I’m trying to lose weight… aren’t we all? While I struggle with that in another compartment of my life, I am also trying to enjoy the seasons while they last. In making the most of them, I find changing up my wardrobe to be something I look forward to, and something that makes me happy.
Now, I don’t have the funds to just scrap my wardrobe each season and start fresh. I also don’t like to throw away my favorite clothing pieces that easily. You will have to pry some of them from my cold, dead hands. But I do like new. We all like new. And new can be subjective – it doesn’t have to mean new, new. You know what I mean? New just has to mean new to you. Thank you, Dr. Seuss.
I have really gotten into thrifting over the years. I like to buy the bulk of my work clothes from consignment shops and thrift stores because who really cares? While I work from home these days, I usually work from a cubicle and have very little interaction throughout the day. In conclusion, why would I need to spend hundreds of dollars on business casual clothing so that I can sit alone like Steven Glansberg all day? The answer is, I don’t, so I don’t.
While stocking my closet with business casual options over the years, I have found that I LOVE putting outfits together from bargain bins. It’s like a fun game, like a real, live Pinterest board come to life.
And I have been having a blast trying to recreate my actual Pinterest outfits via thrift finds.
I recently did some shopping for early spring finds – I am in the Midwest and spring typically means a mix of cold and hot days, but mostly mild, cool weather. So, I decided to look for mostly pants and long sleeves for now, with a mix of some spring-y pieces that I just couldn’t pass up.
Here’s what I found and how I would style them. I hope this brings some fresh inspiration to your wardrobe!
Cream Cardigan: I thought this would be a perfect spring piece to have in my closet. It’s an off-white cardigan with lace detail.
How to Style: I see this over a white tank or cami, tucked into some light or dark washed jeans with some white sneakers. A sweet headband or scrunchie would tie this easy, clean look together.
Polka Dot Dress: I obviously love polka dots. But I also love an easy-to-throw-on dress for days when I just don’t want to wear pants, but I’d like to look put together. The long sleeves area great for cool weather.
How to Style: I see this with a pair of brown flats, loafers, or booties. If I were to really dress this up, I could also throw on some open-toed sandals in brown, nude, white or red. A pop of red would be great – think red bag, shoes, or lipstick.
Floral Cardigan: I love that the early 2000s are back. This cardigan screams Never Been Kissed, does it not? “I was just looking at this cardigan..” Anyway, I knew I would find a few of these if I looked hard enough, and I was right. This one is so colorful and perfect for spring. I bought it to be fitted, not oversized. And I do not care if this makes me look like a granny; I will rock it.
How to Style: I see this as a top and not so much a cardigan. I am not a fan of the fitted sweater with the tank underneath – I did that back in 2004, and I will not be repeating that look. I think this is a really easy top to style with a pair of light washed jeans or you could totally throw it on with some plaid or checkered cigarette pants. Again, I would probably style this with some white sneakers.
Oversized Red Button Down: I love having an array of oversized button downs in my closet. I think they are classic and they always look smart with a pair of jeans when you want something comfortable and effortless. You can dress them up or down, and I love having the options.
How to Style: I see this with a pair of black jeans or a black denim mini skirt. Depending on the day, you could wear some easy black sandals or some booties. Add a black belt and you could also throw this on with some regular blue jeans.
Classic Grey Tank: Okay, this one seems dumb, but I think a grey tank is truly a staple for spring.
How to Style: There are endless ways to style a grey tank top. Duh. But my favorite way to style it is with a pair of jeans, preferably light washed or white, and a pair of white sneakers. You can easily throw a sweater over this or tuck it in and grab a sweatshirt if it gets chilly. The grey looks smart with simple, silver jewelry.
High-Waisted Plaid Pants: I think this print could work for many seasons, but I had a vision for these in early spring. You could dress these down or dress them up, but they are still a comfortable option for everyday. I like a pop of pattern, and the black and white helps to tone down the fact that they are printed.
How to Style: If I had to dress up for the office, I would absolutely throw these into the mix. But I see myself wearing this with a simple black top – halter, tank, short sleeved, or long sleeved. You could pair these with a platform or open-toed sandal, throw on a denim jacket, and you’re ready for a classy brunch out. Red, heart-shaped sunglasses would also add something special.
Floral Embroidered Jeans: I was hoping I could find some light washed jeans with some type of floral embroidery, and I scored. These come to my ankles and they are a simple, but sweet touch to everyday looks.
How to Style: I honestly just see these worn with a simple white tee shirt and maybe some Converse, but any plain colored top would look great with these. For warmer days, just add sandals.
Collared Spring Tank: Okay, I know what you’re thinking, ‘Who would ever wear that? Are you a grandma?’ My answer to that is, I might be. Who cares? There is gingham and flowers and a collar, so I’m sold.
How to Style: I see this with a white denim skirt, lookin like I just stepped out of a preppy garden party. I may even wrap my tennis sweater around my neck. Just kidding. Or am I?
Zip Ankle Jeans: I needed another pair of ankle pants, and I thought this denim was dark, but not too dark. The zipper details on the ankle add a little something extra.
How to Style: I see these worn with everything, especially graphic tees and bodysuits. I will probably wear these out in this season of weight I’m in.
Floral Mini Skirt: I wasn’t necessarily looking for mini skirts in this thrifting visit, but this one was so cute I had to grab it.
How to Style: While it’s still chilly here in the Midwest, I see myself wearing this with a bulky white sweater as we transition into the next season. Add some neutral booties or a pair of white sneakers, and you have yourself a sweet and easy look for spring. As it gets warmer, I might add a white tank top or graphic tee. It would also look great with a denim jacket.
White Denim Jeans: Honestly, these are just a staple we all need in our wardrobe. I like to have a pair of white, black, light and dark blue jeans for every season.
How to Style: I love to change up my normal sweater and legging combo during the early weeks of spring by changing the leggings out for white denim. I also love to style white denim jeans with a crewneck sweatshirt for a preppy look.
High-Waisted Khaki Shorts: I wasn’t looking for shorts during this trip either, but I am always on the lookout for pieces like these. I love high-waisted shorts, and I thought these could be great for both spring and summer to dress up my day-to-day.
How to Style: I am so pleased with these, and I feel like the possibilities are endless. While we are still experiencing cooler temps, I plan to wear these with long sleeved bodysuits, long sleeved basics, or button down tops. You could even throw on a crewneck sweatshirt and sneakers for a comfortable and smart look.
Basic Yellow Tee: Okay, this tee was another spring must-have. It’s not only a pale yellow, but it’s also an eyelet pattern. It gives me very ’90s vibes, and while I hate most of those vibes that are apparently cool now, I thought this was feminine and cute.
How to Style: I see this with pale blue denim jeans or a white denim mini skirt. I can’t see it worn with anything other than a pair of white sneakers to pull the whole ’90s fit together. A blue denim jacket would be a great addition to this, worn with a white skirt.
Salmon Shirt Dress: I already wore this for Easter Sunday. I love a shirt dress for spring. They’re comfortable, easy to throw on, and they look classy in all situations.
How to Style: The awesome part about a shirt dress is that it basically styles itself. I wore this on Easter with a pair of white moccasins (they were my grandmother’s), but this particular dress I see with a pair of flats or loafers. The salmon color looks great with gold jewelry, so that’s what I chose to accessorize it.
Pink Striped Button Down Shirt: I said it before, but I love having a handful of easy button down tops to throw on, especially in the spring. I looked for spring colors in this haul, and this one is light and airy in both color and material.
How to Style: I see myself wearing this top in two different ways. On cooler days, I see it worn with a pair of light denim jeans and a pair of white sneakers or brown slide sandals. For warmer days, I see myself wearing this with a white denim skirt with my white sneakers. Both looks would look best with the shirt halfway tucked in.
Off-White Button Down Shirt: I saw a look on Pinterest and wanted a shirt just like this one. This one is soft and comfortable, though dry clean only… BUT, I was so pleased to find this gem. This color is perfect for spring and could be worn in many ways, including to work when I make my way back to an actual office. The color looks expensive to me, and the material does, as well.
How to Style: I can’t wait to style this with a pair of dark washed blue jeans and a brown belt. I plan to throw on some gold jewelry pieces, and probably throw my hair up in a bun to make it feel even more effortless. This outfit would be perfect with a pair of brown, flat sandals.
Wide Leg Khaki Pants: This one is a little out there for me, but I see that the wide leg pant look is back, and I wanted to give it a try. I looked for cropped pants in this style because I have no intention of taking my thrift finds in to get altered, and I happen to be 5 feet tall. These are high-waisted and they give me 1940s vibes. The khaki color is great for spring.
How to Style: I see these styled with a white bodysuit or a white button down top. Depending on the temperature of the day, you could easily swap out a long sleeve for a short sleeve top, but I love the idea of white with khaki for this season. I think I would pair this outfit with a pair of open-toed block sandals.