Even though we’re still technically in the middle of winter, today oddly felt a lot like spring here in the Midwest. The temperatures rose above freezing, the sun was out, and it was just about warm enough to roll the windows down for a bit of fresh air while driving. It was a February miracle! Although we’re definitely not out of the woods when it comes to winter weather, today had me dreaming about fresh spring looks. Keep reading for spring outfit ideas over 40 that you can look forward to styling in the new season.
1. cardigan + white tee + shorts + sandals + tote bag + earrings
cardigan | top | shorts | bag | sandals | earrings
One piece I love to style year-round? A classic cardigan. This first look proves just how versatile your go-to sweater can prove to be, even in warmer weather. Layer a v-neck sweater over a white t-shirt for a cute, but casual spring look. Next, add a pair of black shorts. They give your look great contrast against your lighter top.
Then, add a pair of strappy sandals. Who doesn’t love breaking out your cute summer shoes once warmer weather rolls around? Accessorize with a gold pair of hoops and a leather tote bag to complete your look.
2. cream sweater + off white pants + ballet flats + straw bag
Speaking of including sweaters in your spring wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with a chic monochromatic look for the new season. Fresh shades of white, ivory, and cream are just the thing to welcome the sunshine and a new perspective. Style off-white linen or cotton pants with a knit sweater for a stylish look that truly stands the test of time.
Then, accessorize with two classic French girl accessories – ballet flats and a woven tote. It’s the perfect look for strolling through your neighborhood farmer’s market on the weekend.
3. cropped trench coat + sweater + jeans + straw bag + ballet flats
coat | sweater | jeans | bag | shoes
Spring is the perfect time to incorporate a fun pop of color into your look! A bright shade of red is also a great way to transition your winter pieces to spring. Start this casual spring outfit by pairing a ribbed crewneck sweater with a pair of light-wash jeans.
On top, layer a cropped trench coat for a fresh take on the classic French wardrobe staple. Then, keep your Parisian aesthetic going with a woven tote from French brand Sézane, and a pair of red ballet flats. Your coordinating shoes and top abide by the “sandwich rule” in style. The sandwich rule is when you match your footwear to your shirt or sweater for a balanced look.
4. denim jacket + dress + knee high boots + hoop earrings
jacket | dress | boots | earrings
A denim jacket can be the perfect layer to add warmth to your casual outfits. Incorporate the wardrobe staple into your spring outfits to make even your longer dresses wearable for every day. This patterned dress could be suitable for the office, but with the denim jacket, it makes for the perfect weekend or concert look.
Next, add a pair of tall brown boots with a pointed toe to update your pieces with modern style. Complete your look with a pair of braided gold hoops.
5. denim jacket + cable knit sweater + denim shorts + loafers + crossbody bag
jacket | sweater | shorts | bag | shoes
This next look is proof that you can always adapt a pair of shorts to fit your personal style. We hear from many older women that they’re wary of shorts if they’re going for classic style – but you can be comfortable and cool in the summer by pairing them with the right tops.
First, start with a cable knit sweater for an East Coast-inspired aesthetic. Next, add on your favorite denim jacket. Finally, add texture to your look with a suede saddle bag and leather loafers.
6. denim barn jacket + button up + cropped pants + loafers + tote bag
jacket | top | pants | shoes | bag
There’s something about navy that always reminds me of spring! I’m not quite sure what it is about the classic color, but it’s a timeless shade that will never go out of style when it comes to the spring season.
Channel your inner Ralph Lauren model in cropped navy pants, a white button-down shirt, and a denim barn jacket. Upgrade your garden center chic look with a pair of leather loafers, and a Longchamp tote bag.
7. trench coat + striped top + jeans + ankle boots
No spring style guide would be complete with a striped shirt! It’s on our favorite lists of French girl outfit staples and is rocked by some of the most stylish women. If you don’t own one already, it’s the perfect addition to a timeless wardrobe! A striped shirt will outlast any of the current trends.
Try pairing it with light-wash jeans to update the staple style for warmer weather. Next, add a pair of pointed-toe ankle boots and a trench coat. You’ll nail the effortlessly chic Parisian style in no time.
8. collared sweater + white shorts + basket tote + fisherman sandals
sweater | shorts | bag | shoes
I love looking to East Coast style for spring outfit inspiration. There are so many great ideas to be found in coastal fashion, with outfit ideas that strike the perfect balance of casual and chic.
The first ingredient in a coastal outfit recipe is a striped sweater. A collared version is perfect! As for color, classic black, white, and navy variations will always work great. Then, add a pair of white shorts to brighten up your look. Finally, add a woven basket tote (perfect for a day trip to the beach) and a pair of comfortable, yet airy fisherman sandals.
9. pink sweater + barn jacket + white jeans + tote bag + sneakers
jacket | sweater | jeans | bag | sneakers
Balance out your practical spring pieces with a feminine touch this spring. If you’re wondering how to transition your fall barn jacket to warm weather, try pairing it with a light pink sweater. This color will soften the look of a utilitarian-style coat for a fun trip to the garden center. Plot out your spring blooms in style!
Next, add a pair of white jeans – these are another spring-inspired piece that will help lighten the look of your jacket. Then, add a pair of sneakers, and a Longchamp tote bag to complete the outfit.
10. striped sweater + wide-leg jeans + trench coat + neck scarf
coat | cardigan | jeans | scarf | bag | sneakers
This next look screams French girl spring! In fact, a few of these pieces were ones that Carolyn and I spotted in Parisian street style. First, let’s start with the sneakers. A neutral pair of Vejas was one of the most popular pairs of street shoes we saw sported in Paris. Next, the neck scarf. French women love adding a neck scarf to their neutral looks to add a pop of color and sophistication. Then, your jeans – wide-leg jeans fit right in with the relaxed, yet elevated look of Parisian women.
Finally, a striped cardigan with gold buttons will evoke a traditional French style for a classic feel. The combination of these classic pieces makes for an easy spring outfit formula you’ll want to wear again and again.
11. white button-down + wide-leg jeans + loafers + belt
top | jeans | shoes | belt | bag
Who doesn’t love a chic outfit idea that you can create with pieces that you already own? Your closet, and wallet, will thank you for this next look. First, start with a white button-down. I recommend a slightly oversized fit, but you can certainly play around with whatever variation fits your personal style.
Next, add a pair of wide-leg jeans. A light wash is perfect for a bright spring look! Then, add a pair of classic black loafers. Finally, you’ll incorporate the color of your loafers back into your outfit with a black belt, and a woven handbag. Choose accessories all in one color to really tie your look together, and appear more put together.
If you need another layer on top, there are so many different ways you can go. Add a trench coat, leather jacket, or a sweater tied over your shoulders if you need added warmth.
Is your closet missing key pieces for a capsule wardrobe? We have free resources to help you find out what you’re missing here.
12. red cardigan + white jeans + red flats + woven bag + earrings
cardigan | jeans | shoes | bag | earrings
Update your favorite winter red cardigan for spring by styling it with a pair of white jeans or light-wash denim. The bold color pairs well with a lighter neutral on the bottom. This way, you can get the most out of your winter pieces all year long.
Red ballet flats make a statement and also help to add symmetry to your look. You don’t want to appear off balance by keeping all of the colors in your look on top! As for accessories, add a woven tote to further evoke the spring aesthetic. Gold pearl earrings complete the outfit.
13. blue button-down + white jeans + brown belt + loafers + bag
top | jeans | shoes | bag | belt
Here’s an idea for your next casual Friday at the office. White jeans tend to look more elevated than classic denim. They’re a great solution if you’re trying to still maintain a professional appearance, even on a more relaxed dress code day.
On top, pair them with a light blue button-down shirt. Then, add your coordinating accessories – a pair of brown loafers, a woven bag, and a pair of gold stud earrings.
14. white blouse + denim shorts + sandals + tote bag + bracelet
top | shorts | bracelet | bag | shoes
A white top and denim shorts may be a familiar outfit formula when you think of casual outings, but did you know with a few small tweaks you can elevate it to fit your personal style over 40? First, let’s start with the white top. Swap out your basic white tee for a white blouse instead – the tie on the version shown above helps complement your shape, adds definition to your waist, and provides interest to an otherwise simple piece.
On the bottom, choose a darker wash of denim shorts to further elevate the look. Accessorize with a pair of leather sandals, an oversized tote bag, and a gold bracelet cuff to complete your outfit.
15. striped sweater + trench coat + white jeans + woven bag + ballet flats
coat | sweater | jeans | shoes | bag
Here’s another Parisian-inspired look to add to your list of spring outfit ideas for women over 40. First, start with your go-to striped sweater for a French nautical vibe. Then, add a pair of white jeans for a fresh, springtime look. Next, add a pair of Parisian girl-approved ballet flats (they’re comfortable and cute, perfect for a busy spring day of shopping).
Finish the look with two more French girl staple pieces – the classic trench coat in a neutral shade, and a woven basket tote.
16. long cardigan + striped tee + denim skirt + tall boots + belt
cardigan | top | skirt | boots | belt
Update your favorite 90s-inspired staple – the long denim skirt – for 2025 in this next outfit idea. On top, add a classic striped tee and a long duster cardigan in a neutral shade. These two timeless pieces will balance out the trendy look of the skirt. Then, add a pair of tall boots. The pointed toe on this pair elongates the look of your legs. Then, add a skinny belt to the skirt to add definition around your waist.
17. white sweater + white jeans + trench coat + ankle boots + belt
coat | sweater | jeans | belt | boots | bag
Instantly upgrade your spring outfit ideas over 40 by starting with a monochromatic outfit foundation. Not only is this a super easy way to get dressed in the morning, but it also makes it look like you put more thought into your outfit than you actually did.
Start with a clean white sweater and white jeans for the ultimate bright spring aesthetic. Then, add a trench coat on top. Keep your accessories simple and coordinated – think a pair of ankle boots, a woven bag, and a black belt. It’s the perfect effortless, casual look for the days when you don’t know what to wear.
18. denim shirt + white jeans + watch + sandals + woven bag
top | jeans | watch | shoes | bag
If you can’t tell by this point, white jeans are one of the most versatile pieces that you can style for chic spring looks! Light-wash blue jeans are always a great choice too, but I think there are more ways that you can achieve a unique style by reaching for your white jeans more often.
Try pairing them with a blue denim shirt to get the best of both worlds in one spring outfit idea. Then, add your classic pieces like leather sandals, a woven basket tote, and a gold watch – these are all great strategies to incorporate more textures into your look.
19. cable knit sweater + white jeans + tote bag + watch + boat shoes
sweater | jeans | shoes | bag | watch
Blue and white might just be the color combo of the spring season! Here’s how to style it with a little inspiration from the East Coast style aesthetic. First, start with a navy cable knit sweater. This roll-neck style is the perfect piece to ease you into spring weather even as a chill remains in the air.
Next, add your white jeans. Then, reach for your footwear – try a pair of boat shoes for the perfect nautical touch. Accessorize with a gold bracelet watch, and a canvas boat tote. It’s the perfect look for enjoying lunch by the water, or a day spent sailing.
20. cropped trench coat + striped sweater + white jeans + mary jane flats
coat | sweater | jeans | shoes | bag
From crop jeans to jackets, shorter versions of your favorite spring staples are a great way to update your pieces for the new year. For instance, this crop version of a classic trench coat feels new and fun to layer over your springtime looks!
Pair it with white jeans, Mary Jane flats, a black shoulder bag, and a striped sweater tied around your shoulders for a Parisian-approved detail. Also pro tip – try tying your sweater knot off center for a more playful take on the layered look!
21. striped sweater + white jeans + crop jacket + tote bag + boat shoes
coat | sweater | jeans | bag | shoes
Nautical looks are already trending for the spring season, and you can try out this style in a low-cost way by pairing together basic pieces that you probably already have in your warm-weather wardrobe. Style a striped sweater and white jeans with boat shoes, a cropped jacket, and a boat tote for an easy, yet on-trend spring outfit idea.
22. trousers + white t-shirt + long coat + belt + sneakers
coat | top | pants | shoes | bag | belt
The most stylish women create interest in their outfits by mixing and matching elevated and casual pieces for a unique, yet balanced look. For every elegant item you wear, try pairing it with something more laid-back. First, pair a tailored pair of trouser pants with Adidas Sambas. On top, elevate your basic white tee with a black spring coat. Keep your accessories simple and neutral with a structured tote bag and a black belt.
23. sweater jacket + white jeans + gold jewelry and belt
sweater jacket | jeans | shoes | belt | earrings
Dress for an elegant brunch with friends by swapping out your favorite spring cardigan for an elevated sweater jacket with gold buttons. The little details make all the difference if you want to go for styling gold! Incorporate that theme throughout your accessories as well – reach for a gold pair of ballet flats, a gold belt, and gold and pearl earrings.
24. wide-leg jeans + quarter zip + white t-shirt + sneakers + boat tote
sweater | tee | jeans | sneakers | bag | earrings
Even if it might not be warm enough to enjoy a full-on beach day in the spring (at least not in the Midwest), you can still get those warm weather vibes by dressing for it. Start your look with a nautical-inspired striped quarter zip. If it does warm up later on in the day, this is a perfect choice to tie around the shoulders of your white t-shirt.
As for bottoms, a pair of wide-leg and light-wash jeans are a great choice for this casual look. Then, accessorize with a pair of white sneakers, ideal for strolling the boardwalk and taking in the sights of a little beach town. Complete your look with braided gold hoop earrings and a boat tote.
Spring Outfit Ideas Over 40
You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe to achieve effortlessly chic spring outfit ideas over 40. With a few key pieces (I’m looking at you, striped sweater and white jeans!) you can put together a near-endless number of outfit combinations that are bright, fresh, and fit your personal style over 40.
Are you already loving the nautical look for the new season? You’re in luck! Up Next: 34 Nautical Outfits for Women That Are Perfect for Spring
