Outfit Formulas for Spring

Part One, featuring six all-white monochrome looks

Dear Reader,

As life starts to speed up and the calendar fills in, I find myself leaning more and more on outfit formulas. Getting dressed becomes much easier when you already know the silhouettes and color combinations that work for you.

One formula I come back to constantly this time of year is simple: white top and white bottom. I’m using the color white broadly here; it can, of course, be ecru, cream, ivory, etc. An outfit can feel particularly interesting when mixing shades of white to create a bit of contrast and texture.

An all-white look I wore this week, styled with a suede jacket and black accessories (and a shopping bag filled with… bagels! haha).

Below are six examples styled for various everyday appointments and commitments. Hope you find something you love. Back next week with weekly favorites (it will be a long one!!).

All my best,
Natalia

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Look One

I recently wore a variation of this look to a lunch meeting and a few appointments on the West Side of Los Angeles. The weather was gloomy, as most May mornings tend to be, so layers were key. By the time I left my appointments, the sun was out, and it felt like early summer. The Zara suede jacket is from last year, and the cut is perfect. I’d wear it over an airy white linen top and white jeans, with black accessories to ground the look.

Zara Suede Jacket (size down, it’s quite oversized) // Alex Mill top // Agolde jeans // Hermes Garden Party bag borrowed via Vivrelle // Margaux ballet flats. Background image source.

Look Two

A look for mornings that start in the car, skincare and all, with enough traffic ahead of you to justify leaving 30 minutes early for a 9am appointment. The striped long sleeve and white linen pants feel polished but relaxed, while the red tote and sandals wake everything up. Sitting in traffic gives our skincare time to sink in, so a generous swipe of eye cream for the ride ensures fresh undereyes once we arrive.

Kallmeyer long sleeve tshirt // DONNI. drawstring linen pants // Ursa Major Sunny Start Eye Serum // Saint Laurent Romy Glasses // Massimo Dutti sandals // Kallmeyer tote. Background image source.

Look Three

This is what I’d wear for a morning with a few errands, a coffee stop, and nowhere I need to be too dressed up. The proportions here are what make the look feel easy — a relaxed vneck sweater with structured cotton pants and delicate flats. The oversized navy bag adds just enough contrast to keep everything from feeling too precious.

RLT vneck sweater // Jenni Kayne pants // Jimmy Fairly glasses // Margaux ballet flats // The Horse bag. Background image source.

Look Four

Another look inspired by something I recently wore. I purchased the Leset Laura V-neck tee on a whim, hoping it would have a similar neckline to my beloved Flore Flore Iman shirt, but feel lighter and easier for warmer weather. Luckily, I was right. The fit is loose, but still has that great V-neck silhouette. Wear it with white jeans, a loose trench, black wrap-around sandals, and a raffia bag.

Massimo Dutti trench // Leset long sleeve tshirt // Agolde jeans // Margaux sandals // The Row raffia bag. Background image source.

Look Five

A softer take on spring dressing. The floral embroidered coat feels polished, but the clean white dress and pale pink accessories keep everything light and unfussy. I love a look like this for a long lunch, a garden dinner, or one of those rare LA days that actually feels seasonal.

TWP coat // Massimo Dutti dress // Westman Atelier Babycheeks blush // Chanel ballet flats via The Real Real // Liffner clutch. Background image source.

Look Six

This is what I want to wear for slow weekend mornings that turn into an afternoon wandering through a market or sitting outside for lunch. The boxer shorts and lightweight cotton knit keep the look relaxed, while the trench and black accessories sharpen everything up a bit. I’ve also been reaching for the Oak Essentials Mineral Sunscreen lately. Sunscreen is an essential for me year-round, especially during these longer, sunnier days. This one blends in beautifully and gives skin a healthy, slightly glowy finish.

Almina Concept trench // Another Tomorrow sweater // DONNI. cotton shorts // Oak Essentials sunscreen // Toteme hat // Chanel ballet flats via The Real Real // LL Bean boat and tote. Background image source.