The moment April rolls around, I feel like a free woman. We’ve finally broken free from the bitter cold, snow, and that soul-crushing moment when you’re getting ready and you check the Weather app to see that it’s still somehow 30 degrees out. The days of dressing just to survive the frost are over! Now it’s time to show a little skin, experiment with lighter fabrics and brighter colors, and have fun with playful accessories.
But let’s be real: “April showers bring May flowers” is a saying for a reason. We’re still in that tricky in-between season—not as freezing as March but still chilly and unpredictable enough that smart layering is essential. A light trench coat or a gorp-core windbreaker can handle random rainfalls and strong breezes without messing up your look.
So let these outfits I’ve been eyeing inspire your spring wardrobe. I like to call them my perfect pregaming summer looks…
A striped top and a lace skirt
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with unexpected pairings—like this oversized striped shirt and lace skirt combo. It’s the perfect mix of casual cool and soft femininity, and I’m totally here for it! Match the stripes with the skirt, then layer on a classic trench coat for a chic Parisian-inspired look, and you’re ready for any cold that might come your way.
Uncoordinated denim
Does anybody else have a closet full of denim, but not all of them play nicely together? Let me just say it: Canadian tuxedos don’t have to be matchy-matchy! The secret is building a cohesive color palette around them. Here, the grey top, black accessories, and white bag keep everything cool-toned and intentional—even with two totally different washes.
Yellow and pink
Spring is all about pastels, and why not full-send it with a butter yellow and Pepto pink combo? The neutral accessories and cow print details keep it grounded—just enough contrast to balance the color without toning it down.
Sporty business
Let’s be real: A blazer with your office pinstripe skirt is so boring and predictable! Swap it for a muted-colored (still keeping it in the corporate color palette) windbreaker instead, and your usual office uniform gets some edge. Extra style points if you add in a pink purse for some more pop.
A polka dot maxi dress
Polka dots were creeping up into fashion last year, but this season, they’re totally here to dominate. The whimsical print on a long maxi dress—especially paired with some sleek ballet flats—is so spring-coded.
Floral on floral
I know florals aren’t exactly groundbreaking this time of year, but floral-maxxing with a matching two-piece set really amps things up. It’s so extra it works, and honestly, there’s no better time for it! Add some pastel heels and a matching purse, and you’ll look like spring personified.
Jorts and a blazer
I’m always finding ways to adultify my casual staples—aka my favorite jorts. Turns out, throwing on a tailored blazer and some calf-length leather boots will do the trick.
Sheer whites
Sheer is having a moment this spring (we called it in our official spring fashion trend report !). But white sheer pieces specifically feel so fresh and light, and pairing a sheer top with a lace skirt completes the dreamy silhouette. Metallic accessories add some fun, chromatic edge to an otherwise dainty look.
Tennis-core 2.0
This sporty aesthetic has had a chokehold on spring and summer style for the past few years, but this look proves it still has legs when you push it. An oversized striped knit that’s long enough to pass as a minidress, a butter yellow pleated skirt peeking out underneath, knee-high socks, and blue Mary Janes—it's sporty at its core but way more playful than just your usual polo and skort.
A spring dress and a suede jacket
Ease into warmer weather with lighter layers. Bring back that spring dress you’ve been dying to wear, but throw on an oversized suede jacket so you stay warm without overheating. Add some socks with your heels—your feet stay cozy, and you look like a professional style star. Fashion can be practical!!
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
