11 Low-Maintenance Spring Outfits for When You Can’t Be Bothered to Spend More Than 5 Minutes Getting Dressed

While we don’t subscribe to the ‘no white jeans after Labor Day’ rule, we do get particularly excited to wear white denim once the weather starts warming up. This fit is a no-brainer for more casual offices. The combination will look best with white jeans and a black blazer (the contrast between those shades is the real draw here), but feel free to swap in any color or style of ballet flats you prefer.

Just because you’re not jetting off on a tropical vacation doesn’t mean you can’t channel those island vibes in your day-to-day looks. A printed short-sleeve button-down doesn’t take itself too seriously, and pairs best—outside of a resort context—with basics like looser-fit black trousers and black slide sandals.

Even if it’s been years since you picked up a racket, it’s impossible to deny the chicness of an all-white, tennis-inspired ensemble. Stick to a slim-fit tank you can tuck into your skirt (or skort, if you so please) and pile on all the gold jewelry to give off major ‘I’m heading to the country club, thank you very much’ vibes.

This comfy combo is ideal for running weekend errands or channeling a modern Princess Diana. Bike shorts are a perennial spring and summer favorite and can be worn exactly how you’d wear full-length leggings in chillier weather (aka with anything and everything intentionally oversize on top). Oh, and you don’t *have* to wear visible socks with your sneaks, but it’s very on-trend if you do.

Presenting: the only proof you need that an ultra-basic outfit can be supremely stylish. There are a few keys to making these run-of-the-mill staples look elevated: First, tuck your top into your jeans to highlight your waist and make the whole thing look more put together and intentionally simple. Next, coordinate your accessories, whether that means matching your shoes to part of your bag or your jewelry to your glasses. Finally, focus on fit. When you’re wearing basics like a white tank top and plain jeans, how these pieces fit your body is everything. Don’t forget: A good tailor can be your best friend. 

Here’s another one for the office-goers of the world. Pastels for spring might not be groundbreaking, but they are pretty. We love the idea of playing within the same color family for your top and skirt, whether that’s shades of pink, yellow or green. Also notice how the stylish gal above is wearing shoes in a similar color to her skin tone: Especially if you’re wearing a longer skirt and ballet flats, following her lead can keep your legs from looking shorter or cut off at the ankle (like they might with a shoe in a high contrast color).

Especially as it gets hotter, a shirtdress in a breathable material like linen or 100 percent cotton is your best friend. It’s as easy as it is breezy, and can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories, though we’re partial to the Birkenstocks above for an added dose of comfort and walkability.

Crochet dresses are trending for summer 2023, and we’re obsessed with the styling above. Frocks like this are inherently dainty, which makes it so fun to pair them with surprising accessories like high-top sneakers in an opposite color or a chain-laden handbag. And don’t worry: It’s so easy to take a dress like this from day to night by swapping out your sneakers for a pair of strappy sandals—heeled or flat—bold earrings and a swipe of red lipstick.   

If it’s not quite warm enough to wear your favorite sundress on its own, toss a denim jacket over top and you’re good to go. The beauty of a denim jacket is that it goes with pretty much everything in your closet, so there’s no need to give a second thought to matching. It’s really that simple.

Sometimes the most basic-on-paper outfits are the chicest. Tuck a tight tank top into high-waist trousers and delight in the figure-flattering, classically elegant nature of the combination. The color of the tank top and trousers don’t matter much, but we’re particularly fond of classic black and white (though this would also be a fabulous opportunity to go monochromatic—another low-maintenance dressing trick).

While denim cutoffs can feel a little casual for non-beach-going days, shorts can look very grown-up and stylish. The key is to choose a neutral colored pair in a structured material that’s not too tight, then wear them with elevated pieces like a preppy, half-tucked striped sweater, chunky loafers (dad sneakers would work here, too) and a pop of color via a bag or sunglasses. And though we know shorts in general can be quite polarizing, sometimes it just takes finding that Cinderella fit for your body. (Like one formerly shorts-hating PureWow editor did with this Spanx pair.)