7 Simple Spring Outfits That Defy the Trend Cycle

I always try to appeal to a wide range of readers with my Who What Wear stories. Some of my articles focus on luxury designer pieces, while others are much more budget-friendly. Some cover racy trends, while others appeal to more modest dressers. As for this story? I'm targeting classic dressers who prefer to stay outside the trend cycle. This type of consumer wants simple outfit ideas that are super easy to re-create but never boring.

Below, I've rounded up seven outfits inspired by some of my favorite women on Instagram. There's something here for everyone, whether you want to spice up your old favorite jeans or are looking for a cute way to style a straw hat for warm weather. Scroll down to shop seven simple spring outfits that defy the trend cycle.

1. Red Top + Light-Wash Jeans + Red Ballet Flats

When in doubt, I always wear white tees with my jeans, but I'm trying to expand my horizons a bit. Enter the color of the season: red.

red shoes with jeans outfit

(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

2. Black Sweater + White Pleated Skirt

Spring weather can be finicky: You often need a sweater to guard against cool temperatures, but you're also dying to bust out your favorite spring items. This outfit is a perfect compromise.

white skirt black top

(Image credit: @_jeanettemadsen_)

3. Straw Hat + Blue-and-White Floral Dress

Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but they will always be a good idea. I particularly love a blue-and-white version like this one.

floral dress outfit with a straw hat

(Image credit: @spiritedpursuit)

4. Halter Tank Top + Linen Shorts

It doesn't get any easier than this. You probably already own a tank top and linen shorts, but just in case you don't, I sourced my favorite versions of each item below.

white shorts outfit

(Image credit: @claire_most)

5. One-Shoulder Black Dress + Top-Handle Bag

A one-shoulder dress is guaranteed to earn you compliments whether you're on a European vacation or a shopping excursion.

black dress outfit

(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

6. Striped Button-Down Shirt + Denim Shorts + Ballet Flats

This $20 Old Navy shirt is calling my name. I'll be styling it exactly like Tamara Mory did below.

pink shirt outfit

(Image credit: @tamaramory)

7. White Pantsuit

A white pantsuit will never go out of style, so it's a foolproof bet for spring 2024. I'm a huge fan of Veronica Beard's blazers and pants in particular.

white pantsuit women outfit idea

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)
Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.