring and summer.
I agree that spring is so hard to dress for. I find it especially difficult when part of the day is so cold that I need a base layer, completer piece & I still need a coat. My wardrobe budget doesn’t stretch far enough to make it all coordinate. In that case I either look off or look coordinated but am too cold or too hot. Yikes! What to do?!
I enjoyed your outfits you featured today. Especially the dresses! I am loving the cognac brown shoes, belt and bag.