When the sun comes out and the temperatures begin to warm up, I feel unleashed. Anybody? While I do get outside for walks and the occasional hike during the colder months, I have to bundle up to the point that I almost feel claustrophobic. But in the spring I feel freed up to really enjoy the outdoors, adding only light layers as needed. So today I’m taking you for a hike through the low desert of Arizona and sharing outdoor outfits for spring. I’ve got stylish options for neighborhood walks, pickleball, golf and, of course, hiking.
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Our hiking was quite limited while we were recently in Arizona because of high winds, rabid foxes and a little illness. Yeah, rabid foxes. We had hoped to hike in the Huachuca Mountains near where we used to live in southern Arizona, as well as on Mount Lemon near Tucson. Alas we only managed to hike one day in the low desert near Tucson. I’m sharing a few of James’ landscape photographs, too.
What to Wear Hiking in the Spring
Of course hiking clothes, like all other clothes, largely depend on personal preference. I like to wear separates that are moisture-wicking, lightweight but layerable, rip-proof and sun protecting, if possible. They also need to have a little stretch for mobility and some pockets.
Both my short sleeve shirt and VentureStrectch woven ankle pants are new favorites from L.L.Bean, my go-to source for hiking gear. I do occasionally hike in moisture-wicking t-shirts, but for the most part I prefer to wear button-up shirts like this one because they just feel cooler to me.
Footwear for hiking is also a personal choice, but it’s also dictated by the type of terrain you will traverse. After living in Arizona for 14 years, I knew to expect rocky trails that can be slippery. Generally in Arizona, I wore hiking boots like these, but my Oboz hiking shoes have been serving me well and I knew they would be easier to pack, so I took them along on this trip. They also did really well for me in Alaska, which was much wetter of course.
Don’t forget a similar hat. Not only does it protect you from the sun, but it helps you to see better as you navigate the trail. I like one with a back flap like this, but mainly you need one with a wide brim and that is lightweight.
Of course another thing you’ll want to wear for all of your outside activities this spring is a good sunscreen. I recommend this Liquid Sun Shield SPF 50. It’s lightweight, but it’s a 100% mineral sunscreen, so it offers the best protection. It goes on beautifully and works well under makeup, too.
Spring Outdoor Activity Style Boards
I know not everyone hikes in the spring, but maybe you enjoy other outdoor activities at this time of year. So I selected other stylish outdoor outfits for spring and had my assistant Lucy create style boards with them. Use them for inspiration or shop them through the links in the captions. You’ll even find some good deals among the items I selected.
I haven’t taken up pickleball yet, but it seems to be becoming the new national outdoor pastime, so maybe I should. What about you? Do you play. I think pickleball looks like a great excuse to wear a cute little skirt!
SALE ALERT: At Talbots buy one and get one 50% off everything!
As I’m typing up this blog post, I just got home from my morning walk around the neighborhood. I guess it doesn’t really matter what I look like when I get my steps in, but I still like to wear activewear that coordinates and makes me feel cute. Oh, and by the way! I used that Peta Jane ight tanning mousse for the first time Saturday and I’m sold! Oh. My. Goodness. Best sunless tanner I’ve ever used. No streaking, spotting or odor (at all!). It didn’t get on my clothes at all and dries fast. Easy to apply with the tanning mitt and comes in three or four shades. I used the light and really like it, but I purchased the medium for later in the summer, too.
I haven’t played in a while, but I’m itching to get back out on the golf course. I had a follower ask me yesterday for a recommendation for white golf pants and I immediately suggested the endless high rise white pants from Athleta. I have these in several other colors and have enjoyed playing in them before it gets warm enough for shorts. Golf requires good pockets. These aren’t necessarily roomy, but they are good enough to carry that essential extra ball and tee. Well, that extra ball is definitely essential for me anyhow!
SALE ALERT: Right now Athleta is having their Friends & Family Sale. Get 30% off sitewide, including items shown in today’s post.
And finally I thought we might need another option for hiking. Truly, hiking is such great exercise and a fun way to see things that you otherwise will miss out on, like waterfalls, gorges, wildlife, babbling brooks and amazing vistas.
Thanks so much for stopping in for a little spring outdoor style inspiration. Let me know what you like to do outside in the spring. Ooh! I bet some of you love to garden. Let me know! Maybe I need to find more ideas for outdoor outfits for spring.
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Blessed for My Day
Spring is a season of hope. As the trees begin to bud new leaves and colorful flowers begin to push through the ground, we remember that new beginnings are possible. When the birds return to their summer homes and begin looking for nests in which to lay eggs, we recall that life will continue. And as we plan for Easter celebrations we are infused with the hope of resurrection.
But maybe you are struggling to find that hope. I encourage you to do three things. Go for a walk. It’s amazing how much getting outside and going for a walk can clear my head and renew a right perspective. Second, attend church this Sunday. We need the companionship of other believers, even if it’s just rubbing shoulders, saying a pleasant hello and hearing their voices raised in song. And finally, ask the Lord to renew your joy, peace and hope. Through His Holy Spirit, He will do just that.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13
Hi Kay! I was tickled when you posted that you were traveling back to Arizona. As you know from living here you came at just about the best time of year, although we do get surprises once in awhile. I really enjoyed seeing what you wear to hike in. You looked comfortable AND stylish. I may need to give those pants a try! Thanks for all your work and style advice. I truly appreciate you.
My go-to exercise in nice warm weather is a beautiful scenic bicycle ride. Love your hiking pics!
I do daily neighborhood walks for fitness and it would be great to see more style ideas for that. I haven’t played pickleball. I really like the photos James took in Arizona, also liked your hiking outfit. I might have to try that sunless tanner, it sounds like it’s a good one!
Your husband is such a good photographer capturing the look and feel of the landscape. Living in Southern California for the winter months, I’ve grown to love the desert. I think I’ve got the golf attire figured out (but again it was done without wardrobe planning in the beginning) but when I get home to the “wet” west coast I spend most of my time in the garden. In early spring it’s something warm, slightly water resistant, easily washed and usually is an older pair of jeans, a light tee under a warm sweater, wind/water resistant jacket, boots and gardening gloves; rarely coordinated. It’s quite a site for the poor neighbors. I could use some suggestions.
Thank you for the pickleball inspiration! Can’t wait to get back into playing now that it is warming up here in Colorado!
I like to take my dog on walks and he loves it too. I tried leaving a comment yesterday and wasn’t able to do it.
I have a friend who plays pickleball all year. Obviously moving indoors in the winter. She has made many new friends and has a lot of fun with it. When I work out, I’m lucky if my top matches the bottoms! I could put more thought into it.
Thank your for your blog posts. They are always informative and inspiring!
I also walk in my neighborhood with my dogs and start doing more yard work in the spring. It is the only time that some of my neighbors see me. I want to look presentable and wear clothes that are both practical and flattering.
Spring is my favorite season, with summer a close 2nd.
I really like the button-up hiking shirt you showed. I see that L.L. Bean has a similar product for men, so my husband may be getting a hiking shirt also.
Thank you for the stylish outdoor exercise outfits. It is so nice to get outside now that the weather is warming up and the daylight lasts longer. As my sweet mother and granny always say: All you need is fresh air and sunshine to make you feel better!
I also like hiking. I think I’ll get a shirt as I wear t shirts and I like the idea of being cooler. Thanks for all you do. I look forward to blog posts and videos.
What great sports outfits you posted! Love them! And I’m so glad to get a recommendation on a sunless tanner!
Like you Kay, I enjoy a daily walk ( trek) all year round but springtime is best! I try to manage 2-3miles each day often split up am/pm. I kike to look somewhat put together but not to spend time on how I look. Ha! I also attend yoga classes Abd other senior exercise classes. I’m 78!
You look great by the way – you look so good in many types of clothes!
My go to exercise is walking ballet and tap. It keeps me fit and flex able at 77 years old. Never stop moving and dressing for my day!
I also walk most days in our neighborhood. I’d love some more outfit ideas for that! Thank you for another great post!
Great clothing suggestions for an active lifestyle! I hike, walk my neighborhood, lift weights and cycle to stay active. Appreciate the reminder that it’s important to feel good about how I’m dressed during these activities!
Tell James I love each and every one of his beautiful photos! What a wonderful addition to your post.❤️. Great outfit inspirations! Can’t wait to get outside and enjoy some of those activities.
Other than hiking, my favorite Spring outdoor activity is riding my bike!
My husband and I took up hiking about 5 years ago and love it. We are heading to Colorado Springs in June.
Thanks Kay for sharing “ real action shots” by James in your blog. It’s always fun to see the pieces you are blogging about in action. I haven’t yet tried the button up shirts for wearing in the heat. I’ve had my eye on them for a couple of years and this might be the year I actually try them out.
And you beat me to it! I was going to ask what to wear for gardening ( I know you blog about fashion, but maybe also include gardening items? Kneeling pads? Benches? Etc?)
Oh and how about outfits for us bird watchers too?
Thanks Kay! You’ve now got me excited for spring, new beginnings, hope and the Lord.
Living on a small. Lake in Indiana, I love to swim and float every day. Plus spend time on a neighbors pontoon .So how about swimwear, coverups, footwear, hats, ,etc. for Lake Living?
Thank you for posting your AZ pics. My husband and I vacationed there last fall. Oh my goodness, we were so blessed by the incredible weather and scenery.
Kay, I loved your Blessed for my day post! Also, I like to walk, and now after a long winter, would love a post featuring walking outfit ideas for spring and summer!
I lived in Mesa A during my teen years. We loved hiking in the spring in AZ. Now I live in Oregon and it’s not quite hiking weather, although I’m used to hiking in the rain. Thank you, Kay. I love everything Athleta.
Thank you for offering outfits for a variety of activities. You are an inspiration!
Great post! Active wear is definitely a gap in my wardrobe. My husband and I recently got into bird watching and we’ve been on some hikes and walks in interesting places where we spot birds and other pretty cool wildlife. Plus we love to explore gardens…we have some pretty ones open to the public near us. I have this wardrobe gap on my list and like several of your LLBean selections.
I was looking for a good sunless tanning product. Thank you for the recommendation of Peta Jane. Sounds great, I’m going to try it this year. Thanks
You’ve shown some really nice looks today. We were in Tucson last spring and the desert was beautiful. I’m glad I remembered my sunscreen too!! Thank you for the words of hope. We’re all going through “stuff” of some sort. Each day I ask God to guide my steps and go on those walks with me. Brings peace to my heart. Have a great evening, Kay!
Love this post!
You look cute in that hat. I read it’s important to wear a hat when you have silver or blonde hair because the sun will yellow it. The shirt is cute too. I love spring the best because it’s a season of new beginnings. As always I love your devotional message.
Nice BFMD
I love going for hikes and long walks and need to wear something that’s not just an old t-shirt and stretchy pants. Thanks for the inspiration.
I also enjoy gardening and have a few plots at our local community garden, I’d love some inspiration for my gardening wardrobe…which at this point is the same old t-shirt and stretchy pants!
I’ve had several comments about gardening, so I’ll have to work on that…a style board that is. I leave the gardening to James!
I live in a retirement community and we have all the activities associated with the outdoors: walking trails, pickleball, putting green, gardening, plus an indoor pool. Have been following you for inspiration for years.
My daughter is getting married soon & requested a mother daughter trip. So we have headed out of town to visit a couple places special to us. I packed my endless high rise pants from athleta as we may get in a low key hike too. I really love them. I feel chic & fit all at once as they look good & move with you. I would be interested in some follow up to the self tan. How often do you use it & how do you prep your skin & care for it after?
I’ve just used the sunless tanner twice with good results both times. I think I’ll be using it every three days or so through summer, at least when I’m trying to keep up the color. I actually applied a little lotion to my body after getting out of the shower, even thought the tanner says not to. But I got great results that way. I did give the lotion time to dry before applying the product. And I definitely suggest getting and using the mitt, too. They have a travel product that you can use while traveling: https://rstyle.me/+cPM9o1tKVlbrDaKhJqGkJQ Of course none of these products are cheap, but I am just not going to use a self-tanner that leaves streaks or is hard to apply well. And I’ve had the best results with these. I did use the travel size lotion on my neck and shoulders yesterday and liked the way it worked, too.
I was so excited to see Athleta white pants, I ordered a pair for golfing. You mentioned Pickleball, yes I recommend you giving it a try. I play inside in the Winter and outside in the Summer. Pickleball is great excercise and a great social sport. I will be 77 Saturday and só blessed that I’m able to be só active.
Hi Kay and great post!
I garden and I work out 4 days a week so I can continue to do what I love. My gardening outfits are in pinks and army green in honor of our granddaughter who is in the Army and pink is my favorite color! we have a home gym and my workout outfits are pink, purples and black. Thanks for encouraging me and this wonderful community to dress for the day…it really makes a difference!
Appreciate all you do!
Well, my husband plays golf but I garden and wear my old clothes to do it! However, it’s fun to see what’s new for those who play sports other than scooping compost and digging weeds. I like the reminder in BFMD about attending church services – sometimes people say that they can pray anytime, alone, and that is certainly true, but we are called to worship together for so many reasons, including to be a witness to others in and outside of church doors.
Thank you for sharing the hiking gear! That’s my favorite outdoor activity and I will be shopping for new shoes soon.
I’ve never played golf but the outfit you posted makes me want to because of how cute it looks. Ha. And thanks for the verse about hope from the book of Romans. Yes, Spring is a lovely reminder of hope, joy and new life.
Looking forward to exploring around our new Colorado home. Thank you for sharing cute outfits for the outdoors!
This is a helpful post! I enjoy hiking & pickleball and the proper gear makes all the difference! Sadly I slipped & fell on a hike on Sunday (on vacation in Hawaii) & broke my wrist in 2 places. I see an orthopedic surgeon when we get back to Denver. How I wish I’d brought my hiking poles!!!
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry, Kay. Yes, I like to use hiking poles, too. I do hope you have a speedy recovery.
I Love when you share James photography! I put one of his Christmas Cardinals from Etsy in my cart. With my Love for Art, Decorating and Fashion I know attention to detail and his work is really good. We also lived in AZ for 2 years, first, Sedona then Rio Verde and loved our time there. Hope all is well with you Kay💗
Blessings
Great pictures! T by Talbots offers a great selection of coordinated activewear pieces for walking, golf, pickleball, workout and just comfortable daily activities. Denise Austin (of decades of exercise videos) recently did a video with Talbots (on their site), modeling outfits for movement, and she talks about walking with friends in her cute new duds!
I ride my bike in the early morning weather permitting. Down here in Florida it’s been chilly in the mornings. Can’t wait for it to warm up a bit. I wear leggings so as not to get pants tangled in the gear. Usually wear long sleeve tees and a jacket now. Later it will be shorts and a short sleeve tee. Not the most glamorous look but it works!
Thank you for showing what you wear hiking! I also appreciate the sunscreen recommendation…that is something I need to use too! James’ pictures are fabulous! Keep sharing those too. I always enjoy the BFMD
Thanks Kay for all of your hard work! You are so good at it. Gardening and walking are favorite activities for me!
I also love LL Bean! I just watched your Quince YT video. I have been a big Quince fan for a couple of years and have several pieces. I recently ordered the stretch crepe cropped jacket and I love it and like with your trench coat, I get lots of compliments when I wear it. Also, thanks for the rec for the Athleta skyline high rise barrel leg pant. I purchased a pair before a 4.5 hour flight and they were perfect-polished and super comfortable!
Appreciate all of your hard work!
Wonderful! I just got those barrel leg pants in today and can’t wait to wear them.
insightful
Hi Kay, today’s blog was so good! There were so many options for dressing for my day in the sunny outdoors. I enjoyed them all! 🌞
Beautiful Arizona pictures! Hiking in Arizona is one of my favorite things to do. Can wait to be there in a couple of weeks!
Beautiful Arizona pictures! Arizona in Spring is the best. Hiking in Arizona is one of my favorite things to do. Can wait to be there in a couple of weeks!