Heavy rain, midterms and 60-degree weather on the horizon — spring is in the air!
Winter in Storrs has been nothing short of cruel, with snowstorms every other weekend and dirty slush and salt covering our shoes. It also seems to plan to stick around, with snow on the forecast and temperatures still firmly rooted in the low 40s. But after months of thick puffer jackets, fuzzy hats and snow boots, there’s some relief in our near future.
Spring is arriving fashionably late this year, so you should arrive fashionable, too. Here’s how.
Dress in layers
Layers are both fashionable and practical. The weather in spring is unpredictable, ranging from high 30s to low 70s all in one day, so you’ll want to be prepared for anything, especially if you can’t stop by your dorm to change between classes. You might feel sick of layering by now — after all, those bulky puffers might have you feeling like a snowman — but spring (no pun intended) for light layers and you’ll be fine.
Mix and match your basics
There are a few spring staples you absolutely can’t go without. First, of course, is the tank top. You can layer these under pretty much anything for some invisible warmth, or even over a t-shirt for that classic Y2K style. Next is the plain crewneck; while not as flexible as the tank top, it provides a nice base for the outfit, especially with a white shirt peeking out under the collar (layers!).
And you should always have at least one zip-up hoodie. Ready to serve at every temperature, the zip-up is an easy piece to incorporate into an otherwise plain outfit, and zipping it up at different lengths can change your entire appearance.
The most crucial staple I would have to recommend, though, is the timeless flannel button-up. You can pair it with almost anything and wear it over, under or around the waist. Lately, short-sleeve button-ups worn over waffle-knit long-sleeves have been making a comeback — a classic combo perfect for the mid-range temperatures of spring!
You can’t forget about pants and shoes, either. Jeans are trending and for good reason; some linen trousers or leggings are more comfortable options that will still elevate your outfit. When it gets warmer, try out some long jorts — which, I know, can be hit or miss, but it doesn’t hurt to try, and they always make a statement. As for shoes, Converse and any tennis shoe have a good spring vibe.
Find your aesthetic — or let the trends find it for you
Maybe jeans and a boxy tee aren’t your style — understandable! Spring allows for versatility and encourages all sorts of aesthetics. If you like flowy, frilly pieces, it’s time to break out your skirts and blouses; if you like more earthy, vintage pieces, pick up some corduroy pants and a grandpa sweater. The cottagecore aesthetic is in season! If you’re more into the “clean” aesthetic, go for a nice polo or some linen pieces that’ll give you breathability on the hotter days.
We’ve all seen the Carhartt jacket trend floating around these past couple of years, and rest assured it’s still in style. But as we all have learned from scouring Depop, Carhartts are rare and pricey. A budget-friendly alternative is a bomber jacket or jean jacket; they’re lightweight, easy to store away on the go and simple to style. If you’re particularly stylish, the trenchcoat is a unique and fun choice for a final layer. Don’t forget a raincoat!
Also in revival is the 90s and early 2000s t-shirt-over-long-sleeve combo. Any kind of tee (plain, patterned or graphic) over a long-sleeve is the perfect match to thrust your style into the stratosphere. The key to making it look like skateboarder streetwear instead of, say, Sheldon Cooper’s wardrobe, is to keep the long-sleeve a muted neutral tone or at least make sure the colors are complementary. Clashing a royal blue long-sleeve with an emerald green graphic tee won’t do you any favors.
Coordination is key
Now that we’re on the subject, let’s talk colors and patterns. Spring is a very bright and airy season, so opt for pastels and generally light colors. Light-wash jeans are a good pick for any outfit, especially if you’re planning to wear a darker top. If you’re into the earthy tones, go for lighter greens and tans. If you’re more into darks, try out navy or forest green.
Patterns can be tricky to style, which is why I recommend having a lot of plain pieces to layer. However, there is one pattern that always works in spring: gingham. Whether it’s a gingham button-up or gingham dress, it’ll always look great in springtime — probably because of the association with picnics.
Stripes usually work well, too. Here’s a tip on striped pieces: look at how close the lines are to one another. The closer the lines, the harder it’ll be to style — but inversely, if the lines are too far apart, you’ll just look like a grid. Find a nice middle ground for optimal styling. Polka dots, although very susceptible to becoming “tacky,” are also a fun option for a blouse or sundress. If you’re truly daring, you can tackle the floral pattern and get quirky with your tops (or bottoms!).
Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself
Spring is all about new beginnings, so give yourself the grace to explore a new beginning for your style, too. If you’re worried about whether a piece works for you or if an outfit is too “out there,” phone a friend or just… give it a try. If something makes you happy to wear, there’s no reason you shouldn’t wear it.
Don’t fear getting creative! The good thing about an outfit is that you can always change out of it and you never have to wear anything that was part of it again. Spring for the stars!