The E.L. Spring Edit

"Florals for spring? Groundbreaking."

Miranda Priestly may have her thoughts on overdone motifs, and whether or not you agree is a personal preference. I, however, love a theme and a fresh season. Thus, I adore playing with clichés like pastels and flowy fabrics during the season of bloom. In this edition of my fashion edits, I've curated a selection of outfits (floral or otherwise) to help you accompany the arrival of spring! Spring is all about ballet flats, berry-blushed cheeks, flowy skirts, dainty accessories, pastel cardigans, and light long sleeves.

*Note: These outfits are just examples to help spark inspiration; you can easily swap items out and customize for yourself (that's the whole point!). Use what you have in your closet and make pretty outfits catered to you!

A fitted, thin cardigan and slip skirt is a dreamy and breezy combination. Paired with some boots (Walmart's significantly cheaper dupe of Frye boots is a steal; I highly recommend!) and simple accessories, pull together an effortlessly cute and comfy outfit!

Tip: A jean jacket is an absolute staple for throwing on during the spring and on those cool summer nights. I recommend checking your local thrift stores for a roomy, worn-in one. Trust me, it is the essential jacket to have in your closet.

Overalls, overalls, overalls! You want to talk about comfort, cuteness, and '90s realness? Then look no further than a trusty pair of overalls. Pair them with a fitted long sleeve or baby tee underneath, and for extra layers, throw a cardigan on top. Spring is also the perfect time to add extra whimsy to your accessories. I love to do this through my earrings (e.g., strawberries, butterflies, hearts, etc.).

Tip: Everyone knows sunglasses are one of the best accessories to boost an outfit. The same can be said for regular glasses. You can buy non-prescription ones in all kinds of shapes and sizes. I've been weirdly obsessed with wearing fake glasses since I was a kid, and when I heard Molly-Mae say her glasses were non-prescription, that was the seal of approval for me.

This outfit, to me, is quintessential fairy-girl spring. Ballet flats, butterfly clips, babydoll tops. Another staple is the jean skirt; it is so versatile and can be worn during every season. I love a jean skirt with any kind of darling blouse or flowy tank top during the warmer months. Simple, easy, and cute every time!

Tip: To further add whimsy to your everyday, clip a dainty barrette into your hair. Or try the "Fancy Nancy effect" and add a slew of different types of barrettes (colors, shapes, etc.); thrown all together, it adds so much flair. I especially love mixing clips when I do any sort of updo.

This ensemble is one that teeters into summer territory, but I still wanted to include it. I've essentially stolen this look from Cher Horowitz, but as she is the ultimate fashion inspiration, how could I not? This look makes you feel like you're more athletic than you maybe are. You look put together, chic, and on the move. Add an iced coffee in your hand, and the vision is chef's kiss!

Tip: Overconsumption due to today's internet culture is a serious problem. Don't think you have to buy every cute item you see. One way to get your fix of an endless variety of outfits is with staple pieces. Everything in this look is a staple piece and probably ones you already have in your closet. A simple white tee, black camisole, sneakers, gold hoops, sunglasses... These basic pieces aren't something you have to invest loads of money into. Buy the basics you know you need and balance the "fun" item purchases in between! And don't forget you can always thrift and thus save money and reduce, reuse, recycle!

You're cute jeans! Once you find your go-to pair of jeans, there's no stopping the endless supply of outfit combinations (my favorite supplier of every variation of denim is Abercrombie; their Curve Love line is perfection, and the price is totally worth it). I love the look of kitten heels paired with jeans, but you can easily switch those out in this look for ballet flats or a flat sneaker like Converse or Keds. This would be a sweet outfit for a brunch date or day out.

Tip: I am of the firm belief that a dark cherry lip is a fabulous way to enhance your pout. This shade looks good on every skin tone and is the perfect way to elevate a look (especially when dealing with black and white as your primary colors).

Frilly, pattered, or eyelet bandanas are perhaps the most enchanting spring accessory. Rain boots are also peak spring fashion, though they are generally unnecessary. If you don't own a pair of rain boots and aren't in the market for some, then don't fret, just wear any shoes you'd like with your dresses (ballet flats or espadrille wedges are my top suggestion).

Tip: Who said glitter hairspray was just for concerts or children? This season I'm embracing the thing I've loved since I was a kid even more... glitter! Just a little bit of glitter sprayed into my hair or swiped on my chest feels like a sprinkling of pixie dust giving my day a little extra magic. The glitter spray from Eva NYC is my favorite; it doesn't leave your hair with a sticky feeling and it adds the perfect sparkle. Just be warned: when you spray it, it will go everywhere, so I recommend doing it in the shower or outside.

There's something magical about a new season beginning, and spring is no exception. As the tulips bloom and rainbows paint the sky, fairies come out to welcome the woodland creatures back home. Spring is for lounging in your best sundress while drinking blueberry tea, picking fresh flowers in your overalls, or shielding from the rain in your comfiest cardigan. Whimsy can be found in the strawberry shortcake gloss on your lips, the glitter dusted on your hair, candles that smell of fresh-cut lavender, sprinkles in your morning coffee, the butterflies clipping back your bangs, the sunbeams warming the colors in your room, or the bows on your ballet slippers. Seasons are whatever we make of them, so I invite you to romanticize every ounce of this spring wherever you can, through your clothes and more. Happy spring, dolls!

XO E.L.

🧚🏻‍♀️👒🫖🫧🪿🪺🌷☁️🩰🧺🍃💌