With the seasonal shift comes plenty of sartorial confusion, and by the time May rolls around, we're all feeling pretty impatient. After months of sub-10-degree temperatures, haven't we earned the luxury of stepping out in breezy cotton dresses and strappy sandals? May is a tantalising time because we're almost in summer, but the weather remains unpredictable (in the UK that is—if you're living it up somewhere along the Amalfi Coast or on a balmy Greek isle, please don't rub it in).
But rather than lamenting the lingering clouds overhead, choose to celebrate that we're one step closer to sunshine. In wardrobe terms, this means adding warm-weather items into your day-to-day roster. It might just involve a minor adjustment here or there; a T-shirt instead of a long-sleeve top, a basket bag instead of a leather cross-body. Little by little, we can start slipping into a summer state of mind, and hopefully, the blue skies will follow. Who's with me?
To help you out, I've rounded up six stylish outfits from Instagram that I think are just right for May. And I've made them all shopable so the looks are even easier for you to recreate. Check them out now, thank me later.
What to Wear in May: 6 Perfect Outfits
1. Light Layers + Wide-Leg Jeans + Mary Janes
Style Notes: The Parisian style set is our most-trusted source of elegant and easy-to-copy outfits, like Emmanuelle's. Throw a light trench coat on top if the temperature drops; I promise it will still look just as chic.
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I love the idea of wearing this as a top, but you can also unbutton it and style it over a tank.
The perfect mid-blue wide-leg denim.
No summer closet is complete without a basket bag.
Yep, the Mary Jane trend is sticking around, and we couldn't be happier about it.
2. White Midi Dress + Loafers
Style Notes: It's still too early for strapless cotton dresses, but a long-sleeved option like this one will add a lightness to your wardrobe (and mood). Pair with loafers over sandals to keep it from feeling too high-summer.
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The dream dress for picnics in the park and garden parties.
As timeless as it gets.
I always turn to & Other Stories for affordable and on-trend sunglasses.
I think everyone who owns these classic loafers would agree they're worth the investment.
3. Cardigan + Cargo Trousers + Belt
Style Notes: May is the month when we switch from chunky knitwear to more verstaile cardigans. It's the season to show some skin, so team your favourite trousers with a slouchy tee and an on-trend studded belt.
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A cult buy in a great colour.
This looks so much more expensive than it actually is.
The kind of relaxed silhouette I'll be living in all summer long.
Metallic toe rings are a huge trend when it comes to footwear this year.
4. Floral Blouse + Slip Skirt + Plimsolls
Style Notes: A cotton skirt works whatever the season, but I'll be taking my cues from Dawn and styling mine with a crew-neck knit and heeled ballet flats this month.
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A smart addition to any wardrobe.
Set to be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe.
This will hold so much, even a laptop.
These are considered modern-day classics.
5. Oxford Shirt + Denim Skirt + Chunky Sandals
Style Notes: Denim is something we wear year round but, personally, I think it comes into its own at this time in the year. In lieu of jeans, try a denim skirt—maxi lengths feel particularly on-trend—with a classic blue-stripe shirt.
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This will also work well with tailoring and skirts.
This is high up on our wish lists.
All-day denim.
The sandal of the season for three years running.
6. Printed Dress + Matching Jumper + Tote Bag
Style Notes: By now your bulkiest knitwear is probably safely stored away, but we recommend carrying lighter styles with into the warmer season—this is Britain after all! Try wearing a printed dress and choosing a colour from within it to match to.
Shop the Look:
A great staple.
Nothing says spring/summer like a floral print dress.
The bag the entire WWW team has their eye on.
Loafers and dresses make for a directional combination.
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