Ah, spring time. Time for shorts, tank tops, delightful little flip flops that break easily, and basking in the sun. Am I right?
No, I’m not right. Because in the adult world, springtime is just a continuation of your 9-5 schedule, working in a fluorescent office and only seeing the sun when you dash out on your short lunch break to pick up Chipotle that you regret the second the black beans mix with the three cups of coffee you’ve had that day.
But luckily, springtime typically puts everyone in a better mood, and it’s the first sign of summer—which means, in my experience, that everyone starts to chill out. You can get rid of your heavy winter sweaters, boring black slacks, and kick off your snow boots. But now what do you wear?
The bad news is that we’re all pretty much broke. But the good news is that there are so many professional spring outfits that you can actually afford to wear, and will look awesome in at the same time. The main key is to buy the basics, layer up with special items, and utilize items to emphasize the best of your wardrobe. Below, I’ve put together a week full of unique and fashionable items, using most items twice—and keeping an extremely affordable budget at the same time.
H&M Striped Shirt ($15); H&M Mustard Skirt ($40); H&M Black Heels ($25); H&M Cream Bag ($40)
Spring is a carte-blanche excuse to go bold with your colors and wardrobe—and what’s bolder than a gorgeous marigold skirt that hits you below the knee? Pair it with this incredibly versatile striped shirt and some simple heels and you will look (and feel) like Grace Kelly strolling into your office on Monday.
H&M Striped Shirt ($15); H&M Blush Blazer ($35); H&M White Crop Trousers ($35); H&M Black Flats ($25); H&M Beaded Necklace ($15)
Remember how versatile that striped shirt is? Case in point: it looks beautiful and effortless with these cropped white pants and black flats. For some extra pizzaz, add a unique blush blazer for a nice pop of professional color. Best part? Lose the necklace and blazer and you’ve got a great brunch outfit.
H&M Blush Blazer ($35); Old Navy Shirt Dress ($37); H&M Sandals ($25); H&M Beaded Necklace ($15); H&M Cream Bag ($40)
When people think of spring fashion, they think of the traditional sundress with a sweater combo. Try a new twist with this sleek shirt dress, paired with a dainty blazer that is optimal for the spur of the moment morning meeting. Show off your spring pedicure with a leather sandal, which is structured enough to still be office appropriate.
Forever21 Navy Blouse ($20); H&M Olive Green Crop Trousers ($25); H&M Sandals ($25); H&M Scarf ($13)
Every office wardrobe needs a go to “comfy” outfit, and that’s what this collection does best. Pair a loose short sleeved blouse with some green cropped trousers, and pull out your brown sandals again. Add a patterned scarf for a spring time pop, and this outfit is perfect for walking out the door in three minutes while looking fabulous.
Forever21 Navy Blouse ($20); Forever21 Patterned Pencil Skirt ($13); H&M Beaded Necklace ($15); H&M Black Heels ($25); Old Navy Teal Fringe Bag ($26)
The best thing about a short sleeved blouse is how easily it can transition from a comfortable outfit to a classier outfit like this collection. Pairing a looser top with a sleek pencil skirt and heels creates a great, textured look. Opting for a patterned skirt brings in the springtime element, and differentiates it from the plain neutral pencil skirts you probably wear all winter long. For bonus points, grab a cute purse to help transition the outfit into the perfect post-work drinks look.