30 March 2025

5 Spring Outfit Formulas That Work Every Single Time

Susie using one of her fashion stylist tips: match your top and bottom and any jacket will work!

5 Spring Outfit Formulas That Work Every Single Time!

If you struggle putting outfits together, this post is for you! I think it’s safe to say that many of us want easy, everyday outfit combos. We’d like to confidently throw on a great outfit every morning … without having to think too much about it. However, actually accomplishing this can be tricky, especially if you like to shop and get easily sidetracked 😉 Who hasn’t experienced finding a cool new “something” and not really knowing how to wear it — but you buy it anyway?

Today’s post gives you 5 spring outfit formulas that work every single time. Read on to get a few style tips that will help you with easy outfit-making. We’re talking simple concepts, like a jean and go-with-everything shoe, matching your top and jacket, and of course, the all-important accessories that bring it all together. Once you own these essentials, the outfit possibilities are endless! Below are new pieces that make so many outfits, and style boards that show 5 outfit formulas that I recommend from decades of experience in the dressing room. Enjoy!

Last Days of Friends & Family Sales!

Susie’s Top 25 Picks: All On Sale

Friends & Family Sales: Here Are My Favorites

This Never Happens … Nordstrom Just Announced a Beauty Sale

Check these out: easy and stylish

Matching jacket and top: this soft ivory jacket with a matching top works with many different bottoms, like jeans and linen trousers

Matching top and jeans: a black top and jean/pant combo is the perfect foundation to all your favorite jackets

White jeans and gold sandals: the perfect shoe and pant combo! Pair with tops and jackets you already own

Here Are Your 5 Spring Outfit Formulas

1. Start with a base layer of all white

If you pair a matching top and bottom, then really any jacket will work — and it’ll elevate the outfit. The combos can be black/black, cream/écru, white/white or faded blue/blue. My go-to this time of year is always white/white, and this polo and these jeans are what I’ll be wearing for the next five months. It’s an easy go-to when you’re getting dressed during warmer months. The same rule applies: many jackets or “third pieces” work on top, and you’ll have outfits for days.

Ecru jean options: Nordstrom ivory jeans | Pistola ankle | Veronica Beard wide-leg jeans

Petite jean options: Lil Mother hustler | Madewell crop wide-leg jeans | Frame Le Slim Palazzo

White basic top options: Classic tank | Simple tee | Loose and cool polo top

2. Adding a touch of caramel makes your outfits look expensive

Caramel is the one color that works for ALL seasons. It compliments all other colors: black, white, gray, navy, chambray, pink, bright pink, tan, green … I think you get the idea! Caramel (aka cognac or saddle brown) is sophisticated, elegant and timeless — a true classic. Talk about versatile!

Veronica Beard linen dress | VB cardigan | Earrings | Sunglasses

Bag/shoe combo: Bottega canvas bag | VB gold chain sandals | Gucci tote | VB slide sandals

3. The “Third Piece” is essential for your wardrobe

One thing I learned very early on is that investing in “third pieces” is worth every penny. This “third piece” — a great blazer, jacket or coat — will complete all your outfits. And, based on my own experience, these are the pieces we all still wear (and love) years later. Now, since it’s spring, think lighter weight jackets. For example, cardigans, linen shirt jackets, even a cashmere sweater like this thrown over your shoulders all work. I know many of you live in warmer climates, but every time I travel somewhere warm, and go to a restaurant … and I freeze! So even if it’s hot, I kind of think we need a third piece.

A flowy trench is a favorite this time of year – it works over dresses or denim. I adore this one from Theory and it’s currently part of a Friends & Family sale. Another option is this cool Vince one that I just purchased from Nordstrom and is also on a limited-time sale

4. Make sure to have a versatile shoe/pant combo

As I always say: the right bottom is the starting piece of every outfit! This is something I tested hundreds of times in the dressing room, and trust me, it works every time. But, let’s take it a step further! Once you find the right bottom, make sure you have several shoe options to go with them. This is very important, because every jacket will work. Below is a classic straight leg jean that works with every style of shoe, like flat slide sandals, sneakers, strappy sandals, block heel sandals — and the list goes on. Now you have the foundation for many many different tops and jackets!

Jackets/Jeans: Pink jacket | Fleece navy jacket | White jacket | Cropped trench | Mother denim

Shoes/accessories: Tretorn sneakers | Caramel slides | Dior book tote | Naghedi tote

5. Match your jacket and top

An easy way to make stylish outfits is to match your jackets to your tops. From there, any bottom will work, including trousers, skirts, jeans etc. Talk about easy — and I’m guessing you already have all the pieces in your closet! One go-to combo is a white jacket with a matching layering piece — so stylish and chic. Other examples include gray/gray, black/black, brown/brown, camel/camel — all of these will give you endless outfits for years to come!