One Blazer, 17 Genius Spring Outfit Ideas

While the current climate is certainly challenging, I'm trying to look on the bright side of things and focus on the positive aspects social distancing and staying home can bring. Lately, I've been trying to tackle the stack of books I've been wanting to read to catch up on last year's Oscar-nominated movie list to video chatting with long-distance friends I haven't seen in a while.

These activities have helped me feel happier and calmer while trying to navigate these uncertain waters. But another area I've been channeling my nervous energy into is working on projects I've had on my to-do list for months that I perceived to never have the time for—like cleaning out my closet.

Now, I didn't want to just clean out my closet in the typical sense of gathering pieces I don't wear anymore to donate—I wanted to really take inventory of my wardrobe and utilize this time to create new outfits around pieces I already own. I've been selecting one item from my wardrobe that I truly love and using Instagram and Pinterest to inspire outfit ideas around that piece to help me build looks around it with similar items already in my closet. This way, once I return to my normal day-to-day routine, I'll have an arsenal of new looks to wear—without adding to my wardrobe or spending any money. It will also help reignite my excitement around some of my most-loved items. 

The first piece I started with is my favorite oversize blazer, and since most of us have some style of blazer in our wardrobes, I figured it might be helpful to share all the new outfits I saved for you to utilize as well. Of course, in these photos, there are blazers of all different colors and silhouettes, but they're a good baseline for an outfit combination that you can sub in alike pieces from your own wardrobe to create something similar. From the dress-and-boots look that feels like a '90s throwback to the updated jeans-and-sneakers combo that feels so current, below are the 17 genius spring blazer outfits I'll be wearing in the coming months. 

A modern update to the classic blazer and trousers combo is to cinch the waist with a thin leather belt. This creates a different silhouette and feels a bit more thoughtful than simply the blazer and trousers.

Meet the 2020 version of a blazer, jeans, and sneakers. This combo is as timeless as it gets, but you can make it feel current by adding straight-leg jeans and chunky sneakers.

If you have a skirt of the same color as your blazer, this outfit is for you. Simply add a turtleneck or T-shirt underneath and finish off with knee-high boots for a polished outfit that also feels fun.

This is one of my favorite blazer looks—it feels very '90s but somehow also very modern. To recreate this outfit, look for a minidress of similar color to your blazer, secure the button closure, and add knee-high boots. 

Another modern twist on a classic combination: Start with straight-leg jeans, add a white tee, and top with a blazer. For a twist, choose a pair of polished flats. 

This is my other favorite idea, as it feels modern yet classic at the same time. Start with a T-shirt dress, cinch your waist with a belt, throw on your favorite blazer, and finish off with the cowboy boots you bought last year. 

I feel like this one screams 2020, as it's a tried-and-true combination made to feel modern with a few simple additions. Pick your favorite blazer and tailored trousers, add chunky sneakers, a thin belt to define your waist, and then wrap your favorite cozy scarf around your neck to complete your look.

A blazer outfit with shorts just feels so fresh to me, especially when paired with a matching crop top and pointed-toe shoes. 

I've never been one to wear leggings with my blazer, but this outfit is making me rethink it. This combo feels '80s and modern all at the same time, and it's a comfortable option I'll definitely be replicating. 

A Carrie Bradshaw outfit if I've ever seen one, this funky outfit is a fun way to show off some personality. The innovative combination of a blazer, T-shirt, athletic shorts, colorful sandals, and a newsboy hat is begging for compliments. 

The sophisticated blazer outfit of my dreams! Start with a minidress, add your blazer on top, slip on some sheer tights, and finish off the chunky boots to add a bit of edge to this polished look.

I never knew a denim-shorts outfit could be so chic. I'm a huge fan of the longer denim shorts trend, so I'll be adding a T-shirt, blazer, and sleek minimalist sandals to mine this spring.

This is a classic combination with a twist—swap out your typical jeans or trousers for leather pants to give your look a chic update.

Wow, just wow. If you're brave enough to mix prints, this is an outfit combo I highly recommend. Take your favorite printed blouse, add trousers of a different print, and top it off with your blazer for an outfit nobody else will be wearing.

This outfit combination is classic for a reason—it just works. Pair your favorite blazer with a T-shirt and skinny jeans, and then throw on your athletic sneakers for a 2020 twist to the timeless outfit combo.

This is the first outfit I'll be copying once social distancing concludes. The sweats are a great way to ease back into getting dressed while remaining comfortable. Baseball hats and blazers are also trending hard right now, so I consider this the definition of a perfect outfit. 

Bra tops are another major spring 2020 trend, so just choose your favorite one, add some high-waisted trousers, and throw on your blazer for an easy outfit that feels right on the money. 

Next up, eight simple but chic outfits to wear with spring's best midi skirts.