The start of spring should give you renewed energy, but if you're constantly finding yourself asking, 'What should I wear today?', the beginning of the season can feel daunting. But having a formula for spring outfit ideas should help solve any sartorial dilemmas.
Admittedly, one of the most difficult seasons to dress for, as the weather can be gloriously sunny one minute, and clouded in cool shade the next, the key to nailing those 16-20 degree temperatures lies in light layers. A great opportunity to inject your wardrobe with some of the latest spring/summer fashion trends for 2025, mixed in with old favourites, we've pulled together some easy spring style formulas to make getting dressed a breeze.
Though the sun is shining, having some form of sleeve in 16-20 degrees is always sensible. That can be in the form of long-sleeved dresses, blouses or lightweight knits. Alternatively, if you're determined to break out your t-shirts, make sure you have a light jacket, trench coat or cardigan to layer up with, particularly for the earlier and later parts of a spring day.
Spring outfit ideas - all the inspiration you need for 16-20 degree weather
Nail spring-ready style like a pro, whatever your body type or style, our fashion editor's failsafe formulas to dressing for in-between temperatures will have you embracing bright skies and mid temperatures.
1. Printed midi dress
To kick-start those spring outfit ideas, switch out jumper dresses for the best midi dresses, preferably in a sunshine-welcoming bright print or colour. The mercury hasn’t quite risen to summer-worthy temperatures just yet, so to avoid chilliness, we recommend opting for a long-sleeved style. If you did want to get a little early mileage out of high-summer dresses, you could always layer your best white t-shirt, or a very slim knit beneath strappy styles, or add a sweater, shacket (shirt-jacket) or cardigan, ideal for what to wear over a dress.
A leather or denim jacket also works well here for more casual occasions, while a trench coat (be careful about hem lengths) adds a more formal finish. For the days that are set to hit 20 degrees, try a tailored blazer for an office-ready feel.
To match the easy-breezy feeling of lighter evenings and warmer days, opt for one of the best dresses with a little swish to it, rather than anything overly form-fitting. This will give you more freedom when it comes to footwear too, stick to your best winter boots for the early days of spring (think just hitting 16 degrees or even a little below), graduating to trainers and then sandals as the weather catches up.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £69 | Tailoring over a floaty dress immediately grounds a look and adds a smarter finish, rendering more party-ready pieces office-appropriate. A single-breasted blazer helps to nip you in at the waist and highlight your silhouette, adding a warming layer for early morning cloud coverage, or late afternoons when the sun isn't as high in the sky.
RRP: £156 | A long-sleeved dress is great for transitional dressing and we can't get enough of this bold diamond stripe design. This dress is sure to add some dopamine dressing to your look. Wearable day to evening, or as a special occasion piece, try slipping on one of this season's hottest items - the waistcoat, for a more trend-driven look.
RRP: £32.75 | The best white trainers never go out of style - although you do have to put the work in to keep them in tip-top condition. A white trainer is the ultimate piece in a shoe capsule wardrobe as they add a freshness to any look. On cooler spring days, consider a pair of knee high boots, but for bouncing into the new season, a trainer can't be beat.
2. Co-ord
Co-ords remove all the stress of 'do these two things go together'. With a strong tailoring trend coming through for spring/summer, there are plenty of two-pieces on the high-street with varying degrees of polish. From relaxed blazer and trouser ensembles, to printed tops and palazzo pants, when it comes to spring dressing, you want to have less rigidity and more of a laid-back feel.
For true versatility, opt for neutral hues in soft fabrications so that you can feel elegantly put together.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £29.99 | This chic shirt is ideal for a spring outfit. The drawstring waist allows you to adjust the fit for your silhouette, while the deep cuffs offer a modern finish. As with all co-ords, get your money's worth by pairing it with other trousers, jeans or even over shift dresses. For cooler moments, slip this on as a jacket over a crew or roll neck knit.
RRP: £27.99 | When the weather gets warmer, wide-leg pants make for a more comfortable alternative to your best jeans. The laid-back feel of this co-ord is great as the weather warms up, as the loose fit will keep you cool. Wear this look right through the summer, it's a great option for what to wear on a plane this summer too.
RRP: £68 | A suede loafer is such a spring shoe. The rain has stopped, meaning more delicate footwear can go back into our wardrobe rotation, and these chic suede flats are soft and supple all-day comfort. Polished enough to wear with tailoring or dresses, this is a more sophisticated option for those that find ballet pumps unsupportive.
3. Jumpsuit
A flattering jumpsuit can be relied upon in all seasons, but comes into its own when thinking about spring outfit ideas. A long-sleeved jumpsuit or boiler suit in a substantial fabric like denim will give the warmth of a light jacket without the need for layers. If you do still need a little something extra, a cropped jacket is always the best option, as longline styles can distort the lines of an all-in-one. Go for a jacket in a similar hue for a tonal look or create a striking clash with a contrasting one. Consider a jumpsuit in a neutral shade as the foundation of your outfit and use accessories to add personality and pops of colour.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: was £129, now £52 | This Phase Eight denim jumpsuit is ideal for highlighting curves. The high, defined waistband, coupled with the tie belt helps to create an hourglass silhouette, while the buttons and patch pockets ensure this jumpsuit has a relaxed and classic feel. Make this your own by swapping the fabric belt for a leather iteration.
RRP: £79.99 | Be inspired by one of fashion's most timeless houses, Chanel. This elegant tweed jacket is of course, a fraction of the price of the real deal, but the nod to the aesthetic is there and will add immediate polish to your jumpsuit. This jacket will pair beautifully over blouses, dresses, fine knits and sharpen up t-shirts throughout the season.
RRP: was £69, now £55.20 | Ballet pumps are a strong summer shoe, and this particular style from White Stuff offers extra coverage across the foot. The sugary pink hue is ideal for welcoming in warmer days and adds a much-needed pop of brightness. It's those little details that will ensure you always look directional.
4. Skirt and blouse
Teaming a skirt with a blouse has gained an unfair reputation for feeling a bit stuffy, but there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into this spring-ready combo. Thanks to the '70s and '90s fashion trend revivals, denim skirt outfits are back in a big way. Team yours with knee-high tan boots and a floaty shirt for a fashion-forward look. If you wore the denim skirt trend the first time and can’t bear to go back, opt for an animal print or bold-hued skirt instead. A figure-hugging pencil silhouette will make any spring outfit feel more polished, and if you're still rocking a silky slip skirt, don't worry, this trend isn’t going anywhere either. If you're opting for an attention-grabbing printed or bright skirt, it makes sense to keep your top half simple, so think clean lines and crisp collars when it comes to your blouse. A spring outfit idea that everyone can get on board with.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £349 | The best leather jackets are a staple piece of outerwear for spring and autumn. Lighter than a coat, heavier than a denim jacket, a soft and supple leather piece ages beautifully and only gets better with every wear. Treat your leather jacket like a cardigan and layer it over dresses or blouses. This neatly tailored design will help to highlight your waist.
RRP: £22.99 | Bright and breezy this almost jewel-toned blouse is the perfect spring into summer buy. Wear now with skirts and white jeans outfits, before pairing with linen trousers and tailored shorts as we move into high summer mode. The delicate tie neckline and full sleeves add gorgeous boho detailing.
RRP: £95 | A full skirt offers a feminine finish to any look, and the circular cut here is not only super flattering, it's ideal for those who love a little movement in their clothes. This bold green skirt can be easily dressed up for cocktail wear with a pretty blouse or jewelled top, or rendered more casual, teamed with a t-shirt.
5. Blazer
The best blazers aren’t just for the boardroom, and they have the benefit of being both lightweight and smart, ideal for spring weather. With a huge spectrum of colours, cuts, and fabrics to choose from, this silhouette has blossomed in popularity over the last five years.
If you’re after something office-appropriate, then power dress with a double-breasted style with structured shoulders, or go oversized for an off-duty ensemble. Experiment with colour, trialing a pretty pastel hue for a more spring-ready feel. Not sure how to style a blazer? Blazers work with pretty much everything, try longer-length styles with pretty midi dresses, or a pair of the best straight leg jeans.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £268 | British clothing brand, Reiss, makes some of the best blazers on the high street. The brand's elegant tailoring and sleek cuts ensure these investment buys will be your go-to, season after season. With a host of basic neutrals and pastel tones available, once you find the Reiss cut that works for you, invest.
RRP: £125 | This simple t-shirt-style dress is the perfect candidate for a capsule wardrobe building block. The simple silhouette makes it ideal for teaming with a variety of jackets and knits, as well as regular shoe switch-ups to help you constantly reinvent it. Want to wear it in high summer? Add a statement necklace.
RRP: £149 | Seen on the arms of celebs such as Katie Holmes, the Deliberate bag has been a huge hit for Dune London. Drawing inspiration from the woven bag trend, this design nods to the likes of Bottega Veneta, but at a much more manageable price point. The XL tote is ideal for everyday, a spacious bag to carry all your essentials in style.
6. Trousers and a top
Forget stylish tops to wear with jeans, this season, spring outfits are all about smart trousers. Woven trousers, largely wide leg, or relaxed straight legs are the name of the game this season, with tailored trousers being a key takeaway from all the major fashion weeks. Whether you wear them with matching waistcoats or blazers, or simply use a smart pair of slacks to up-style a t-shirt or pretty blouse, there is a definite shift towards a more polished finish, but this look is far from uptight. To further lean into the spring spirit, opt for lighter pastel hues or quirky, light-based pinstripes, paired with a t-shirt and pretty cardigan or jumper to add a feminine feel.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £295 | Me+Em make some of the best tailored trousers, often giving wardrobe basics a quirky feel. This gorgeous pair of pink trousers has a wide leg and front pleat detailing that will create a narrowed waist, thanks to the wider hem line, so make sure you tuck in your chosen top to balance your shape.
RRP: £45.99 | Picking up on the pastel hue of the trousers, this pretty pink knit is a spring-ready piece. Offering more polish than a traditional t-shirt, but less stuffy than a shirt, you can wear this sweet knit with jeans, or tucked into an A-line skirt too, offering a smart-casual edge and plenty of colour to your spring look.
RRP: £59.99 | If you're wearing a wide-leg trouser, opt for a shorter jacket that hits at the waist to ensure you're not overwhelmed by fabric. The neutral hue of this jacket means it can work with multiple outfits, from spring through to early autumn for maximum cost-per-wear.
7. Jeans
Having one of those 'I’ve got nothing to wear' days? We can almost guarantee you’ve got a pair of jeans in your wardrobe, and lucky for you, that is very much the basis of a chic spring outfit and ideal for 16-degree weather. Our advice is to avoid overdoing it with the rest of your look, and just let the shape of your jeans be the focal point. Wide-leg jeans, straight-leg jeans, and flared styles are still all the rage, and if you feel bold enough, road-test this season’s major denim trend, the barrel leg jean. Team with a simple white t-shirt, a striped Breton top, or a pared-back cashmere jumper. If you need an extra layer, a trench coat will temper the relaxed feel of the jeans and pull your spring outfit together with a chic finish.
Fashion editor’s picks…
RRP: £219 | "I've been wearing Hobb trench coats for years in various colours and they are long-lasting and have great water resistance, if you do get caught in a spring shower", says womanandhome.com fashion editor, Rivkie Baum. This smart beige hue can be worn casually or for your 9-5, swap out the fabric belt for a leather one for a stylish twist.
RRP: £55 | With a high rise waist, you'll feel secure and sculpted in these straight-legged jeans. A universally flattering shape, that offers a smart aesthetic, they will team well with pretty much any top silhouette thanks to their tapered finish. The mid blue wash is a timeless hue that you can wear all year through.
RRP: £59.81 | Ideal for evoking the sunglasses trends for 2025, the cats-eye shape, and slightly green-tinted lenses offer a classic but fashion-forward edge. The elongated silhouette helps to narrow your face shape by drawing the eye up and along. The quality of these sunnies is really good too, so worth the step-up in price.
How should I dress in spring?
The question of how to dress in spring is a popular one, as it does feel slightly less straightforward than dressing for the depths of winter or heights of summer. The weather is slightly less predictable as we move through April and onwards, so layers are the key to not getting caught out by surprise showers.
“Be thoughtful with your outerwear,” advises Archer Boadi, “That new spring dress you’re just dying to wear? Pair it with a trusty longline trench (they’re having a moment right now) or an oversized blazer to achieve a chic smart-casual look. These light layers are perfect for some after-work drinks in your nearest beer garden, as the evenings start to get lighter, but not necessarily warmer.”
“Layering up for something more casual? Try out the trusty ‘shacket’ or opt for a classic cardigan, a spring wardrobe staple that is both easy to throw on or to tuck into your bag when the sun comes out. Colour-coordinate these with bold accessories to amp up the playfulness.”
What colours do people normally wear in spring?
Spring is a good time to shake off the darker shades we gravitate towards during the colder months and incorporate a little more colour into your wardrobe. Normally only wear black? Don’t worry. Getting to grips with colour isn’t that scary.
“As most shades for the season are less vibrant and more pastel, incorporating colour in to your wardrobe might be a little easier than you think,” says Archer Boadi. “Try wearing different tones of one shade together for a sophisticated take. For example, style a pastel pink tee with a champagne midi skirt. On cooler days, opt for a rose pink blazer, layered over a white tee and pale pink trousers – I think Elle Woods would approve of this one!”
“Alternatively, inject a pop of colour by teaming more neutral pieces with colourful accessories such as belts, ballet pumps or scrunchies. You can also opt for neutral-based prints that have colourful accents within them. Or, make use of a stylist’s ultimate tip – “outfit sandwiching”. It’s a crafty tool I use when my Stitch Fix clients are asking for a well-rounded, put-together look. Begin by selecting a colour to act as your foundation (bread), which will essentially pull the whole look (sandwich) together when you incorporate it into both the top and bottom halves of your outfit. Next, choose an opposing colour for your ‘middle’ (filling) - whether that be trousers, a skirt, a shirt or cardigan. The result creates a high-impact twist on a monochrome look and there are many ways to go about it, depending on the overall look you want to achieve - and your own unique taste and style.”
What clothes are trending this spring?
With spring being the start of the season, this is the ideal time to start building your new season wardrobe. Of course, you might have a lot of the key basics covered, a great trench coat, some smart and casual jeans, and light weight knits to under pin it all, but when it comes to specific trend-led items for the months ahead, look to pastel hues - in particular buttery yellow tones, tailoring elements - hello blazers, waistcoats and smart woven trousers, as well as a host of spring-ready dresses to make one-stop dressing stylishly easy.
Being spring outfit-ready is hopefully not as tricky as you thought. Essentially, you need to be adaptable and embrace light layers to get you through the most changeable of weather. As with all seasons, your basics will remain and form the building blocks of your wardrobe, into which you can inject some new season, trending items to ensure your look feels fresh and new.
16 to 20 degree weather is hopefully just the start to sunnier climes, so don't race to your full summer wardrobe too quickly. Use this as the last opportunity to edge out wear on jeans, leather jackets and lighter knits before the hot weather hits.
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