9 Perfect Outfit Ideas for a Spring Spent Outdoors
If there’s one upside from the past couple of years, it’s that we’ve all come to value spending time in the great outdoors. From picnics in the countryside to walks in the park, much of our socialising between 2020 and now has taken place outside—and I don’t see that changing this year. In fact, as temperatures are beginning to rise, I’m starting to see more and more people populating the outdoor public spaces near my home. And you know what? This weekend, I just might join them! But what does one wear for spring spent outside?
With a little help from some of my favourite social media dressers, I’ve found a handful of outdoor outfit ideas that’ll carry you through from now until June. Whether you plan on dining al fresco or have been inspired by Bridgerton and fancy taking off with your pals for a promenade, scroll on to see what you should wear for the occasion.
1. SWEATER + LEATHER TROUSERS
Style Notes: We all know that the first signs of spring can be deceiving. Sure, it might be bright, but chances are it's still pretty cold out. Shield yourself from any breezes with a pair of heavy-duty leather trousers and a toasty sweater in a springtime hue.
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You don’t need to opt for real leather—this vegan pair is just as sleek.
2. DENIM DRESS + SOCKS + SLIDERS
Style Notes: Denim dresses always make a comeback for spring, but we're predicting they'll be more popular than ever this year. Make like Emili, and pair yours with chunky socks and sandals for an offbeat look. Bouquet optional but recommended.
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The yellow shade makes these socks feel springlike—ideal for wearing with sandals on chillier days.
3. SUNDRESS + STRAW HAT
Style Notes: If you haven't already picked out your picnic attire, might we suggest keeping things classic with white-and-red checks? We're particularly partial to this print in dress form. You may want to carry a little cardigan in your handbag, though—that weather sure can turn.
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4. CROPPED CARDIGAN + JEANS
Style Notes: Whether you're running errands or sipping on a coffee outdoors, borrow this look from one of our favourite French girls for an easy springtime ensemble.
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If you want your look to feel even more French, opt for flares.
5. TRENCH COAT + SANDALS
Style Notes: Think of spring, and the word showers is never far behind. Protect yourself from the elements with a timeless trench coat.
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Layer this with everything from cotton shirts to cropped cardigans—or simply wear it on its own.
6. MINIDRESS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: Another ensemble we're bookmarking for when temperatures soar. Minidresses are back in a big way for 2022, and they look their coolest paired with trainers and crew socks.
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7. RUFFLE BLOUSE + FLARES
Style Notes: The ruffled blouse is already proving to be a spring/summer 2022 must-have. Team it with flared jeans, and finish with a preppy headscarf.
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You can pick up printed scarves quite easily in charity shops, but if you can’t find the right one, Free People has lots to choose from too.
This will look just as cute tucked into a miniskirt and worn with loafers.
8. JUMPSUIT + BELT
Style Notes: What we love most about jumpsuits is the fact that they lock in the majority of your body heat, making them the perfect attire for spending hours on end outdoors. Layer a thin roll-neck underneath for cooler days.
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Swapping in a leather belt will make your ensembles—particularly pieces that come with belts when you buy them—look more premium.
9. LONG-SLEEVE DRESS + CHUNKY BOOTS
Style Notes: Sipping on a cool glass of your favourite tipple outdoors is a spring rite of passage. Do so in a long-sleeve dress paired with chunky boots.
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A dress you can style throughout the year with minimal effort.
I’d wear this necklace with everything from linen shirting to bikinis.
On cooler days, wear your spring dresses with chunky boots.
Next Up: 7 Easy Summer Outfits Fashion People Are Repeat-Wearing Right Now
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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