We did it, besties! We made it through the last few frigid weeks of the season, and May has finally arrived. That means it's officially time to break out your spring/summer wardrobe and screenshot some of these May outfits to recreate all month long. But before you do, we need to have a little chat.
I'm going to hold your hand while I say this: There is life beyond the floral sundress. There's a time and place for your favorite skin-tight Reformation mini—I won't deny it—but that time isn't every day and that place isn't everywhere. You're better than that!
Thankfully, there are a whole host of spring outfit ideas that are equally stylish, but feel just a little bit more elevated. Actually, no—strike that. They're a lot more elevated. I'm talking: bubble skirts, posh suiting, Eurocore co-ords, edgy boy shorts, runway-inspired boho dresses, and more—all waiting for a chance to blow your over-and-done-with sundress out of the water.
Boho-Chic Ruffles
Behold: the Chloé effect. The luxury label has succeeded where so many others could not, effectively bringing back the early-2000s boho-chic aesthetic. Only this time around, we're modernizing the look by styling flouncy ruffled tops and dresses with luxe add-ons, like thigh-high boots and simplistic leather handbags.
Shop the Boho-Chic Look
Free People Darcy Mini
8 Other Reasons Crescent Bag
Pops of Cherry Red
If your TikTok algo regularly serves you apartment decor, you've probably already heard of the "unexpected red theory." It's a household styling concept that applies just as well to your wardrobe. Essentially, it means a random splash of red can make any look feel eclectic and effortlessly cool. Case in point...
Shop the Crimson Look
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
Cider Mesh Figure Graphic Tank Top
Gray Suiting
This one's for all my corporate girlies! You've spent one too many summers confined to a sweltering pantsuit. Thankfully, this spring's corporatecore trend has brought new, breezier styles to the workwear rotation—like fitted blazers, sleek capri pants, and single-breasted vests.
Shop the Corpcore Look
Aritzia Babaton Avenue Capri
Bershka High-Heel Mules With Buckle
Zara Metallic Bag
A Colorful Co-Ord
Spend five minutes browsing your local mall and one thing will become abundantly clear: Co-ord season has officially begun. This year's light-weight sets come covered in bright patchwork prints reminiscent of the Italian coast. Basically, they'll put you in vacation mode, without the jet lag or four-figure hotel bill.
Shop the Quilted Look
Vero Moda Pull-On Shorts in Tropical Postcard Print
Stand Oil Boat Bag
Missoma Harris Reed In Good Hands Beaded Gemstone Necklace
Baggy Shorts and a Ruffled Blouse
Dad jorts have officially bypassed cut-offs as the hot-girl style of the summer, freeing you from the turmoil of front wedgies and too-tight waistbands. Double down on the casual vibes with your favorite baby tee, or add heels and a blouse to dress it up.
Shop the Jean Shorts Look
Cinq a Sept Steffina Ruffle Neck-Tie Long-Sleeve Top
A Bright Bubble Dress
Remember what I said? You're better than the floral sundress. Embrace that mantra—be it, live it! You'll be so much happier in—say, a strapless sage green bubble dress and matching high heels.
Shop the Bubble Dress Look
UO Rex Strapless Cargo Bubble Hem Mini Dress
Veronica Beard Tubogas Gold Necklace
Short-Shorts and a Boxy Blazer
We've only got a few weeks left of shorts-and-a-jacket weather, so consider this your reminder to take full advantage. Because once August rolls around, you'll long for those delightfully temperate May afternoons. Mix inter-seasonal favorites, like boxy blazers, micro shorts, and boots, while you still can.
Shop the Boxy Blazer Look
h:ours Delanie Hot Short
Reformation Parker Oversized Blazer
Slouchy Jeans and Statement Boots
Kendall Jenner wore a version of this outfit in 2017 and I literally haven't stopped thinking about it since. She debuted hers in November, but IMO the look is more appropriate for those warm-but-not-hot May nights. Throw on baggy jeans and a tank to squeeze one last stylish moment out of your favorite statement boots.
Shop the Slouchy Jean Look
Innovare Denim Alvaro Leopard Ruch Boots
Superdown Luz Knit Top
Pastels and Pearls
Pastels-and-pearls season is in full swing, and your wardrobe should reflect that energy. Lean into the traditional springtime aesthetic by mixing and matching all your most darling pieces. It's a classic for a reason!
Sop the Pastel Look
Six Stories Satin Mini Shift Dress in Peony Pink
Nina Shoes Gaia Ivory Satin Plastic Pearl Satchel
Coach Angelina Mary Jane
A Crop Top and Maxi Skirt
You've been patiently waiting for the return of your beloved crop tops, but now that the time has come, you might be feeling a little bit too naked. It takes some getting used to, so ease into the bare midriff look with a long-sleeve top styled with a maxi skirt.
Shop the Maxi Skirt Look
Maeve The Colette Maxi Skirt
Madewell Women's Western Studded Belt
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
