Scroll Less, Create More: How to Find Cute Spring Outfit Ideas
With spring just around the corner, you might find yourself ready to start ditching your heavy outerwear and exchanging neutral boots for colorful sandals. And, we are here to help you bring those cute outfit ideas to life!
But first, let us start on the right foot by discussing how we approach outfit inspiration here at Indyx.
How To Find Outfit Inspiration
As you scroll through countless women's spring outfit ideas on Pinterest, you might find yourself taking inventory of all the specific items in these photos that you don’t have. With each spring outfit idea that fits your style, you end up adding items to your shopping list.
We’re here to tell you that change-of-season shopping isn’t necessary! If you start viewing outfit inspiration more like a stylist than a shopper with a little creativity, you can unlock nearly unlimited outfit possibilities from your own closet. It’s more sustainable, and maximizes the potential of all the clothes already in your wardrobe.
Letting outfit ideas totally guide your shopping list crosses the line from inspiration into temptation. Christina Mychas, host of the Minimalism Unscripted podcast and recovering self-proclaimed shopaholic, explains this by sharing how she often feels tempted to make impulsive purchases when looking through social media for outfit ideas: “It takes a lot for me to focus on just the elements of the style that’s going on (…) rather than the individual pieces by themselves. When I start to notice that happening, I actually have to take a step back and I have to start doing instead of scrolling, so that means I am going to my closet and creating outfits and just seeing what I can come up with on my own”.
When she switches the focus from the individual items in the photo (the brands, where they are from, etc.) to how she can use her own clothes to make a similar look, she is reminded of what she already has, gets to exercise more creativity, and even surprises herself by coming up with a brand new outfit idea.
In other words, as you look for spring outfit ideas, avoid simply copying someone else’s entire style or look. Instead, use the outfit ideas for spring as a starting point. Allow yourself to get inspired to recreate looks you like using what you have, developing systems that make getting dressed easier.
But how, exactly? We like the idea of outfit formulas as a way to break it down and fill in the blanks with your own closet.
How To Use Outfit Formulas
Finding outfit formulas means looking at the basic building blocks of an outfit and using that inspiration to recreate the look out of your own wardrobe. When we think of each element of the outfit as a variable that can change within certain parameters, we can achieve the same result without having to go on a shopping spree.
Wait, I thought you just told me not to focus on the individual items? Yes, but no. The key difference is that we’re not fixating on the specific item (its brand, price, and where you can get it), but rather what role the item is playing in the outfit as a whole. That way, you can recreate the look without copying it exactly, and adding your own creative twist. Let’s look at an example!
For this spring brunch outfit idea, Rebecca used neutral tones and a mix of structured and casual items to create a look that is chic, casual, and effortless.
When we look at the photo through the lens of outfit formulas, the core elements are:
oversized beige blazer + striped black and white shirt + ripped jeans + casual black sneakers = chic, casual, and effortless look
If we go further into details, we can also add a slim gold watch, small hoop earrings, and a structured black handbag.
The next step, if we were to be influenced by consumerist culture, would be to hop into the comments to ask where the items are from, or dig through her link-in-bio to find the affiliate links. However, we’re dodging the temptation and shopping our own closets instead!
So, I hopped over to my Indyx digital wardrobe to see what items I already have that could work in a similar way. I don’t own any beige blazers, but I do have a couple of black ones. I’m not a huge fan of stripes, so I don’t have that either, but I do have several basic white tees. As for the bottoms and shoes, I have straight light denim jeans with similar rips on the knees and a couple of black sneakers to choose from.
This is what I came up with:
With items that evoked a similar feeling, I was able to use the spring photo outfit idea as a starting point to create a look that is totally different from the picture, but also makes for that same chic, casual, and effortless style. All without spending a single extra dollar!
Now, parting from the same outfit formula principle, you can easily adjust the outfit to match a different mood or style. If I wanted to draw inspiration from the same original outfit but emphasize less on casual and more on chic, I could swap a few items and come up with something like this:
By switching sneakers to low sandal heels and a solid structured bag for a smaller crossbody purse, we have yet another combination. The oversized blazer, white top, and ripped jeans maintained the effortless chicness, but the new items added a romantic twist to the outfit. Again, it’s the same starting point, but we now have a completely new look!
That is the power of using outfit formulas when looking for cute spring outfit ideas. The inspiration photos can give you that initial spark of creativity so that you have something to work from, but with outfit formulas and visibility of an Indyx digital wardrobe, you can get your money’s worth by putting items you own to use and exercise your creativity by creating something new.
Now that you understand the hang of it, you can put outfit formulas to practice on your own! Below you’ll find some of our favorite inspiration for cute outfit ideas for spring to get you going.
Outfit Ideas (or, Formulas!) For Spring
Spring Outfit Idea #1: Baggy denim jacket + black bottoms + black shoes + black handbag
The formula for the original outfit makes for a casual and cool look that can be styled and adjusted in many ways.
For example, switching the white tee for a crisp button down, the purse for a messenger bag, the loafers for oxfords, and adding blue light or reading glasses recreates the outfit with an academic twist.
If you have a more feminine style, the same formula can easily be tweaked to make it more girly.
Swap the white button down for a milkmaid top with puffed sleeves, the messenger bag for a crossbody purse, the oxfords for Mary Jane pumps, and the reading glasses for a pink beret and you have yourself a much more romantic version of the original outfit.
Spring Outfit Idea #2: Pink top + denim bottoms + white shoes
The building blocks in the outfit above are general enough to offer an endless number of combinations. Below are two ways to reimagine it: one more casual, for coffee shop dates or a stroll in the park, and the other with a sprinkle of edge for a night out.
Spring Outfit Idea #3: Oversized blazer + white dress + knee-high boots
While simple, this outfit feels cohesive and complete because of the repetition in the color blocking. For a softer style, matching a baby blue blazer with snakeskin boots keeps the look fresh and light. If you are going for something with a bit more edge, ditch the soft colors and go for black leather instead.
Spring Outfit Idea #4: Black outerwear + colorful sweater + colorful handbag + denim bottoms + black shoes
If you’re ready for spring but the weather in your city isn’t, you can still introduce spring into your daily wear by styling items with bright colors. Pairing a black trench coat and flats create a classic look with French girl flare. However, never doubt the power of a black leather jacket to instantly give you an edgier look.
Spring Outfit Idea #5: Maxi one-shoulder dress + sandals
For a put-together look with minimum effort, a maxi dress is the way to go. This formula can be paired with low sandals and a jute bag for a boho beach look, or given an urban twist with a black handbag and platform sandals for walking around the city.
Spring Outfit Idea #6: Black lingerie bodysuit + denim jeans + black shoes
Wearing lingerie bodysuits as tops is a current trend that is always in style in our book. A pink satin blazer and Mary Jane pumps will give you a chic and tailored style. If you are looking for something more grungy, a black leather jacket never fails.
In Summary, When Finding Spring Outfit Ideas:
Make sure you don’t mistake temptation for inspiration.
If scrolling starts making you want to shop instead of create, it’s time to put the phone down and get in your closet.
Remember to look for outfit formulas.
Allow yourself to get inspired, using ideas as a starting point to create something new!
To get started styling your own outfit boards using these spring outfit ideas, you can download the Indyx app for free on iOS or Android.
Isa is a communications specialist, writer, and content creator. In her free time, she likes reading, thrifting, and decorating her place to feel like a retro-modern Pinterest board. If you see her in public, she’ll likely be enjoying a few scoops of gelato and/or admiring strangers’ dogs.
