Spring weather changes by the hour, so the best spring outfits are easy to take off and put on again. These ten laid-back spring outfits use light layers, soft colors and shoes you can walk in, with a plan for the days that start cold and end warm.
How do you dress for changing weather?
Wear three light layers instead of one heavy one. A thin jacket in the morning, a tee or blouse at midday and a scarf in your bag for the evening cover most spring days.
Choose fabrics that breathe, such as cotton and linen, and keep a light layer that fits in your bag. If rain is likely, pick shoes that can get wet and dry without losing their shape.
Ten spring outfits.
1. The floral sundress and straw hat.
A midi sundress with a small floral print is the most spring thing you can wear. Add a straw hat, flat sandals and a basket bag, and bring a thin cardigan for later.
2. The olive trench.
A trench in olive or beige is the best spring coat. It handles rain and wind, and it goes over a dress, jeans or trousers.
3. Linen trousers and a white top.
Wide linen trousers in tan or brown with a white tee look relaxed and polished. Linen wrinkles, so embrace it, or choose a blend with some cotton.
4. The denim jacket and a midi skirt.
A cropped denim jacket over a flowing midi skirt works in the park and in the office. Pick a skirt in a deep color, such as burgundy or navy, and white sneakers.
5. The sage blazer.
A blazer in a pastel is smart without being stiff. Wear it open over a camisole or tee, with matching or neutral trousers. When it is too warm for a jacket, try one of these casual rompers.
The one I would buy first
I would buy the trench. It works from the first cool morning to the last rainy day, and it makes every other outfit here look finished.
6. The striped dress and sneakers.
A striped shirt dress with white sneakers is a good outfit for a long walk, and the sneaker styles to try this year show other pairs that work. The stripe keeps it casual, and the dress needs no styling.
7. The off-shoulder top and denim shorts.
For warmer days, an off-shoulder top and denim shorts with a hat is relaxed and easy. Keep the colors soft, and add a light shirt for the evening.
8. The long cardigan.
A long, open cardigan over a tee and leggings is the comfortable choice for travel and errands. Choose a soft color and a fine knit that does not feel heavy.
9. The yellow sweater and jeans.
Butter yellow is a spring favorite, and it looks simple against blue jeans. If you love the look, try our matching sparkly spring nails.
10. The blazer under the blossoms.
A grey blazer with dark trousers and boots is a neat choice for an outing under the cherry trees. Add a pale scarf for the breeze.
How do you stay safe on spring walks?
Ticks are most active from April through September, according to the CDC. Its advice includes using an EPA-registered repellent, treating clothes with 0.5% permethrin and walking in the center of trails (CDC tick prevention).
When you get home, the CDC says to dry your clothes on high heat for 10 minutes and shower within two hours. It also says to apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
The sun matters too. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day (AAD skin care tips). For the outfits above, more ideas by season are in our outfit ideas.
Spring outfit questions, answered.
What should I wear in spring?
Wear light layers: a tee or blouse, a cardigan or denim jacket, and a trench for rain. Choose breathable fabrics, and shoes you can walk in.
What colors are best for spring outfits?
Soft pastels, butter yellow, olive, cream and denim blue. Keep one color as the star and the rest neutral.
Do I need sunscreen on a spring day?
Yes. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day before you go outdoors.
