31 Ways to Shake Up Your Style This May

It's official: Spring has finally sprung! And with it comes a whole new crop of trends to try without the need to throw a parka on top (score!). Here are 31 fabulous and fun style ideas to inspire you and keep you looking perfectly chic all month long. Now, if you need us, we'll be sipping rosé on a rooftop in the sun.

RELATED: 11 New Ways to Wear Jeans This Spring

1. Use a Beige Blazer and Black Shoes to Tone Down a Wild Dress

Not quite ready to break out the blooming florals and super-bright prints just yet? Layer them under classic wardrobe staples in neutral tones to avoid feeling too bold.

Shop similar styles: H&M blazer ($50); Reformation dress ($278); Larroude boots ($450)

2. Tuck a Voluminous Blouse Into High-Waist Trousers

The most flattering way to wear a puff sleeve shirt? Tucking it into a pair of pants that hit right at your smallest point, like Coterie member Ijeoma Kola.

Shop similar styles: Express top ($60; $40); Gucci belt ($360); Charter Club pants ($80; $47); Louise et Cie shoes ($100; $67)

3. Use a Patterned Scarf as a Belt

Add some flair to a solid-colored dress with a silk scarf tied around your waist. You can leave the ends loose for a boho vibe, or knot them into a bow if you’re feeling preppy.

Shop similar styles: Mara Hoffman dress ($395); Echo scarf ($149); Koio sneakers ($268)

4. Give Your Blue Jeans a Break

We're not talking about crayon-colored, skin-tight jeggings. We're talking about sun-bleached gray, patchwork shades of white and cream or camo green acid wash, like Coterie member Tyla-Lauren Gilmore.

Shop similar styles: AEO sweatshirt ($60); NYDJ jeans ($119; $77); Vans sneakers ($80)

5. Sport a Gauzy Tunic Over Skinny Jeans

Let a crisp pair of jeans, heels and a chic clutch to take your beach cover-up from the pool to dinner.

Shop similar styles: Free People tunic ($228); Citizens of Humanity jeans ($198); Express clutch ($100); Calin Klein pumps ($99)

6. Opt for Colorful Leather Over Basic Black

A green, pink or baby-blue leather jacket keeps you just as warm as a classic black moto but feels much springier.

Shop similar styles: Mango jacket ($80); Sanctuary dress ($159); Simon Miller bag ($220); Charles by Charles David shoes ($100; $60)

7. Or Try Vibrant Denim

The same challenge applies to a denim jacket. Try a bright green hue or some pastel shades instead of your basic blues.

Shop similar styles: Tach Clothing jacket ($195; $98); Everlane shirt ($78); LPA pants ($168; $31)

8. Sport a Cozy Grandma Sweater

Pair a kitschy cardi with white jeans and easy sneakers, like Coterie member Shanna Battle.

Shop similar styles: H&M cardigan ($50); Lands’ End jeans ($90; $63); Converse sneakers ($55)

9. Start Working In Some Spring Pastels

Even if the weather isn’t cooperating with your springy feelings, that doesn’t mean you can’t rock delicate lilac, Robin’s-egg blue or creamsicle orange. Just be sure to choose pieces that are a little cozier, like a cable knit sweater or midi-length skirt and closed-toe shoes, so you won’t feel chilly.

Shop similar styles: Gap sweater ($70); Banana Republic skirt ($90; $72); BP. shoes ($50)

10. Wear Your PJs Out on the Town

We may be slowly heading back out into society, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to give up on our “pajamas all day, everyday” lifestyle. However, if you opt for a silky fabric in an expensive-looking print, like marble or Missoni-inspired stripes, and pair them with classic staples like a trench coat and black shoes you can absolutely get away with sporting your PJs out to dinner, to run errands or even to the office.

Shop similar styles: Cole Haan trench coat ($220; $150); Olivia von Halle pajamas ($560); Dr. Martens shoes ($120)

11. Wear a Workout Shirt Outside the Gym

Zip a sweat-wicking pullover up all the way and tuck it into a pair of tailored trousers. Suddenly your go-to running top is ready for a day at the office.

Shop similar styles: Athleta top ($79); B-Low the Belt belt ($106); Joe’s Jeans pants ($228; $80); Sam Edelman shoes ($140)

12. Break Out the Gingham

‘Tis the official season for picnics, after all.

Shop similar styles: Madewell scarf ($13); & Other Stories cardigan ($108; $87); J.Crew pants ($80; $30); Shrimps bag ($527); Calin Klein heels ($99)

13. Incorporate Bold Prints Via Small Accessories

The easiest way to work in an over-the-top print? Start small. Tie a vibrant scarf around your neck like a bandana or around your head as a headband to add interest.

Shop similar styles: Namjosh headband ($50); Eileen Fisher jacket ($198); Xirena dress ($249); UGG sneakers ($110)

14. Knot Your T-Shirt

Instead of dealing with tucking (and untucking and retucking) your shirt all day, tie it up in a tight knot, like Coterie member Caroline Juen. Now you can focus on much more important matters, like figuring out which pair of sandals is best for your zodiac sign.

Shop similar styles: Daydreamer T-shirt ($78); Wilfred pants ($148); Brahmin bag ($325); Tkees sandals ($95)

15. Dress Up Your Overalls

Give this juvenile piece a grown-up makeover with a sleek, slim-fit black T-shirt and colorful pointy-toe heels. If you want to add a jacket, make sure it looks perfectly polished and tailored. Leave the oversize trucker jacket for another day.

Shop similar styles: Lane Bryant jacket ($100); T-shirt ($8); ASOS overalls ($60); Badgley Mischka heels ($225)

16. Give a Bright Sweater Dress a Go

All we want to wear are breezy, gauzy dresses, but it's not summer just yet. Opt for a cheery knit midi instead for a similar effect without suffering freezing cold legs.

Shop similar styles: BCBGeneration dress ($57); By Far bag ($354); Steve Madden heels ($70)

17. Coordinate Your Face Mask with Your Outfit

You don’t need to go totally matchy matchy, but coordinating red gingham with a red floral (or green stripes with green tropical fronds, and so on) is a super chic and fun way to stay safe as we slowly make our way out of quarantine.

Shop similar styles: Ganni scarf ($65); Veronica Beard face mask ($25; $8); Madewell blazer ($168; $135); Reformation dress ($148)

18. Jazz Up a Simple Chignon

Fancy barrettes and hair clips are a great way to bring new life to second-day (or third-day) hair, but really all you need is a handful of shiny metallic bobby pins strategically placed behind your ear and you're good to go.

Shop similar styles: Tasha hair pins ($15); Madewell hair pins ($15); Mignonne Gavigan earrings ($225)

19. Bring New Life to an Old Style Trick

Your grandmother wouldn't leave the house without coordinating her handbag to her pumps, but that style rule has since faded in popularity. Until now. We love the idea of putting a very 2021 spin on an old-school rule by color-coordinating chunky kicks with a slick patchwork tote.

Shop similar styles: MinkPink dress ($129); Boyy bag ($845); Vionic sneakers ($130)

20. Show Some Skin, But Just a Little

A maxi-length dress is the perfect way to counterbalance an off-the-shoulder neckline.

Shop similar styles: Kendra Scott earrings ($78); Eloquii dress ($140); Banana Republic sandals ($80; $48)

21. Beat the Rain in a Metallic Anorak

A sporty windbreaker will give you just as much protection from the elements, but a vibrant gold shine certainly feels more spring-ready than matte black.

Shop similar styles: Jane Post jacket ($475; $200); Boden T-shirt ($38); Everlane pants ($60); Nike sneakers ($120)

22. Mix Boyish Jeans and a Feminine Top and Accessories

Proof that opposites attract and actually look damn good together. Lean into the feminine vibes with sexy pointy-toe stilettos and dramatic earrings, or go the opposite direction and opt for chunky dad sneakers and a sporty scrunchie instead.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew earrings ($68); Alice + Olivia top ($295); Ética jeans ($178); Nordstrom bag ($100; $60); Schutz heels ($118)

23. Carry a Mini Beach Bag

You might not know when you'll *finally* have the opportunity to dip your toes in the sea, but you know for sure you can rock this vacation-ready accessory as soon as tomorrow.

Shop similar styles: Madewell earrings ($18); Gap dress ($60); Kayu bag ($85; $60); Teva sandals ($60)

24. Modernize a Simple Slip

Nineties slip dress have been enjoying a comeback for a few years now, but what’s the best way to style them circa 2021? With chunky jewelry, simple sandals and a structured jacket. Add in a baguette bag as another nod to the era, but be sure to choose one with a more modern twist, like tie-dye fabric or an oversize chain strap.

Shop similar styles: Gorjana necklace ($75); Vince blazer ($495; $248); Iris & Ink dress ($170); Mango bag ($40); Steve Madden slides ($60)

25. Keep Things Simple with Chic Basics

The reason Coterie member Monroe Steele's easy T-shirt, simple pencil skirt and strappy sandals look so wonderfully chic comes down to one thing: fit. If you can find basics that fit like a dream then go ahead stock up. Otherwise make friends with your tailor and don't be afraid to bring them everything from cotton tees to jeans to have them altered to perfection.

Shop similar styles: Express top ($30; $23); The Sei skirt ($379); Charming Charlie clutch ($32); Vince Camuto sandals ($100)

26. Wear Stripes of All Sizes and Colors

The more the merrier, right Katie Sturino?

Shop similar styles: Old Navy top ($38); Eloquii skirt ($75); Zac Zac Posen bag ($295); Keds sneakers ($70)

27. Show Off Those Stems

Now this is how you wear shorts like an adult. Crisp white booties and a neat striped sweater are the perfect complements to a pair of great fitting shorts.

Shop similar styles: Farm Rio sweater ($195; $59); BB Dakota shorts ($59); Hunting Season bag ($595); 42 Gold boots ($160)

28. Wear a Crop Top Like an Adult

Pair a cropped blouse with a high-waisted skirt for a look that's as cute as it is lazy easy.

Shop similar styles: Bardot top ($89); Athleta skirt ($79); Hat Attack bag ($96); BCBGeneration shoes ($119; $84)

29. Make a Single Statement

Who knew one shoulder-grazing earring could leave such a big impression? Pair a single statement earring with a stud in an equally bright color or bold shape to make it clear this was an intentional choice and not the result of getting dressed while you were still half asleep.

Shop similar styles: SVNR earring ($110); LOFT dress ($110); Imago-A bag ($475); Marc Fisher Ltd. sandals ($120)

30. Wear a Denim Dress Instead of Blue Jeans

Jeans are definitely one of the easiest pieces in our wardrobes to just pull on and go, but a denim dress takes that simplicity a step further by eliminating the need to coordinate your top or sweater to your bottoms. Take inspiration from Coterie member Jasmine Crockett and style yours with sleek black accessories for a more dressed-up look.

Shop similar styles: Eloquii dress ($130); Cult Gaia bag ($228); Naturalizer heels ($110)

31. Try Denim Bermudas On for Size

Most denim cut-offs look a little too juvenile for anyone above legal drinking age to really pull off (although you do you, girl), but longer lengths can look chic no matter your age or style. Try pairing them with a silky floral blouse and structured flats or mules for a look that’s both mature and incredibly stylish.

Shop similar styles: LoveShackFancy top ($265; $186); Madewell shorts ($75); Tory Burch shoes ($328)

RELATED: 8 Fashion Trends, from Clogs to Corset Tops, that Will Be Huge This Summer

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