The Dressing Bell: Spring outfit formulas and places to wear them
Long live light jacket weather!
Hello!
We have had the loveliest spring so far in Boston this year. A couple of hot days interspersed with some rain and lots of cool windy days and warm sunny days. It’s really been keeping me on my toes, sartorially speaking, but this is my favorite time of year for layering. (I always seem to open this newsletter talking about the weather, but in New England, it’s always news!)
Since last week’s post was so long and detailed, I thought I’d keep it short and simple this week, sharing some outfit formulas that have been on repeat over the last few weeks. Not because I think what I wear is particularly different or interesting or cool—actually the opposite.
I think what I wear is mostly trendless and highly wearable! So if you’re looking for some outfit inspiration, this could help. Or maybe it’s boring. Idk? Can you tell I feel self-conscious posting mirror selfies of extremely normal outfits? But I always like seeing what people wear in real life, not styled up for the sake of taking a photo. But if this isn’t of interest to you, just disregard, or scroll down to this week’s recommendations.
To errands and the gym on a weekday
Baseball cap + linen tee + wool cardigan + jeans + trench + sneakers.
To coffee on a weekend morning
White tee + navy sweater + linen shorts + suede belt (similar) + ballet flats + leather crossbody.
To tea on a Saturday afternoon
Silk tank (similar) + linen pants (similar) + wool blazer + sneakers + crossbody bag (similar via TheRealReal) + sunglasses + gold jewelry.
To a casual cocktail party on a Friday evening
Linen shirtdress (similar & on sale) + wide belt + ballet flats + leather crossbody + sunglasses.
To a dinner party on a weeknight
Cotton sweater + wide leg jeans (similar) + slingback flats + trench + leather crossbody.
To the arboretum on a Saturday afternoon
Poplin button-down + linen shorts + skinny belt + straw bag + leather sandals (similar).
To our fancy anniversary dinner on a Friday night
Wool sleeveless shell (similar) + silk skirt (similar) + wool wrap coat + polka dot socks + suede pumps.
You might also like
Recs for your week
Making: A daily breakfast smoothie
Here’s the simple, healthy smoothie I’ve been making for my husband and I every morning. Blend together: 1 frozen banana, 1 cup frozen mixed berries, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 handful oats, 1/2-3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt/skyr/cottage cheese, 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, enough water or nondairy milk to blend smooth.
Serve immediately. Serves 2.
Reading: The design story of a dreamy Cotswolds house
UK House & Garden is my favorite home magazine currently. It’s no surprise that I love all things British and the aesthetic of the homes they profile is so in sync with what I like. And they don’t skimp on the gardens, either!
Watching: The new season of Taste the Nation on Hulu
I love travel shows, food shows, and Padma Lakshmi, so this show is the best of all worlds. Literally—it feels like you get a peek into every corner of the world, without leaving the United States.
Listening: Shameless Podcast weekly pop culture roundups
I’m not a big consumer of pop culture or celebrity gossip, so I appreciate this fun discussion of the week’s top stories all the more. Australian hosts Zara and Michelle are hilarious and thoughtful, often adding much more layered insights to each pop culture story than I would have thought of. They also do great deep dives into celebrity scandals of the past, if that’s your thing.
Doing: Visiting the local arboretum for Lilac Day
Some lovely couple friends of ours invited my husband and I to visit the incredible display of lilacs at our local arboretum on Saturday. He couldn’t make it, so I ended up third-wheeling on their date. When I tell you it was a springtime dream!!! If you can make it to an arboretum or botanical garden or local park where anything is blooming right now, go!
Buying: Eucalyptus spray for the shower
Per my love of the steam room, I ordered eucalyptus essential oil spray to give every shower those spa-like vibes! Highly recommend.
That’s it from me this week! If there are any topics you’d like me to cover, please leave them in the comments and I’ll consider adding them to my editorial calendar. Have a great week!
xx Jane
This newsletter includes a few affiliate links. I like to shop small and don’t exclusively feature brands that are part of an affiliate program, so not all links will earn me a commission. But some will! If you plan to buy something featured in this newsletter, using my link will help support the time and love I put into writing these for you. I appreciate your support so much!