April is here, meaning you’re finally able to break up with your boring-ass puffer coat (at least until cuffing season comes around again) for the loving embrace of trench coats, denim jackets, cardigans,and more. [Insert Miss Congeniality quote here.]
During the month of April, nothing is off limits. The weather will finally reach 60 degrees and, for four short weeks, virtually every item in your closet will be fair game. The month falls between the first day of spring and the official start of festival szn—so mini skirts, crop tops, strappy sandals are a hard yes. At the same time, though, cold weather essentials, like boots and cozy gworl knits, will also be on rotation and ready to be mixed in with your year-round favorites.
This is all to say, the weeks ahead will provide endless opportunities for sartorial slays—use them wisely!
A Trench Coat and Statement Boots
Spring’s trench coat trend is the opposite of IYKYK. Literally everyone knows about this timeless staple, and they’ve been hard at work, styling it in new and innovative ways. This energy will triple in the coming days, with khaki coats quickly replacing black puffers as the standard city girl uniform. Beat the “basic bitch” accusations by styling yours with funky pieces, like statement boots and Scandi girl boxer shorts.
Shop the Trench Coat Look
Theory Cotton Oversized Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Now 40% Off
Jeffrey Campbell Ride Along Pointed Toe Boot
Now 45% Off
Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Boxer Shorts
Now 22% Off
A Leather Bomber Jacket and Khakis
This spring, closets will exhibit a phenomenon I’m calling the Hailey Bieber Effect, which is just my obnoxious way of saying that literally everyone will be wearing leather bomber jackets. If you haven’t yet added one to your light jacket lineup, might I recommend a scrumptious shade of wine red?
Shop the Bomber Jacket Look
Abercrombie & Fitch Bubble Hem Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket
Levi’s Surplus Straight Women’s Pants
Aritzia Premier Baseball Hat
Now 50% Off
A Sweater and Capri Pants
This might be a hot take, but I’m obsessed with the capri pant renaissance—and I’m determined to influence you to feel the same. The middle school-favorite style actually looks so chic when paired with sleek, long-sleeved staples, like fitted blazers and cropped sweaters. Together, they make up the ultimate “How do I dress for this weather?” ‘fit.
Shop the Capri Pant Look
Nadaam The Original Cashmere Sweater
Guizio Caria Capri Pants
Now 40% Off
Alohas Kendra Bloom Heels
Double Leather
Pleather pieces are my personal secret weapon for keeping warm without piling on bulky layers. Ofc, vintage leather is the warmest option, but faux pieces also offer top-tier protection on windy days. Classic black is always the move, but the girlies are also loving jewel tones, like teal and burgundy, right now.
Shop the Skirt Suit Look
J.Crew Patch-pocket No.3 Pencil Skirt
Now 39% Off
Simkhai Wyatt Vegan Leather Zip Up Jacket
A Crop Top and Cargo Pants
Festival season is the exact right time to break out your tiniest tops. A cute little midriff moment will make your baggiest pair of cargo pants feel flirty.
Shop the Cargo Pant Look
ASOS DESIGN Spliced Volume Shirt in Olive & White Stripe
Torrid High Rise Baggy Cargo Pant
Now 53% Off
Lacoste Women’s Large Lenglen Leather Bag
Short Skirt, Long Jacket
A very important coat style to you should have in your arsenal: the scarf coat. With an elevated wrap detail and a posh wool fabrication, the scarf coat truly is that girl. Style her with a mini dress and your cuntiest pumps to make the winter fave feel weather-apropos.
Shop the Scarf Coat Look
House of Harlow 1960 Simran Coat in Brown
Avenue Karina Dress
Now 30% Off
Longline Shorts and a Light Jacket
Boy shorts are to Billie Eilish what leather bombers are to Hailey Bieber. And, honestly, she’s so real for that. Baggy Bermudas look great when worn Billie-style (read: with a rugby shirt and sneakers), but you can also do them with a blazer and pumps for a more corporate, office siren vibe.
Shop the Shorts Look
Filling Pieces Avenue Mix Lamb
Free People Blakely Trouser Shorts
White-on-White
When Second Winter inevitably hits—and the temps dip down, once again—reach for your stack of ivory basics. Dressing in all-white makes even the chunkiest layers feel spring-ready. Editor’s tip: Add on a bright bag so your look doesn’t feel too matchy-matchy.
Shop the All-White Look
Chevara Women’s Heart Stitched Quilted Puffer Jacket
Coach Tabby 20 Luxe Refined Leather Shoulder Bag
Eloquii The Yvette Rigid Wide Leg Jean
Now 40% Off
A Jersey and Maxi Skirt
Catch me wearing this exact outfit until next November (I’m so serious). The clash of sporty and punk will literally never feel boring, especially when you add cool-girl sneakers and a handful of kitschy bag charms.
Shop the Jersey Look
Cider Mid Rise Plaid Split Maxi Skirt With Double Belt
Now 64% Off
Ottolinger Mini Neoprene Leather Bag in Black.
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Oversized Rhinestone Jersey
A Quilted Vest and Midi Dress
This look is finance bf/fashion gf epitomized. I recommend stealing his favorite Patagonia and popping it on over your flounciest puff-sleeve dress. Slip on a pair of cowboy boots—the eclectic girlie’s best friend—to make the mix of contrasting aesthetics feel intentional.
Shop the Quilted Vest Look
Damson Madder Catrin Reversible Gilet Jacket
Franco Sarto Womens Lance Western Mid Calf Boots
ASOS Poplin Maxi Dress With Asymmetric Waist and Volume Sleeve
Jeans and a Lady Jacket
Yet another spring-y outerwear staple that’s about to enter her main character era. Lady jackets are the ultimate April accessory, because they offer the perfect excuse to fold vivid seasonal colors into your wardrobe (while still staying warm). I, personally, own several and love wearing them with loose-fit jeans and loafers.
Shop the Tweed Look
Toccin Lainey Tweed Jacket
Justine Clenquet Silver Lauren Necklace
PacSun Casey Bow Graphic Low Rise Baggy Jeans Medium Indigo
Now 40% Off
A Plush Sweater Dress
If you’re high-key tired of layering—but don’t want to freeze—reach for a loose-knit sweater set. It’ll keep you cozy, but doesn’t require the bulky layers that have defined your wardrobe for the last five months. Style with a chic slick-back and sculptural gold hoops to stave off any unintentional cheugy vibes.
Shop the Sweater Set Look
4th and Reckless Anine Skirt
By Anthropologie Curved Chunky Metal Hoop Earrings
Now 29% Off
Raye Mimi Boot
Now 40% Off
Denim Jacket and a Statement Skirt
Plaid and denim will always, always, always go together—and you can quote me on that. But, even so, there’s nothing wrong with a little refresh. Button two of your favorite flannels together to DIY a funky midi skirt, then top with your favorite denim jacket. It’s a new take on fall’s most cherished pairing.
Shop the Denim Jacket Look
Urban Renewal Remade Spliced Flannel Denim Mini Skirt
JW Pei Joanne Paneled Detailing leather Ankle Boots
Now 55% Off
Levi’s Levi’s Shrunken 90s Trucker Western Denim Jacket
An Elevated Tracksuit
Track pants have been getting all the attention lately, but don’t you dare sleep on their outerwear counterpart. Style your track jacket like a bonafide fashion girl by pairing it with a bubble skirt and colorful accessories.
Shop the Tracksuit Look
Abercrombie & Fitch Mid Rise Bubble Hem Maxi Skirt
Everlane The Ballet Slingback Heel
Adidas Adicolor Classics Firebird Track Top (Plus Size)
Now 20% Off
Spring Color-Blocking
In the fashion world, April is considered the unofficial month of color-blocking (source = me). Those bright spring staples you’ve been waiting to wear since November? Break them out—then throw them all on at once.
Shop the Quilted Jacket Look
If Only Studio Bow Quilted Denim Jacket
Now 25% Off
The Sei Women’s Pleated Satin Wide-Leg Trousers
Now 50% Off
Mango High-Heeled Denim Shoes
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
