The Effortlessly Chic Spring Outfit Formula Stylish People Are Living in Right Now

As those in my inner fashion circle know, there is nothing I love more than an easy look that doesn't sacrifice style. This season, there is one outfit formula I plan on wearing on repeat that fits the bill perfectly. It includes four key pieces: a trench coat, a basic top, straight-leg jeans, and a pair of classic flats. This mix is elevated, expensive-looking, and super simple to pull off, so it's a no-brainer for spring.
I recently rounded up some examples of the outfit idea from stylish people I follow on Instagram to keep handy for a future rushed morning when I am not sure what to wear. I love that the formula is foolproof. You can see with each look that they followed the same idea but can incorporate varying styles of each key piece. This proves that the combination is incredibly hard to mess up and still allows for everyone's personal style to shine through. Keep scrolling to check out five effortlessly chic spring outfit ideas and to shop each look.
Shop the Look
Shop the Look
Shop the Look
Shop the Look
Shop the Look
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.
-
There Are Bag Trends and Then There Are Investment Bag Trends—That's What This One Is
Celeb-approved.
By Allyson Payer
-
Lindsay Lohan's "Almond Milk" Hair Proves This Anti-Spring Trend Is on the Rise
Our hair appointments sound like visits to the coffee shop more and more every day.
By Alyssa Brascia
-
Everyone Knows Anthropologie Makes the Best Spring Dresses—39 Styles I Currently Love
Just in time for the blooms.
By Chichi Offor
-
5 Spring Outfit Trends Everyone in My Brooklyn Neighborhood Is About to Wear
Clothes for real life.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Found a Trove of Cool-Girl Basics From the Nordstrom Sale—31 Chic Standouts
These have closet-staple status.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—6 Spring Basics I'm Over and 6 I'm Going to Wear All the Time
Basics don't have to be boring.
By Audry Hiaoui
-
Wait, Is Everyone Suddenly Skipping Flats for These Dated Shoes With Jeans Again?
All signs point to yes.
By Michelle Scanga
-
Move Over, Mesh Flats—Your Successor is Hot on Your Heels
It's trailing close behind.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
It's Here: The 2025 Version of Skinny Jeans
Spotted on Emily Ratajkowski in NYC.
By Allyson Payer
-
All the It Girls and Celebs Are Shelving White Sneakers for These 6 Colors
Spring's most comfortable trends.
By Natalie Cantell