Outfit algebra for Spring

7 spring outfit ideas (technically 14) and combinations i'm excited to wear

*This post is jam packed! It has A LOT of examples and may be too long to read in email, so you may need to open in Substack or read in your browser.

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Tiny shoots of green are peeping out of (what was) my bare fig tree, so as far as i’m concerned, it’s spring. As such I thought it might be fun to share some outfit inspiration - quite literally ‘formulas’ for spring. I was never any good at Math, but this I can get behind! I like the idea of outfit algebra as something I could do for each season, because when it comes to using our own wardrobes to their fullest, sometimes we just need more ideas, not necessarily more stuff.

I’ve tried to keep the equations as general as possible, but hopefully it goes without saying, if you don’t have for example ‘a sleeveless blazer’ don’t feel you need to add one. Maybe you could just use something else that offers a similar feel that you already own. What we take away or add to an outfit is a big part of what helps us feel at home in our clothes. Small tweaks create big impact and make a huge difference when it comes to making the most of what we have. It’s how we can make the same pieces work for all kinds of scenarios and occasions. All examples I’ve recreated with pieces from my existing closet and i’ve included optional modifications to get more out of each look/tweak it to suit your lifestyle.

Equation 1

Without realising it, this has become one of my favorite outfit combinations for smarter spring occasions like dinner or drinks. I think of it as a nod to relaxed tailoring. (If you’re new here, Hi! I’m Harry, and I love a blazer.) However living in LA means their ultimately comes a point where it’s just too hot for my go to blazers. But a vest or sleeveless blazer is a piece I would struggle to live without in my wardrobe now. It offers the same feeling of being smart but it’s easy to dress up or dress down, plus it’s still a layer I can take off on warmer days. During Spring vests see heavy rotation in my wardrobe, especially for meetings or work related events. I also think there’s just something so exciting about being able to finally enjoy wearing open toe shoes without feeling like your toes are going to freeze come spring.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

If you want to make this outfit a little more casual, I would just swap out the open toe shoes for a pair of Converse (or trainers) and swap the clutch bag for a cross body which also offers up the practicality of being hands free if you’re enjoying a city break or just generally need to be hands free.

Modification example

Equation 2

I mean… if I can wear a blazer, I will! A blazer and jeans will always feel like a classic combination to me, but I have to say I enjoy adding in a linen or some kind of knitted waistcoat into a combination like this just to make things feel a little more spring.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

If a blazer and a waistcoat together feels too formal, try substituting both for a white tee with a sweater you can drape over your shoulders or tie around your waist . This still looks polished with the clutch bag, but reads a little more relaxed.

Modification example

Equation 3

For those days when it’s sunny but with a little chill in the air, I love wearing a sweater or knit with long shorts. In spring I don’t yet feel ready for a short short, but a longer length short is the perfect way to signal to my brain we’re leaving winter behind and ready for a new season. Controversial, but I have always loved a little mule or kitten heel for spring. Any shoe with a little heel just elevates an outfit like sweater and long shorts. The knitted t-shirt my mum made me is perfect for this because I still get the warmth factor while being able to show a little more skin.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

The easiest modification to make this outfit perfect for running errands is to substitute the low heel shoes for a simple rubber flip flop. Still incredibly chic but allows for more comfort being on the go.

Modification example

Equation 4

Is there anything more spring than a pair of off white jeans? I’ll admit I used to really struggle to know how to style lighter denim shades in the past but some variation of the above three looks have served me well.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

You can quickly turn this into a work from home outfit by substituting the belt and white denim for a slouchy drawstring pant. Add in a statement earring and you’re ready for zoom calls, while feeling like you’re wearing your pyjamas! A drawstring linen blend trouser has become a really hard working piece in my wardrobe because it’s comfy and cosy but still feels a little more intentional than wearing sweatpants.

Modification example

Equation 5

I don’t care what anyone says, double denim is one of the most universal outfits in my wardrobe with so many use cases. Whether it’s spring or fall, I rarely pack a bag without a matching denim set. It can be dressed up or dressed down so easily, and I also really enjoy experimenting with different washes of denim worn together.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

If you’re looking for the easiest weekend/off duty look, this is it. All you need to do is to swap out your fancy shoes for a plimsoll type trainer (I like Vans) and swap out a structured bag for a cross body. The other reason I love a double denim look is because it’s so easy to layer, which is essential for spring.

Modification example

Equation 6

A shirt is a staple in my wardrobe all year round, but especially as the weather warms up. I love that I can use it as a cover up when it’s too hot for an actual jacket. A shirt and a black trouser is one of my go to bases, and another base I tend to travel with a lot. I use a lot of micro tweaks when i’m wearing shirts such as playing with how I roll the sleeves or how I tuck it in. This gives the same shirt or the same base different vibes, depending on how relaxed or formal I want the look to feel. I also think a sandal with a black trouser and shirt is such a chic spring look. Another nod to relaxed tailoring and one that’s perfect for city breaks where you want to do lots of walking where you’re out all day and know the temperature is likely to change.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

With a few substitutions and additions, this becomes a classic travel look that’s comfortable whether you’re driving or flying (both for long haul or short haul) etc. It’s airport friendly, comfortable (I opt for elasticated waist/drawstring black trousers here) and incredibly practical. My feet get cold when I fly so I tend to opt for my Veja trainers and this Calpak tote has been a game changer when I need a bag with tons of space and loads of pockets. If it’s too hot to wear my sweater, I just wear it like a scarf or use it as a pillow during travel.

Modification example

Equation 7

A silk scarf adds a touch of warmth without being overkill to a spring outfit. I wear mine a lot with blazers, and my trusty trench coat. I feel like a trench is the perfect spring coat, especially in a lighter tone as it lifts anything darker you wear with it and adds a nice bit of contrast. My Toteme trench has been one of the best investments i’ve made in my wardrobe, and from looking at my Indyx analytics, it’s actually my most worn coat. A flat pump or loafer allows room to wear a sock if it is cooler, or reveal a little skin if it’s warmer, but it still looks professional for work settings.

Examples of how i’ll be wearing it

Modification

If I was travelling for work or a formal occasion and I wanted to pack the least amount possible, I’d probably opt for a silk cami as the quickest way to change my look from day to night. It works with any kind of trouser and packs down teeny tiny! Add a big earing, a belt if you fancy, an open toe heel and pair with the same trench and structured bag and you have a really chic dinner look.

Modification example

I hope this provided some inspo for spring. If you found this helpful, I’d be thrilled if you’d consider supporting it financially. For $7 a month or $65 a year (which gives you two months free), you’ll gain access to the entire archive, join the private subscriber chat, and access to The Wardrobe Playdate so you always have inspiration on how to make the most of your wardrobe. If becoming a paid subscriber isn’t an option right now, you can still support my work by sharing, liking, or forwarding it to a friend—every bit helps me continue writing regularly and delivering thoughtful pieces for you.

Thank you so much for your support!

Harry x

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