Top Looks for Your Spring Semester

Spring is such a fun season for fashion! And springtime during the college years is always full of excitement because the weather’s getting warmer, classes are wrapping up, and a nice long break is on the way. Rocking a spring wardrobe will be easy with these top looks.

Cropped Jeans

Early spring weather can still be unpredictable, and it is often cooler than we’d like. When you’re not quite ready to bare those legs to the elements, cropped jeans are a nice compromise. An ankle-length cut still provides ample coverage while feeling fresh and fun after bundling up all winter.

Updating your denim game for the spring season can make a big difference to your daily look. When shopping for women’s jeans this time of year, stick to lighter washes and casual detailing, like fringed hems or slight distressing.

Lightweight Sweaters and Cardigans

It always feels good to move those bulky sweaters to the back of the closet again, right? Lightweight, fitted sweaters and cardigan sweaters are springtime staples, whether on campus or off. A nice sweater tucked into high-waisted jeans is the perfect look for both in-person and online classes.

We love the versatility of a button-up cardigan, especially during transitional seasons. Be prepared with your go-to cardigan! To get the most mileage out of spring sweaters, stock your wardrobe with neutral, timeless options in black, gray, or tan colors. Sprinkle in a few statement pieces in bold, bright colors or trendy patterns.

Chunky Sneakers

It’s pretty safe to say that ’90s fashion is back in a big way. When it comes to spring footwear, add some chunky retro sneakers to the mix. A fresh pair of white kicks can be worn with just about any outfit, from jeans and leggings to shorts and skirts. Colorful, low-cut canvas shoes are also a nice option, delivering classic style and seasonal coverage.

Casual Dresses

Cotton dresses are a wonderful wardrobe loophole. They’re basically like wearing pajamas in terms of comfort, yet you’ll look like you put hours of effort into your look. Add these must-have styles to your rotation this spring semester.

The T-shirt dress. As the name says, this dress style mimics an extra-long T-shirt. It's comfy all day long, meaning you can focus on classwork and marathon study sessions, plus the minimalist design makes for easy layering. Throw on your trusty cardigan, denim jacket, or casual blazer for those chilly mornings and evenings.
The floral dress. Spring means flowers, and we love a cute floral-patterned dress. Don’t be afraid to go wild with color! You can always pair a muted or neutral cardigan or jacket with a floral dress for a more toned-down look.
The fit and flare dress. Unlike T-shirt styles, fit and flare dresses offer a defined waist with a flared skirt. This is a great style to rock on date night or during afternoon Zoom happy hours. Pair with strappy sandals (again, as long as the snow is gone) for a true “night on the town” vibe.

Denim Overalls

We’re not joking about that ’90s fashion—it’s time to get yourself a pair of denim overalls! A bit more streamlined than their retro counterparts, overalls today feature slimmer cuts and modern washes. Wear long-sleeved tops, lightweight sweaters, or sweatshirts underneath in the early spring months, or go with tees and tank tops as the year creeps closer to summer. For truly throwback style, wear it with your chunky sneakers or leather hiking boots.

Biker Shorts

A cousin to leggings, biker shorts are having a moment. Comfy, casual, and easy to care for, biker shorts have joined the ranks of crossover athletic wear. Feel free to move these shorts from your gym wardrobe to your everyday rotation. Combine bike shorts with a fitted sweater and ballet flats or with a chambray shirt and sneakers for two unique yet classroom-ready looks.

Joggers

Sporty women’s joggers land somewhere on that athletic wear family tree as well. Typically cut closer to the body than traditional sweatpants, joggers deliver a streamlined fit with just as much comfort and coverage. You can pair joggers with a fitted T-shirt or a cropped sweatshirt for classic athletic style. Or, on warmer days, try a tucked-in tank top or bodysuit for a nice contrast.

Miniskirts

Miniskirts have been on the collegiate must-have list since the 1960s, and we see no reason to knock them off. Wear a miniskirt with a sweater, tights, and ankle booties in early spring, and by May you can ditch the tights and switch to sandals. Check out a variety of women’s skirts styles to find your favorites. For more professional settings like job interviews or group presentations, it never hurts to have a pencil skirt at the ready.

Have Fun

Above all, have fun with your spring wardrobe. It's always a good feeling to shed those bulky coats and other winter accessories for lighter, brighter clothing. Embrace new looks and trends and greet every day as a new style adventure.