In my hometown, flip-flops don’t have a season, they stay on year-round. Like many Californians who have made the puzzling decision to move to a place where Uniqlo’s Heattech serves as a second skin from the months of November to March, I have settled on the following justification when asked how I’m faring: “Oh, but the winter really makes me appreciate the spring.” The thing is, I’m not lying. With March comes a building euphoria— the first day it hits above 60 degrees, I could practically skip the length of the Brooklyn Bridge with happiness. In a premature fit of excitement last week, I unearthed my sundresses and clog sandals from my under-bed storage, because the only thing better than enjoying the weather in the park is enjoying the weather in the park while in a great outfit. Even if we are still in late winter, it’s never too early to fantasize. So, as we approach the year’s true fresh start—the season of reawakening, blooming, and perusing farmers’ markets for fresh flowers and fruit, I break down how the elements of spring shape my approach to personal style.

Renewal

Photo: DIMITRIS SKOULOS / TRUNK ARCHIVE

With the first signs of spring come the urge to organize. I begin the season with an audit of my wardrobe, assessing the casualties of winter, repairing what I can, and purging the rest. Then the fun part: culling basics that will form the foundation of my spring wardrobe. This season, I am focusing on building a solid base of elevated neutral garments that pair well with my louder statement pieces.

In Bloom

Photo: KIMBERLY GENEVIEVE / GALLERY STOCK

During the spring, nature is peacocking, so why shouldn’t you? Now that we’ve established our basics, it’s time to bring the wow factor. While florals for spring aren’t exactly ‘groundbreaking,’ we love bright colors and a statement print. This season, I’m leaning into the late ’60s and early ’70s aesthetic, with Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane and 1968 cult classic Wonderwall dominating my mood boards.

Lovely Day Flared Mini Dress

$734 $734 at Farfetch

Two Butterfly Pendant

$14900 $14900 at Cov

Postcard Ruffled Ombré Cropped Top

$695 $695 at Farfetch

Round Frame Sunglasses

$306 $306 at Farfetch

Buy at Coveteur

Dining Al Fresco

Photo: Courtesy of MARCUS NILSSON

While we once dined outside out of necessity, now it’s time to dine outside for pleasure. Call me basic, but on the list of my favorite warm-weather activities, brunch reigns supreme. To me, this means cosplaying as a European with a light flowy dress and a trench just in case it rains. Clémence Poésy, who?

Gio Floral-print Mid-Length Dress

$473 $473 at Farfetch

Clog Ankle-strap Sandals

$563 $563 at Farfetch

The Chelsea Heritage Trench Coat

$2250 $2250 at Farfetch

Mini Raffia Basket Tote

$790 $790 at Ssense

Buy at Coveteur

Spring Awakening

Photo: Courtesy of YAN L

Birds, bees, Balthazar reservation! A case can be made for every season, but I submit spring as the year’s most romantically exciting. It’s certainly the most charged. So good date outfits are in order, whether they’re for meeting someone for the first time or to look sparkly for your partner who may have gotten a little too used to seeing you in long johns and puffer jackets.