Dressing for spring
Brighter colors, more skin, and weather-ready outfits
Spring is one of the best times to get dressed!
The season ignites the senses: the scent of blooming flowers, sunlight that lasts longer and feels warmer, and a breeze that blows with the promise of rebirth.
In the fashion world, the spring season is an eruption of new styles and endless possibilities to express yourself.
It’s very “I’m Coming Out“ by Diana Ross.
♫⋆｡♪ ”…There's a new me comin' out, and I just have to live, and I wanna give, I'm completely positive…”♪˚♬⋆
One of my favorite markers of spring? Brighter colors and patterns.
This skater gets it.
Spring evokes a medley of patterns and textures. The tie-dye pants below are a bolder option. (SUAY, in LA, offers monthly community dye baths that typically include a psychedelic tie-dye option.)
And the woman on the right’s woven flower hat (and thoughtful layering) scream “spring!” (PARDO, a Spanish brand, makes AMAZING hats of all styles and colors. This one is a good alt for the floral one.)
Something about knits gives a “I-knitted-this-over-winter-and-now-it’s-ready-for-its-debut” kind of vibe. Here, this gorgeous knit vest by the Japanese brand Beams brings the right amount of pop! and color to Weston’s outfit.
Color may be the main event. This bright, lime-yellow Lemaire Parachute dress below (online soon at J&J) is silky smooth, deliciously airy, and just downright FUN.
A natural spring compulsion? Finally exposing winter skin, ready to see the sun.
I love the little bit of skin showing in this woman’s outfit below. Her tastefully-exposed mid-drift and ankles are a precursor to summer.
It’s a monochromatic look (very Chloé, actually — like this top with these pants), but the silhouettes in the top and joggers help the outfit feel open, airy, and — although beige — still spring-forward.
Or maybe you’re already in full-on shorts mode? If so, might I recommend these Jesse Kamm bermuda shorts (super comfy and classic) and these Camiel Fortgens green nylon ones (still comfy, more sporty)?
Weston in these black denim “Dad shorts” by orSlow remind us that bermuda shorts might just be *the* spring short. Chic, cheeky, and ideal for nature’s transitions.
Lest we forget that a season between seasons is the perfect time to wear transitional looks that might otherwise feel out of place. Like socks with shoes that might not require them — be them loafers, sandals, or even…jellies?!
Fashion queen Leandra Medine Cohen, who writes The Cereal Aisle, pushes this idea even further and has been known to wear colored tights with sandals or heels.
Because literally. why. not.
At the same time, it’s a great moment to break out allllllll the lightweight jackets.
Here’s Jen wearing the Cordera Balloon jacket in forest green.
"Throwing on a jacket is an easy way to elevate an outfit and make the day feel put together. As I get older, I realize that while I might need to wear something easy like jeans and a tee to be flexible going to work and being a mom, a jacket like this easily ups the outfit and makes it feel polished and refined. I want to be practical, but also styled — this jacket is both. This color also is a great neutral, and an easy addition to your rotation." — Jen
Weston is wearing the Camiel Fortgens Cropped Outdoor Jacket, which is kinda the perfect piece to keep you warm and dry (it’s even got a hood!), without sacrificing personality.
Though, perhaps a cotton hoodie or laminated cotton jacket is more your speed? (Camiel Fortgens also has an amazing zip-up knit that brings the right amount of color and warmth).
Or — forgo a jacket altogether. Julia came into the shop this week layering a white sweater, over a floral Hermès shawl, over a lilac linen top. Genius.
In other cute layering news, Dani popped this adorable Cawley dress over a t-shirt and jeans.
And this woman paired a button down over a slinky dress. It really can be that simple!
Perhaps the most important (and exciting!) part of spring dressing is building outfits that are resilient against unpredictable weather.
Overalls are one of those classic closet pieces that will take you from day to night, from warm to cool, from season to season.
The wash on this pair of orSlows is so versatile. I’m wearing it with a Flore Flore longsleeve and tank (depending on the weather), both with black Anne Thomas loafers.
(The amber Beatrice Valenzuela necklace adds a nice warmth and brightness, too.)
Might not seem like it, but the Beams shirt Weston is sporting below is a lightweight mesh that surely works well on those chilly-in-the-shade-but-warm-in-the-sunlight days. I personally love the light oranges and subtle blues in the weaves, which keep it from feeling too heavy.
Re: denim — have you tried B Sides Lassos yet? If not, try them on and don’t overthink it. You could surprise yourself just in time for “I’m comin’ out” season. They’re an all-around jean that can be dressed up or down.
I love the way they paired with the Nikki Chasin bra tee, which in itself signals warmer “bikini” weather. I played with reds and pinks here, inspired by some of my favorite blooms in my neighborhood.
Which leads me to say…
Happy spring, Santa Barbara!
Don’t forget to say it to the flowers.
LOOOOOOVE.