The 7 key wardrobe staples you need to create spring outfits

We’ve had spring outfits and spring clothes on our radar since all the SS23 fashion trends started dropping back in September last year. The catwalks at Fashion Week were swathed with bold colours (cobalt blues at David Koma and Cecilie Bahnsen and candyfloss pinks at Acne Studios and Zimmermann), florals and soft-shade tailoring, and we have been eagerly awaiting the season’s arrival ever since.

Though this time of year is notorious for indecisive weather conditions (one minute its storms, the next we’re practically in the midst of summer), we’re still intent on hitting the nail on the head when it comes to our wardrobes.

That, however, is easier said than done. You could chance a spring dress, but what if a chill picks up and you end up freezing for the rest of the day? A thick coat feels too cumbersome, yet going without would be entirely daft. Wearing a trench and jeans is all well and good, but sometimes the sun makes an appearance and then you’ve missed an opportunity to bronze your legs.

So what makes a spring outfit? Or, rather, what seven key items do we need to see us through the season? As a remedy to the trials and tribulations of dressing in April, May and early June, we’ve found 25 spring outfits (including shoes and handbags) that will cover all scenarios. Rain or shine.

Dresses | Skirts | Trousers/Jeans | Tops | Shoes | Jackets | Bags | All

SPRING OUTFITS: THE DRESS

This year still favours the easy-to-wear dress; the one you can style with loafers or ballet pumps for work and with trainers on the weekend. Aligne makes the case for denim with a short-sleeved version of its cult-favourite sell-out Gabriella dress, while Trendyol bridges the gap between winter and summer with this ribbed-knit maxi number.

Gabriella Short Sleeve Denim Midi Dress

Trendyol High Neck Ribbed Maxi Dress

SPRING OUTFITS: THE SKIRT

Everyone’s affinity for maxi skirts is also continuing. Once a winter shape, ankle-length hemlines will continue well into the warmer months of the year – just think lighter colour palettes and less bulky fabrics. This stone satin design from River Island is exactly the right vibe, and you can wear it with a variety of layers (think oversized hoodies/sweatshirts and knitwear or t-shirts and blazers). Elsewhere, denim maxi skirts like this lightweight one from ASOS will remain a staple well into summer.

ASOS DESIGN Lightweight Denim Maxi Skirt with Split Front

SPRING OUTFITS: THE TROUSERS/JEANS

It’s all about effortless looks and maximum comfort in the fashion realm this spring – tailoring included. When it comes to jeans and trousers, forget the slim-fit styles you once knew and loved. According to Gen-Z, skinny is out and baggy is in. COS and Zara tend to agree, with their bestselling silhouettes of the moment being these wide-leg wool trousers and these loose-fit denim chinos. So who are we to argue?

Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Pleated Trousers

SPRING OUTFITS: THE TOP

You don’t want to put too much thought into getting dressed every day, no matter the month, but it proves especially difficult when spring introduces chilly mornings and warm afternoons. This is where choosing your top wisely comes in. Opt for something you can either layer/take off when the temperature changes or something that you can adjust in the same scenario. Take a shirt, for example; you can roll up its sleeves and loosen its buttons when the sun rears its head, or wear a bodysuit beneath it when its particularly breezy.

ASOS DESIGN Oxford Shirt in Blue and White Stripe

Wolford Jamaika Stretch-Jersey Bodysuit

SPRING OUTFITS: THE SHOES

Your footwear choices throughout the spring need to be comparable to Goldilocks, i.e. not too hot and not too cold. While it’s probably time to put your favourite winter boots away, it’s definitely not warm enough to dig out the flip flops, so you’ll be needing something in between. Think: chunky sandals, backless loafers and fashion trainers and you’ll be on the right tracks.

Bow Leather Ballerina Pumps

Chuck 70 Vintage Canvas Trainers

SPRING OUTFITS: THE JACKET

Spring jackets are a godsend. No, really. If you’re sad at the thought of having to give up your beloved wool coat, we’re here to remind you that until we hit those 17°C and above climes, you’re still going to need a little something something. From blazers and denim jackets to trench coats and bombers, spring brings the opportunity to debut some really great outerwear. So it’s not goodbye just yet.

The Frankie Shop Gelso Oversized Blazer

Anine Bing Rhy Denim Jacket

SPRING OUTFITS: THE BAG

In terms of your bag choices, look to designs that you can continue to wear into summer. This Chloé Woody Tote will suffice all the way through to autumn, hence its cult status, while this classic leather tote from & Other Stories makes the perfect case for fashion’s favourite trend at the moment: Barbiecore.

Chloé Woody Medium Leather-Trimmed Linen-Canvas Tote

For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

Below, find our top spring outfits and spring clothes picks that are sure to make dressing a breeze this time of year.