It never fails — I start dreaming about spring the day we get the coldest winter weather of the year. So since it’s snowing in Texas right now, how about a dose of springtime dreaming?
My favorite piece to style in the spring? A loose mini dress. I gravitate to them year after year because they are so comfortable (nothing tight, nothing restricting, hooray!) while also feeling playful and a little flirty.
To me, short dresses have become even more wearable in the last couple of years — and it’s all thanks to the availability of bike shorts. They are my secret weapon when it comes to feeling confident and comfortable in a mini dress. Pop a pair underneath and who cares if it’s breezy outside?
So let’s get into styling. Of course when it’s warm out, dresses pair beautifully with sneakers and sandals. But when it’s still chilly outside and spring is more of a notion in my heart than a real thing yet, I like to pair them with flat riding boots, warm socks, and an oversized jacket.
In this post, I’ve styled two of my favorite comfortable mini dresses for early spring. Have a look!
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LOOK 1
Nothing like a relaxed dress made of soft cashmere to add some cozy comfort to your day. Not only does it feel soft and light on the skin, but I love the design details too — the polo collar, the stripes, the perfect dropped shoulder.
Then I went with tall black riding boots to keep things weather friendly in case of rain or a spring chill. I’ve been on the hunt for riding boots that aren’t too wide in the calf — these are right on. They are an investment but well worth it. Every detail is considered, the proportions are just right. However, they DO take a fair amount of breaking in, so make sure you’ve got some thick socks are handy.
Finally, I wanted to push the overall look in a sportier direction, so I finished it with an oversized coaches puffer and my favorite ball cap.
LOOK 2
This dress. THIS DRESS. It has my heart always and forever. Safe to say, you’ll find me in this dress all year round. It certainly lends itself more spring / summer, but I have to say I could easily see myself wearing it in the fall, and it miiiiight even pass as a holiday dress (that green is so perfect and versatile). So, all season dress? I’m thinking yes!
I went with tall black riding boots again — I love the English countryside vibe of this outfit and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Finally, I settled on an oversized black blazer for the jacket here and I love the way it brings a bit of structure and contrast to the floral floaty-ness of the dress.
Jacket (old) | similar | similar
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And there you have it!
Thanks so much for being here. See you next Thursday for a new blog post. Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss a post, and you can also follow me on Pinterest and LTK for more outfits.
So tell me, have you been doing any early spring wardrobe planning? Anything in particular on your radar? And which look from today’s post is your fav?
xo,
Love the second outfit!! Can you recommend any bike shorts?
Hi Linde! Yes! My favs are the Aerie Offline Hugger Bike Shorts. Just added the links to the post. Even under short dresses I opt for the 7in inseam — I find the longer the inseam the less they ride up. Usually that length is still fine for even very short dresses, but if they stick out under the dress I just scrunch or fold them up a bit. xo, C
Thank you so much!!
Hey Caroline. Do the boots run true to size?
Hi Jenny! They do run TTS. I’m a 7.5 in boots and got a 7.5 and they were right on. xo, C
It made my heart jump to see “spring”! I’m right there with you 😍🌸🌸🌸 Thanks for such a lovely post
I am so happy to see you back to blogging. I’ve missed your point of view.
Lovely post! I agree with you, loose dresses on the shorter side are everything in winter, especially when you wear them with boots. I’m six months pregnant and they’re a life saver.
The bike shorts under mini dresses is genius! Do you still wear them in the summer? It’s cold here right now but I’m sweating just thinking about wearing extra layers in the summer, haha! This post also made me realize I need more fun dresses in my life. That green floral is stunning!
I’m all about fun earrings this spring. I went very minimal accessories for a long time but lately I’ve just wanted a funky pop accessory with most outfits!!
Hi Caroline!! I like your new simplified business model of blog/Pinterest/LTK! Yay for you! In one of your reels, you have a comfort/chic travel outfits pix with *I think* pleather joggers and a white ball cap. It’s gorgeous and you look fantastic and comfortable! I’d love outfit details for the whole outfit if that’s possible. It does look super comfort chic!, Thank you! Samantha
Hi Samantha! Sure thing! The ball cap is Madewell, the sweater is the Everlane Oversized Alpaca Crew Sweater in Heather Black, the joggers are the Aerie Crackle Joggers from last year which are sadly out of stock, but here’s a similar pair. The shoes are the Veja Venturi sneakers and the bag is the Polene Sept bag in Taupe. xo, C
Hi Caroline! I’m so happy to see you back blogging. I really like Look 2, the green dress is stunning and you look really good. Can I ask what size you’re wearing?
Hi Cristina! Sure thing! I’m wearing a size Small in the green dress. xo, C
So happy you’re back. The green dress is beautiful on you! xo
Thank you, Amy! Happy to be back!