Spring Outfit Formulas I’m Planning Now to Wear

Snow is on the ground outside, but I’m planning my spring wardrobe. If you are intent on building a sustainable wardrobe that mixes and matches beautifully, you might want to plan your spring wardrobe strategically, too. So today I’m sharing where I am in the process and three of the spring outfit formulas I’m planning now to wear when the season finally arrives.

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How I’m Planning My Spring Wardrobe…and You Might Want to as Well

I’m planning my spring wardrobe for 2026 in 5 easy but intentional steps. I won’t go into all of the details here because I explained it for almost 30 minutes in this video recently. Yes, it’s a little long, but I highly recommend watching it if you want to be strategic and smart about planning your spring outfits and the wardrobe from which you’ll create them.

But I will run through the steps I have covered so far personally as I share with you how I’m planning my spring wardrobe, just to catch you up to speed. And if you’ve watched the video, but haven’t done any of the steps yet, maybe this will give you the impetus to do so.

I started by browsing my own previous spring outfits, brand websites and Pinterest for spring outfit ideas. I saved the photos of these outfits onto my phone or computer as I went. Then I created outfit inspiration boards with them in Canva. I’m sharing just a few of those boards here, and at this point I’ve already gone through additional steps I’ll outline now.

After creating the outfit inspiration boards, I studied the outfits and jotted down notes (shown in the corners of each photo) of what is included in the look, as well as styling hacks used. I also noted things like contrast in intensity, fabric choices, prints and colors, etc.

As I shared in the video, I weeded out outfits as I went. I want to create a tight closet that will help me create multiple looks. So as I have gone through all of the steps, I’ve been eliminating some outfit ideas, mainly because I don’t want to have to buy everything it would take to create so many looks.

Next I began to list all of the items needed to create the looks I had chosen. As I created my list I became even more mindful of inventory and eliminated additional outfits from the outfit inspiration boards. Below is my initial list based on my boards. This isn’t a shopping list; just an inventory list of what is needed.

My next step was to move away from the outfit inspiration photos and create outfit formulas based on them. That way I ensure that I create outfits that are similar to the ones that inspired me, but that also reflect my personal style, my real lifestyle and what’s more current in 2026. Remember, most of the photos I found on my own website as well as in Pinterest are from past years, some as far back as 2020. So adaptations are definitely needed.

Above you see my rough draft of outfit formulas I’ve decided to wear this spring. I may add or subtract a few yet. This is a work in progress. But I wanted to share with you where I’m at in the process so you can jump in if you’d like to.

As I mentioned in the YouTube video, we usually begin to see brands introduce their early spring lines in mid February. But many brands have already begun to trickle those out. Since I’m seeing a good representation of what’s to come, I’ve begun to create style inspiration boards with the outfit formulas that I’ve chosen for the season.

Outfits Formulas I’m Planning Now to Wear this Spring

I’ve just begun working on these outfit style boards, so I’m only sharing three of them. But I’ll continue working this process for the next week or two as I plan my spring wardrobe. Yes, I’m already beginning to shop, but strategically. I’m only buying things once I’ve seen how they fit into my wardrobe, mixing and matching with other items.

Everything shown in the style boards below is available and I’ve provided you shopping widgets below them so you can check them out and even shop them if you’d like. But I’m not purchasing everything shown in the graphics. I already have a few of these exact items from last year. And I have items that are similar to some of the others shown, so I’ll be working the formulas in real life from those. I’ll note the items I am buying or have already purchased under each graphic.

Jeans + Button-Up Shirt + Trench + Coordinated Belt, Handbag & Shoes

I have become such a fan of the relaxed fit button-up shirt, and I love incorporating them into casual outfits with jeans. Last year I leaned into the outfit formula frequently and enjoyed it so much. And I especially like to top that combination with a trench coat to keep the look elevated and modern.

I chose two of my outfit inspiration photos to show how they inspired my looks. I’ll be able to create the formula with wide or straight leg full length jeans, as well as with ankle length denim. I already own all of the accessories shown above, as well as the jeans and shirt on the left. And I’ve purchased that beautiful trench coat and absolutely adore it (you’ll see me model it in tomorrow’s blog post). I’ve also ordered the shirt on the right and I’m checking my storage to see if I have a jean similar to the one on the right.

I’ve created a shopping widget below with the items shown above. Just click through to see the details about the items and to shop.

Jeans + White Button-Up Shirt + Cardigan + Silk Scarf + Minimal but Impactful Jewelry + Tote

Now part of the process here is substituting in your own flare as well as updated styles. The photo I selected for inspiration of this style formula shows what appears to be a pair of girlfriend jeans, not the most modern choice. So I’ve subbed in more current wide leg jeans in ankle length and full length. I’ve also swapped in a bucket bag instead of a tote here, but I do have totes in my wardrobe I can carry.

I decided to stick with the traditional cardigan, but of course these days they are a little shorter than the one shown in the photo. I already own the scarf in the center and the button-up shirt. I’ve purchased the pink V-neck cardigan on the right and I’m considering the navy crewneck cardigan on the left. I already have similar jewelry and loafers. These items are all available through the shopping widget below.

White Jeans + Silk Blouse + Trench Coat + Structured Handbag + Large Earrings + Slingback Kitten Heel

For the final outfit formula style inspiration board, I chose a slightly more elevated look. I enjoy wearing white or off-white denim in the spring and I also love silk blouses. I was inspired by this look from Stacie Flinner that I found on Pinterest. But I plan to recreate the look with a silk blouse in a beautiful solid color, which I already have in my closet.

I’m also swapping in a structured handbag I already own for the clutch, and I’ll probably wear flesh toned slingback pumps I already own (shown), too. Oh, and one more switch. I don’t care much for wearing a full-length trench. It’s just not I what I do generally, even though I do own one. So I’ve swapped in a mid-length trench I recently got in from Aritzia, which I’ll show in tomorrow’s blog post. But I already own a jacket that I’ll undoubtedly end up wearing. So you can see that swapping in your preferences is perfectly fine, even recommended. Just carefully consider what those changes will do to the outfit you aspire to wear.

I already own the jeans, shoes, earrings and blouse shown above. And I have a similar handbag, trench coat and sunglasses. But I’ve gathered the items shown in the shopping widget below.

Shopping for the Spring Wardrobe I’ve Planned

Even though I’m still working on style boards and evaluating the wardrobe I already have, I have begun to carefully, strategically shop for spring. Remember, this is what I do for a living, and I do have to stay one step (or more) ahead so I can share great finds and ideas with you. And a lot of what I’m purchasing right now is for the purpose of sharing with my readers and viewers. Thus, I’ll return a good bit of it. That’s just part of the job. (NOTE: I do not return anything I’ve worn, even just for photos outside. But I do return things I’ve tried on at home, of course.)

That said, I suggest you also begin to shop strategically for spring if you know you need certain items for the upcoming season. Some of the best items, like this trench coat that I’m just crazy about, will sell out. And especially if you need items for cooler weather, like cotton sweaters, cashmere cardigans and jackets, those will go fast. But definitely watch the video, 5 Steps to a Fabulous SPRING Wardrobe You Love first.

A good rule to hold yourself to as you shop is the 3.3.3 Closet Rule. Each item – including garments, accessories and shoes – should work with at least three other items in your closet, work in at least three different types of outfits that you can wear various places and work with at least three pairs of shoes (not the shoes, obviously). This rule will help you build a cohesive wardrobe that reduces the cost per wear of each item in it.

Tomorrow I’m sharing a huge try-on session with lots of great spring new arrivals. And in Wednesday’s video I’ll tell you about some updated wardrobe essentials you absolutely must have for your spring wardrobe. So stay tuned!

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