The weather is changing, flowers are blooming and it’s time to switch out our chunky sweaters and cozy layers for easy, cheerful casual spring looks.
Since we can all use a few new outfit ideas, I’ve put together six of my favorite looks for spring. And BONUS! most items are recent purchases and not crazy-expensive. I’ve linked to everything that is currently available and similar items if what I show is older or out of stock.
You can use this as a great shopping list if you’re needing a few new pieces this Spring, or maybe an outfit will spark some ideas of how you can mix items you already have in your closet.
(Just for reference: I am 5’7)
Here we go!
OUTFIT ONE
I have decided that jeans + a button up is my favorite go-to combination for everyday. It looks put together, but still perfectly comfortable for my work-at-home/regular mom lifestyle. Sometimes I’ll wear the button up untucked; sometimes with a half-tuck. I just read a cute post about how to roll your jeans – which I didn’t actually do here, but it is a great little tutorial if you’re struggling with how to get a messy cuff look.
shirt | jeans | booties (similar) | necklace | watch
OUTFIT TWO
This is my attempt to force myself to wear something other than jeans. It’s been a while since I’ve worn non-jean pants (besides leggings) and I actually really love how these fit and feel on. They are super lightweight, have a flattering cut and come in a few different colors.
I bought the tshirt last fall and it has proven to be a great wardrobe staple. A good white tshirt with a soft, drapey fit works with everything.
And let’s talk about the shoes. Slip-ons are a great (updated?) alternative to my beloved ballet flats and I just couldn’t pass up this sweet graphic floral pattern.
pants | tshirt (similar) | shoes | watch | necklace
OUTFIT THREE
This outfit is a variation on my everyday uniform: jeans + button up. I splurged on this chambray shirt and it was 100% worth it. Classic, fits perfectly, can be worn with everything.
I live in the Seattle area where Spring weather can’t decide if it wants to be a lion or a lamb. For a few minutes the sun will be out and the next thing you know it’s pouring down rain. Therefore, adding rain boots to any outfit is a smart idea. I just ordered a bunch of boots to try out and two stood out as my clear favorites (I’ll share all of the boots in another post). These black and white floral boots are feminine, fit great and feel classic and unexpected at the same time.
If it’s not a rainy day, switch out the boots for flats. I’m such a neutral dresser and so I like to add a little bit of color or pattern in my shoes. These kelly green flats are some of my favorites.
shirt | jeans | rain boots | watch
OUTFIT FOUR
As much as I’d love my closet to be filled with button ups and nicer tops, I know that some days I just want to wear a sweatshirt. Instead of reaching for my oldie, cozy, unflattering favorites, I like to have a few options for updated sweatshirts to throw on with jeans. You’ve probably seen me wearing this striped one; this darling double hooded version with floral cuffs is from the same online shop. It’s light weight, fits long and slim (I could honestly go for a little less slim) and the sleeves are nice and long. (For reference, I’m wearing a size small).
jeans | sweatshirt | ballet flats (similar) | watch
OUTFIT FIVE
For you ladies living in warmer climates, you should get this top. It is soft, has those cute ruffle sleeves and I’m a big fan of this green color (it also comes in a pretty peach that would not look great on me, but if you have darker skin than this pale girl, it would be gorgeous!).
The bootcut jeans are 10 years old. I have an identical pair that has been worn so many times they have legitimate holes worn in the knees (non of this new-fangled factory distressing!). I’m sure I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: invest in a few good pair of jeans. Find a brand that fits you (I love 7 for All Mankind and Paige) and all you need are two or three different styles/washes. Just repeat the same jeans over and over. They’ll last and look good wear after wear. I buy cheaper jeans (like the ones in outfit #1) for more trendier cuts and find they never quite fit as well as the more expensive variety.
top | jeans (similar) | heels | watch
OUTFIT SIX
Isn’t this a cute outfit?! I think it’s my favorite of the six.
Pairing a classic skirt (with pockets!) with a crisp short-sleeved shirt is casual enough for my normal life but could work great for a coffee date with a friend, sunday morning church or a trip to the farmer’s market.
I ADORE these short Hunter wellies. I have tall ones, which I wear often, and these new shorties will be on regular rotation. The bright red/orange is a fun dose of color to my otherwise neutral wardrobe.
shirt | skirt (similar) | boots | watch
So there you go. Six casually classic looks for Spring. I hope these outfits help inspire you to try new combinations of things you already own and maybe add in a few new pieces that you love.
Do you have a favorite look?
When I saw you combine a simple striped button-up shirt with a pair of ripped jeans and boots, it inspired me to get this outfit for my sister’s birthday next week. With that in mind, I will look for a local clothing store to get this outfit by tomorrow. That way, I can get more time to help set up her party too.
when I got these shoes I thought of you Emily – https://m.payless.com/search/76751.html?dwvar_76751_color=black
they are even on sale now. they are high but comfy. love your clothes posts. thank you!
Emily,
What a delightful blog. I love your 6 Spring Outfits. I am a work from home Mom in Seattle, and you really hit the nail on the head! I’ve got to get some of those short Hunters! Thanks for the inspiration. Beautiful work.
Can I ask what size you wear in the distressed jeans? Would you say they are true to size?
They are true to size – I find the waist to be a little on the bigger size. Mine are a size 26.
Ordered the jeans (and several striped shirts – stripes all day, every day!) from NR after seeing this post. They just arrived and I LOVE them! Thanks so much for the great ideas!!
Yay! I’m so glad you like them!
HI I am a new reader!! I LOVE your style!! Your are so pretty! Love having someone with similar tastes to get outfit ideas from. Keep these posts coming! Samantha
Welcome Samantha!
Emily you are so adorable (is that even the right word??)! Thanks for inspiring us! I think I’m going to get that cute Ruffled sleeve top. I like how it has a high neckline. And it looks super cute on you!
Love, Chelsea
You are a very beautiful women!
This is totally random, but I noticed that although you have other jewelry on in your posts you don’t have your wedding rings on? I went back and looked at a few other posts and saw that often you do not, however you did have them on for coffee chat. I know it seems like a strange things to notice, but I have a habit (that makes my hubby nuts) of removing my rings the minute I walk through the door. It is something I’ve always done. I have a little dish on the entry table for them! I don’t like to cook or clean ect with them on. Wonder if you have the same habit!
Love your blog, love coffee chat (you’re so cute! )and appreciate your fashion posts!
Lynn
I do have my rings on! They are just very dainty :)
I notice ringless fingers also. She has them on her right hand.
I was taking photos into a mirror :)
Aaaah, yes, I’m so silly! Completely forgot about dimension and reversal of image! And your rings are beautiful, classic & timeless, just like you! :)
Love your basic, but non-boring style!
(The links aren’t working for me.)
Thank you! You are an inspiration of modesty and class! Very fun.
(Shhh In the photo with your green shirt (my favorite outfit) it looks like your zipper is down. Just FYI in case it is :( Sorry!)
LOVE that green on you! Goes perfectly with the ginger!
You are so beautiful, really!
Oh man I love your outfit posts. Our NW springs are so chilly & wet and seeing your cute casual outfits (all with closed toe shoes that work around puddles) helps so much with stepping up my game w/o looking like I wished I lived in the deep (warm) South!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! These are my favorite posts – please keep doing them!
These are by far my favorite posts that you do. I hate shopping and putting outfits together!! You just made my day {and my spring-season} by putting these outfits together so I don’t have to do it on my own. Yay for you!!
Hi! Love this! Quick question- what size did you go with for the green top? I don’t have a factory store nearby and am so bad at returning things. Thanks!
I am wearing a 2. It fits like normal.
I’m obsessed with that striped/floral sweatshirt! I’ve been eyeing your other one for quite some time without pulling the trigger, but I think I might do it on this one! Love all these looks, Emily.
I loved your kelly green flat ballet shoes, super cute! Did you order them on-line or were you able to try them on at a store before purchasing them?
They were sent to me from the ladies at The Root Collective. They fit great!
Hi there – I love the green shoes as well! Did you get your normal size? I’m usually a 5.5 so I’m wondering if I should order up or down since they don’t have half sizes. Love your post!
Thanks!
I’m in between a 7 and 7.5. I have a 7 and they are great.
Love these outfits. I got the shortest green hunter boots (even shorter than your red ones) & I LOVE them! I love your classic style. I am SO jealous of your thigh gap. I seriously need to stop with the chocolate! Haha!
Ha! I have super funky knees that turn in (probably from all my years of ballet) so that helps with the appearance of thigh gap :)
I love, love the little grey skirt that you’re showing… j.crew factory does not look to offer grey. The stripped shirt that’s with it is already sold out in medium, but looks adorable with the pop of ORANGE!!!! =) Thank you for sharing these selections, makes it fun for those of us who have trouble putting outfits together!
The gray skirt is nearly 2 years old from JCrew Factory. I have one from last year in navy, too. It’s a great fit! I just wish they still put pockets in them …
As for that striped shirt – I bought a medium and usually wear a small. You can size up on this one!
I love your blog, I’ve been reading it for a while now and I just wanted to let you know that I think you’re adorable and love your style. Makes me want to completely get rid of all of my clothes and start over :) Thanks for sharing your great tips
Thanks, Brittney!
I want the shirt in #6 and it’s sold out ? Boo! I got the green factory shirt last year and love it!
Cute outfits, but your comments about items not being crazy expensive leaves me wondering how my meager clothing budget compares. Although these items may not be designer clothing, $80 blouses and $150 rain boots are not in my everyday realm of affordability as a pastor’s wife. I love your outfits as inspiration, but sometimes your comments about the costs of clothing or furniture can leave those of us trying to be content living “simply” out of necessity feeling a bit out of place. I’m certain this is not your intent. This is just an observation to encourage you to share your gift of style, both in the home and through fashion while remembering your varied audience of readers.?
I guess prices are totally subjective. I buy most everything on sale, so that always helps. And there are some items I do spend a bit more on – especially classic pieces I know I’ll wear again and again. Hopefully these posts will provide a bit of inspiration for how to mix things already in your closet!
I love your outfit posts! Does the white t-shirt require an extra layer underneath it? I love white t-shirts but it is so hard to find ones that don’t show the outline of my bra.
I wear a white camisole nearly everyday! So, yes, I typically do wear a layer under white tshirts.
I like you most in No. 2, 4 and 6 ;) maybe because this is more color and more spring like. And you can wear it not only for a casual day with kids at home (or so) but also, as you described under No.6, that you can wear that on other occasions too. so these outfits are the one, that fit to so many occasions.
Greetings from germany!
Happy Easter holidays!
I mean on the last picture with the overview of all from left to right from up to bottom 1-6 ;) (sorry, not the order in your describing )
I love the subtle pops of color. We’re all itching for SPRING!
~ ~ http://myeyeseyes.blogspot.com
I was gonna say the striped shirt was my fave and then i realized there are 3, ha ha :) So, I’ll say, the short-sleeved striped shirt would be a welcome addition to my closet. Also like the colorful footwear choices, that was a fun surprise.
stripes forever :)