5 Versatile Spring Layers
Plus styling tips, outfit inspo, and fresh finds for your closet!
While the days are getting warmer, those crisp mornings and cool evenings may still call for a light layer. Today I’m sharing the five versatile spring layers I reach for the most in my closet. These pieces are classic, reliable, and easy to style for a variety of occasions.
Keep scrolling to see my go-to staples for this in-between season, along with styling tips and a curated selection of current season finds!
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1. Cropped Jacket
A cropped jacket is my personal favorite layer to style — you’ll notice that the categories below also include cropped silhouettes, but I grouped them differently based off their fabric (suede or denim) or style (trench coat).
The cropped, fitted silhouette leans feminine and instantly adds polish to an outfit. It’s the ideal 3rd piece for the office, but is equally chic for a night out. Available in a variety of fabrics, I most often gravitate towards tweed or cotton styles.
This style easily pairs with dresses, high waisted pants (wide, slim or straight leg), denim, shorts, and skirts.
Style tip #1: For an unexpected outfit combo, style the jacket as a top and pair with a loose fitting, straight leg jean. The contrast between the relaxed denim and polished layer keeps the outfit interesting!
2. Longline Blazer
Want a sophisticated, tailored layer, but the cropped silhouette isn’t for you? Try a longline blazer.
A longline blazer is a stylish alternative to a stuffy, traditional blazer. In the outfits above, notice that each blazer falls past the widest point of my hips, landing near the top of my thighs. A longline blazer also has a more relaxed fit, from slightly to extremely oversized. I prefer slightly oversized to avoid overwhelming my frame.
For spring and summer, an ivory or cream blazer is a must in my wardrobe. I also wear my navy blazer more than my black blazer in the spring and summer as the navy feels a bit softer. The olive green and light pink blazers below would be stylish wardrobe additions if you’re looking for an option beyond the basics!
This style easily pairs with high waisted pants (wide, slim, or straight leg), shorts, dresses, or skirts.
Style tip #2: Push up your sleeves to expose your wrists/forearms — this helps break up the fabric, drawing the eye to the waist and lengthening the legs.
Style tip #3: When styling with mini dresses or skirts, have the hemline of the blazer land close to the dress or skirt hemline. Hemlines create horizontal lines that divide an outfit and impact the outfit proportions — sometimes this can make an outfit look “off”. The more similar the hemlines, the more cohesive the outfit looks.
Style tip #4: When styling with midi or maxi hemlines, I often drape the blazer over my shoulders to avoid my frame being lost beneath all the fabric.
3. Suede Jacket
I focused on cropped silhouettes again, but you can also find suede jackets in longer, looser fits (like this one).
A longer, looser suede jacket with fringe feels more boho and western. Where as a cropped, sleek silhouette leans modern and polished. I could argue for having both styles in your closet depending on the occasion and the outfit, but it all boils down to your personal style.
I love the luxurious texture that suede adds to an outfit. My only gripe against it is that it’s so delicate! You have take extra care to avoid unwanted stains or watermarks.
Style tip #5: I often think of suede as more appropriate for fall or very early spring, especially in the classic tan shade, so styling options may be limited as we get into late spring. A lighter neutral suede might be easier to style in later spring!
Style tip #6: Consider the fabrics you pair with suede — I’m unlikely (never say never) to match a suede jacket with linen, since linen signals warm weather. I’d opt for a lighter layer in a more seasonally appropriate fabric like cotton or linen instead.
Style tip #7: Less of a style tip and more of a shopping tip — suede jackets can be pricey, so don’t forget to consider resale sites or vintage! Not only might this be more wallet friendly, but it’s also a great way to find a unique style.
4. Trench Coat
A trench coat is a reliable daytime layer to style with casual outfits to more polished workwear. My ideal trench is water resistant with a detachable hood so it can double as a chic raincoat — unfortunately, I have yet to find one that checks all those boxes.
A beige/tan trench is a classic colorway, but if that shade doesn’t suit your skin tone, there are varying warm or cool tone neutrals, as well as other colorways like olive, navy, or black to consider. Looking for more of a statement? I love a gingham or check print trench!
Since the cropped trench has been popular the last few seasons, I included a few options below, but I haven’t personally tried styling it yet. I most frequently wear styles that fall below the knee or are midi/maxi length.
Style tip #8: The longer the trench hemline, the easier to style with midi dresses/skirts — refer back to tip #3 for why this is helpful!
Style tip #9: When you’re not wearing the coat closed, you can tie the loose belt behind you to give more structure and intentionality to your outfit.
5. Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a classic, casual option that, like a pair of denim, is available in a variety of washes and cuts. I’ve collected multiple styles over the years, but lately I’ve found myself relying on the above jacket from Sezane.
Although denim will always lean casual, the darker wash and cropped, boxy silhouette of the Sezane jacket feels more sophisticated than an oversized, light wash denim jacket.
Since there are so many styles to choose from, consider which wash and cut (fitted vs. oversized) compliments your personal style the best.
Until next time,
Kelly
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