Even the most die-hard shoppers aren't immune to the occasional bout of "I have nothing to wear" syndrome.
If you've been suffering, you're in luck. We just crafted 17 perfect outfits ideal for late-night strolls, alfresco dinner dates, outdoor weddings, and even the office. The ensembles ahead will have your spring wardrobe coming up roses. Prepare to be cured — at least, for this month.
1. When Floral Prints & Pastels Meet, We Swoon
A simple sweater-and-pant combo will feel surprisingly fresh this month. Try pairing a cropped, pastel knit with a floral-print pant for a one-way ticket to spring-trend domination. Perfect for chilly mornings that turn into balmy afternoons, this outfit won't weigh you down. Plus, you'll be plenty comfortable amidst temperature fluctuations. Keep your look light with equally playful accessories: two-tone loafers, a straw-woven clutch, and colorful, chandelier earrings. Say bye-bye to your transitional-dressing woes.
2. The Demure Way To Work A Thigh-High Slit
Joseph Altuzarra and his unparalleled love of thigh-high slits are in full force for spring. But, you'd be wrong to assume the designer's signature is only for the red-carpet-bound Angelina Jolies of the world. Rather, the pencil skirts in Altuzarra's resort '14 collection have a demure feel — even with their leg-revealing inseams. Case in point: the doily-print pencil skirt shown here. Teamed with a silk, lace-appliqué blouse and white heels, the outfit is shimmering and sexy, yet still ideal for fancy dinners and cocktail parties. The chic ensemble can be worn to work, too — simply swap the bottom for something similar but slightly more conservative. Top the look off with a sassy strut. Even Angie will be jealous.
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3. Why Every Closet Could Use Some Neon
Okay, not all of us can break out the short shorts just yet. But, May does generally offer sunny skies and mild temperatures in abundance — and we'll gladly take it. Besides, all of our bright, spring purchases with the tags still attached are begging us to take 'em out for a run. We can't refuse them any longer, and you shouldn't either. Team light-wash denim shorts with a lime-green sweater, citrus-orange satchel, and classic Dr. Martens. Yes, there's a lot of neon happening here, but it'll make you stand out in a good way. If your legs are in need of extra coverage, feel free to swap the bottoms with a pair of boyfriend jeans. And, remember: Your treasured pastels will love you no matter what color you wear.
4. Rainy-Day Savior: Boyfriend Jeans To The Rescue!
Come rain or shine, our boyfriend jeans are a true closet champ. Whether we're planning an errand run or a laid-back dinner party, our tried-and-true denim is always up for the task — even on rainy days when none of our other clothes feel like venturing outside dresser drawers. So, when wet weather is in the forecast, we figure it's best to have a few standby outfits on deck featuring this soggy-day savior. An oversized, printed tunic and a varsity jacket fine-tune the look. Team with a few choice accessories — like quirky studs, metallic sandals, and a miniature crossbody — for a refined ensemble that's totally worthy of a street-style snap. (P.S. Swap the sandals for colorful sneakers if large puddles try to dampen your shoe game.)
5. THIS Is How You Do Alfresco Dining
It may be difficult to believe after this past winter, but outdoor dinners, garden parties, and beach barbecues will soon become a part of our lives once more — rejoice! And, come warm weather, we'll use just about any excuse to enjoy our meals outside. If the occasion happens to justify a fresh, new outfit...well, even better. Here's an ensemble made for relaxing with an Aperol Spritz and E.V.O.O.-drizzled bruschetta — straight off Nonoo's S/S '14 runway. A relaxed-silhouette polo, pastel pencil skirt, and chic boater hat are all you need to recreate the look. Finish with quirky, blue nails and snakeskin flats, and you'll be fit to dine on a sidewalk in full view of passersby or on any number of Brooklyn rooftops — as long as they don't require a ladder to access.
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6. How To Hack Solange's Casual Travel Style
Leave it to Solange Knowles to turn a casual airport outfit into a statement ensemble. While our pre-flight routine usually just involves schlepping between terminals or rushing to our gate, that simply won't do for Ms. Knowles. Spotted en route to Coachella, the singer schooled travelers everywhere in laid-back chic when she made a basic, black tee and leggings snap-worthy by pairing them with a few colorful accessories. Although Solange accented her look with a bubblegum-pink coat and a pair of neon green sneakers, any bright colors will do the trick. Comfortable and stylish? This is what we call a sartorial win-win.
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7. This Tennis Sweater Is Your Wardrobe's Match Point
Watching Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova duke it out on the court is mesmerizing — swishing rackets, zooming tennis balls, and pleated skirts abound. But, even though we love the game, we'd be lying if we said that admiring the fashion isn't half the fun. Well, there's nothing stopping you from donning the preppy look, too. Behold, rag & bone's exaggerated-V-neck sweater, the prettiest approach to sporty chic. When you pair the style with a two-tone pencil skirt and white mules, you'll score extra points for also nailing the monochrome trend. Finish with a bold, citrus-colored lip for a getup that says, "Game on."
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8. The Graphic Sweatshirt Does Girly Real Good
Lately, we've taken to pairing our graphic sweatshirts with just about everything. Wherever we go, so do our trusty knits. They add an instantly sporty touch to our outfits but still have an air of chicness that our actual gym wear likely does not. This is great for situations when we need to look good, but all we really care about is comfort. House of Holland's spring '14 lace-appliquéd jersey top is one such example of a knit doing just that. Layered over a collared button-down and paired with a lace skirt and single-strap heels, it's the epitome of feminine without feeling too prim and proper. Plus, it's spring — and we're definitely not ones to turn down floral anything.
9. Cara Delevingne & A Button-Down Make A Badass Pairing
No, unfastening your button-downs to your navel (à la Cara Delevingne) will not work for professional settings, but there's no reason your 9-to-5 wares can't play hooky from the office every now and then. We all do it, so why not let our workwear in on the action, too? Plus, everything you need to recreate Delevingne's style is likely already living in your closet — though, we wouldn't blame you if you added Reiss' white, waffle-texture suit to your wardrobe. As for the blouse, any black oxford will do the trick. Pair with open-toe booties and an edgy ear cuff to finish off your badass look. All that's left now is to perfect your captivating stare.
11. The Only Color You Need This Weekend
Orange is a wildly versatile hue. It can work magic on your lips. It can halt traffic (even if you do occasionally run over those pesky cones). And, it can make a more classic-feeling ensemble instantly sexy and fresh (yes, more than fruit). So, it’s no wonder we’re completely enamored with this stunner from Dior’s resort ’14 collection. Equal parts flirty-cool and sports-inspired, the citrusy bandeau paired with kookier accessories makes the overarching black-and-white vibe come alive. And, it serves as primo copy material when prepping our weekend looks. Because, you know that same black dress has just had it, right?
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12. Rebecca Taylor Gives The Sporty Trend A Ladylike Touch
Though she's known for her ultra-feminine clothes, even Rebecca Taylor has given her spring wares a sporty flair this season. From Wang to Lim to [insert designer name here], the popular athletic trend is a style that keeps on giving. So, it's refreshing to see it take on a ladylike vibe — sans sneakers, sweatshirts, or the like. Taylor's blush-pink blazer, mesh-type tee, and bohemian-esque boyfriend jeans are essentially your new (and improved) denim-and-jacket pairing. Finish with metallic sandals and a pretty satchel for a laid-back and effortless style you can wear out shopping, to drinks, or even to work, if your company keeps a relaxed dress code. Yep, it's an outfit you'll happily sport everywhere.
13. Opening Ceremony's Very Tempting Argument Against LBDs
Yes, our trusty LBD is conveniently stored in our closets for easy access. But, no, we will not be resurrecting this tried-and-true number for dinner and drinks yet again this weekend. Now that spring is beginning to take root, we're punching up our wardrobe's color profile, and this zippy Opening Ceremony getup is pretty fetching, don't you think? The reds, the blues, the glitter! This is one sartorial sweet spot we most definitely want to hit in the coming months as we take on those gallery openings or fancy dinners. Pair your optical skirt with a cherry-red blouse, standout accessories — like these Wanderluster earrings and sparkly Anya Hindmarch clutch — and, perhaps, an unexpected-but-totally-chic nail hue, too. Hello, color!
17. The Mint Midi We Need In Our Closets
Mint is, perhaps, spring's most crush-worthy pastel. The combination of the on-trend hue with an equally popular hem length, like in this alice + olivia style, delivers a pretty, feminine note — though there's just a touch of edginess to the piece, courtesy of the skirt's super-buttery leather. It's no surprise that creative director Stacey Bendet would dream up such a style. The brand's signature, girly silhouettes are what keep us wanting more, season after season. And, Jamie Chung's flirty cocktail outfit looks to be a total scene-stealer for any number of spring fetes, summer weddings, or fancy dinner dates. Pair it with a basic crop top, nude sandals, and a punchy, green clutch — now you've got all the tools you'll need to wow.