9 Simple Styling Tricks That Will Make Your Outfits Look Elevated This Spring

The skies are brighter, the leaves are greener, and I was able to leave the house without wearing 12 layers this weekend. It's official, spring is on its way, and outfits for the season ahead are collectively on the minds of editors from across the industry. At Who What Wear, we take great pride in showcasing the latest trends but in a considered way. We never advise that you subscribe blindly to them; instead, we like to think that we help you to cherrypick the best and most sensible for you and how you express yourself through style.

Still, as something of an anti-trend dresser myself, the thing I love most about being a Who What Wear editor is the fact that I'm encouraged to help you focus on maximising the wearability of the pieces already hanging in your wardrobe. So today, with spring on my mind, I decided to track down an array of simple spring fashion styling ideas that you can apply to your existing wares and will ensure you get the season off to a stylish start.

For such ideas, I headed directly to Instagram, where I swiftly found nine outfits that are perfect for spring. These looks boast easy tweaks and failsafe pairings that will help set your attire apart and will better utilise items you likely already own, too. Scroll on to see them.

1. Belt Your Blazer

Style Notes: Give your favourite blazer a new lease of life by cinching it with a leather belt. Keep the overall silhouette looking clean and crisp by balancing it out with a simple skirt. 

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2. Refresh Your Textures

Style Notes: It still feels premature to pack your coats away into storage, but one way to make them feel more seasonally appropriate is to pair them with lighter separates, such as silk or cotton. 

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3. Add Boots to Denim Skirts

Style Notes: Denim skirts are trending in a big way this season; handily I had one from years gone by that I'd all but forgotten about. For 2023, keep your denim skirt looking sleek by styling it with a simple knit and knee boots. 

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4. Apply the 2x2 Principle

Style Notes: The 2x2 method is blowing up on TikTok and the principles are simple. Take two casual items—in this instance, a pair of wide-leg jeans and trainers—and pair them with two dressy items—an Oxford shirt and bouclé bag—and you'll be left with a well-balanced outfit, Trust me, it works every time. 

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5. Dress in One Tone

Style Notes: It's a styling trick favoured by editors and influencers alike—wearing one colour top-to-toe. Whatever your budget, this matching your top and bottom halves to one another will always look elevated. 

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6. Lift Dark Hues with Metallics

Style Notes: Just because it's spring it doesn't mean that you need to turn your back on the darker colours in your wardrobe. In fact, styling black outfits with metallic accessories is a combination I keep seeing on social media right now. 

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7. Dress Down Tailoring with Denim

Style Notes: Spring is the perfect time to reassess your casual style with layering and fabric options. Take Danielle's outfit which shows just how good more formal pieces such as tailored trousers can look with more casual items, such as a denim jacket. 

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8. Try Cropped Silhouettes

Style Notes: After months of hiding beneath my layers, I'm ready to begin embracing fresh silhouettes once more. First on my list is a high-waist skirt and a cropped knit, as seen on Olivia. 

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9. Break Up Light Colours with Dark Accents

Style Notes: Cream and ecru hues are proving to be a key trend this season, but they can lack structure if you wear them from head-to-toe. Break them up with black accessories, such as a leather belt or low-key handbag. 

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Next Up, Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See