I’ve learned to lean into smart outfit formulas, especially when I want to be able to dress quickly and easily without having to overthink the effort. With the welcome of spring, we get to do a little easy layering. And that always ushers in a set of outfit formulas that I had put on the shelf for a while during the colder months. So today I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to always look pulled together and smart with an easy, favorite spring outfit formula.
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Always Look Pulled Together with this Spring Outfit Formula
Good style may call for a sharp eye and a little creativity. But smart science plays a bigger role than I once thought. If you learn a few no-fail formulas for getting dressed, you can work the style equation with much less effort.
Today’s spring outfit formula is one I work frequently and into the summer:
pants + jacket or shirt in the same color + contrasting tank top or tee = great spring style
Matching your bottoms (whether that be shorts, skirt or trousers) with a coordinating outer piece (whether that’s a jacket or button-up shirt) and wearing them with a contrasting top is a no-fail spring outfit formula. It truly works every time.
That’s why I do suggest that if a coordinating jacket is available when you purchase your pants…buy it. And if you buy a jacket or shirt and discover that they have made a coordinating bottom, buy it. You’ll never regret investing in coordinating sets, even if you have to purchase them separately.
Not only are coordinating separates a smart addition to your wardrobe. They’re also very on trend and stylish. You’ll always look polished and pulled together when you wear matching pants and outer piece over a contrasting top, especially if you complete the outfit with a little jewelry and smart looking accessories.
Here I’m wearing a stretch linen long shacket with coordinating stretch linen trousers that have a tie waist. Both pieces are constructed in a linen, Lyocell and Spandex weave for a sturdy but still lightweight fabric with plenty of movement. This blended fabric is perfect for spring because it is a little more structured and dense than 100% linen. These pieces also travel beautifully, they come in other colors and they run true to size.
I completed the look with a tank top from my closet, gold sandals (use code KAY15 for 15% off) and simple jewelry. I’ve linked everything below. And I’ve also gathered similar pieces from Talbots, Tommy Bahama and Eileen Fisher so you can see how you could work this formula with different colors and jacket types.
Thanks so much for stopping in today. If you enjoy wearing this spring outfit formula, let me know how you work it with items in your closet.
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Blessed for My Day
We’re keeping my son and daughter-in-law’s dog Cooper while they are on a trip to Japan. He’s a wonderful and well-trained dog, beautiful, too. We truly enjoy having him and will feel quite sad when he leaves after his two-week visit. But being a miniature Australian shepherd, Cooper tends to “herd” James and me into the same room. He likes his “herd” to be all together. And he frets when we’re not complying with his plan, running around in circles and sitting up alert when he hears any little noise. Even the smallest things become scary and imposing when he feels fretful, tempting him to jump up on the furniture (where he knows he’s not allowed) or into our laps at the slightest disturbance.
Cooper’s cute, but fretting is not. Do you fret the small stuff? Turns out that’s not a small thing. I was surprised to learn in my Bible reading this morning that fretting is actually a big deal. It “leads only to evildoing.” When I paused to meditate on that, I realized it’s true. When I begin to fret over little things in my life they soon blow out of proportion. Then I become testy and more likely to snap at my husband, manipulate circumstances, get defensive, run ahead of God and behave badly when I realize that things are out of my control. So today I’m trying to be aware of those fretful moments. I’m reminding myself that there is no need to fret because, like Cooper, I’m not really in control anyhow…God is.
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. ~ Psalm 37:8b
You are such a happy girl. Thank you for sharing all
your great ideas and tips to all of us. Such a gift!
This last info about the matching jacket and pants is perfect info. Sometimes those basics work SO well when you cannot think quick at this age. Abrsceket! Necklace. Scarf is perfect w that combo.
You look great in the light green and scarf. Cute fur Spring! Thank you Kay.
Happy Easter! 🐣🌸✨. Maureen
Love your Blessed for My Day. Thank you for the reminder about fretting.
I agree with your outfit formula, Kay. I wore it yesterday out to lunch with a friend. Regarding glasses, I’ve worn them for 65 years! I love the blue and if they came in a regular width, I’d jump on them. Any of your choices would be good. Green with your green eyes???
The outfit looks good on you since you’re tall. I would need a shorter jacket. On the glasses I like the blue and the green. I think they would look good with your green eyes. I had to get away from brown tortoise glasses now with silver hair. I love the message. I can relate.