Spring Curious
Five outfits for a season that can't make up its mind.
It happens every year. The second it’s March, my entire feed collectively loses its mind over linen and flats and the idea of a trench coat, even when it’s snowing outside. And I am not immune! I, too, am clicking on every “spring capsule wardrobe” post I come across despite the fact that I live in Michigan, where spring is more of a concept than a season.
Here's what spring actually looks like here: mostly 40s and 50s1, gray, with a side of the kind of drizzle that isn't quite enough to justify an umbrella but is definitely enough to ruin your hair. You'll get a couple of 72-degree days where everyone loses their minds and you're texting your friends "should we eat outside??" And then the next day the low/high is 30/42 with high winds and a mist and you definitely need a hat.
Those warm days are the exception, not the rule. But the itch to dress for “spring” anyway is real. And now that it’s actually April, I want something to feel different. I want to wear something that isn't a sweatshirt. I want to participate in spring, even if spring isn't fully participating back.
I recently contributed to Madeline Nachbar’s post about what Substack writers are wearing this spring, and when I saw everyone’s looks side by side, something became very clear: I am the dark one. Everyone else was in color and I was in, like, shades of black lol. Which made me laugh, but also made me think: I don’t really know how to do color, if I’m being honest. I gravitate towards neutrals, things I know I’ll be able to mix and match without thinking. But after the winter we just had, I want to try to bring in a little more color.
So here I am trying! And I gave myself some rules:
Each outfit has to have at least a little color in it, in a me way, not in a “bold spring brights!” way. (Even though I love that.)
Each one has to include at least two things I already own, because the goal isn’t to buy a new wardrobe, it’s to figure out how to work with what I have and fill in the gaps thoughtfully.
All of it has to actually work for Michigan in April, which means nothing too precious, nothing too lightweight (unless it can be easily layered), and nothing I couldn’t realistically wear to pick up my kids in or to wipe my dog’s dirty paws in.
And, it has to make sense for working from home. Nothing too theatrical or maximalist (even though I love that, from afar) because let’s be honest, no one will really see me. :)
Some outfits below feel more like me than others. Which is kind of the point.
Here are five Ariane-coded spring outfits, and where I’m wearing them.
1. An Early Dinner on a Warmer Evening
Remember, “warmer evening” is the exception, not the norm. But when it’s warm, we’re going outside!! And ideally we’re doing that over a glass of wine and a charcuterie board with friends while our kids play with each other2. I have the pants and the tee (both favorites). I’ve been eyeing the cardigan for a couple seasons now, plus we love a butter yellow…who has this and can weigh in?! I’m into the idea of a spring handbag that doesn’t have to fit 3 water bottles and a laptop (my usual). And then the Mary Jane’s are fun, no?! But I’d probably have socks handy (linked a pair of my favorites above) because you know, cooling temps and all.
2. For Running Errands on a Gray Day
I’m envisioning weather in the 50’s, but no rain. This outfit is probably closest to what I’d typically gravitate towards: B&W with other neutrals. But I’ve added a pop of color in the scarf. I have the top and a very similar belt, along with the bag. I have the jeans in black, but I want them in this wash. I have a very similar coat — this one looks great and is a great price too! And then THESE SHOES. I’m in love with them. They are high on my wishlist right now. I maybeee should be wearing socks on this day, but if I’m just in and out of the car hopefully I’ll be just fine.
3. School Drop-Off on a Warmer Morning
When I think of the ideal spring day, this is what I’m wearing. It’s warming up, but nowhere near hot — the air is still crisp. Sweater weather! The sun is out and the flowers are blooming. I have the hat (my brother’s brand!), jeans (Top 5 for me), sunglasses, and loafers. I saw the polo sweater IRL in NYC the last time I was there and loved it. And the tote I’ve been wanting for months.
4. A Rainy Day
For a rainy day, I’m reverting back to black, but bringing some yellow AND pink tones with me! I’ve had a Stutterheim for years and it really is the best — fully waterproof and warm too. The Swedes know what they’re doing. I also have the pants, boots (rain resistant!), and bag. I would love the long sleeve tee and the sweater!
5. Working at a Coffee Shop
The name of the game in spring is L-A-Y-E-R-S and this look is no exception. I like the retro vibes of the tee mixed with the slight neon hue of the cotton sweater. I have and love both the jeans and the quilted jacket. I also have a different color of the bag, but love this print! And then of course the sneakers are a classic. I love all the pairs Libby McCurrach and Elle Sundberg put together here too!
So there you have it. Five outfits I'm actually considering building this spring, with real weather in mind. A little color, a lot of layers, and a healthy respect for the forecast. I won't pretend I've cracked the color code, but I'm having fun sticking my toe in.
Drop your spring outfits in the comments. I want to hear what everyone else is wearing!
xx Ariane
Ps. This post includes affiliate links, but I’d never promote anything I didn’t love! *denotes gifted product.
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Though we did get some warmer days just this past week!!
Or perhaps they’re not even there! Ann Arbor friends, I’m thinking York.
Love your style and want to replicate them all. The running errands fit🤌
Why is spring so hard to dress for!!! I love your parameters and think you did an EXCELLENT job creating outfits, all of which I want to wear immediately!