Now back to those new quiet luxury staples: None are as classically cool as the driving loafer right now. We have Miu Miu and Tod’s to thank, of course, but newcomers on the scene include suede stunners from M.Gemi and Mango, plus The Row’s luxe leather version. Then, there are those aforementioned ladylike jackets, which have officially surpassed the timeless trench coat as the ultimate piece of transitional outerwear. Opt for Veronica Beard’s two-toned take or Mango’s classic black choice, which comes adorned with a row of glittering gold buttons. Styling-wise, pair yours with a 1950s-inspired flared midiskirt from the likes of Another Tomorrow to Bottega Veneta or a white poplin pick from Joseph or Cuyana. Other crucial It items in the mix include crisp shirting, perfect for layering underneath lightweight knitwear, to sleek pairs of tailored trousers and structured suit vests.
Drum roll for the finale please: No ladylike look is complete without The Row’s Margaux top-handle bag—if you can’t find one in stock, equally coveted options can be had from Tory Burch and Prada. They’re a future heirloom in the making, after all. For more prim and proper accessories, there are retro-inspired sneakers, elegant day clutches, simple belts, dainty jewels, and neck scarves for the modern woman. Below, 18 forever-chic ways to master ladylike dressing for spring.
Ladylike Jackets
Earlier this season, we predicted that ladylike jackets were set to dominate our spring shopping carts–and boy were we right! There are options in classic black, of course, like those from Mango and Alex Mill, but there also are cropped jackets in ivory from Another Tomorrow and Veronica Beard, which are especially fitting for spring’s much-anticipated arrival. Meanwhile, Anine Bing’s leather version offers up a fresh yet still charming feel.
Delightful Day Dresses
Day dresses are notoriously ladylike, from sleek shirtdresses to sleeveless shifts. All you need is a luxe loafer and a hero handbag and you’re instantly styled. Opt for color pops from Simkhai and Cos or great white dresses from J.Crew and Hill House Home. When it comes to neutrals, Toteme’s pleated écru pick or La Ligne’s flared black frock are especially hard to beat.
Prim and Proper Midiskirts
We have Bottega Veneta to thank for bringing the 1950s-inspired midiskirt back into the picture. Others like it include Zara’s ivory option and perfectly pleated picks from Aritzia and Veronica Beard. For a slightly more updated version, there is Jacques Wei’s faux-leather midiskirt in chocolate brown or Gucci’s bright blue midi.
Driving Loafers
The unexpected loafer trend taking the street style scene (and our shopping carts) by storm, you ask? It’s none other than the driving loafer. You can never go wrong with Tod’s traditional take, however, those from Mango, Masssimo Dutti, and The Row are It-girl approved. One thing’s for sure: You’ll soon be stepping into spring in total style.
Structured Suit Vests
Spring shopping tip? Invest in the suit vest. While the most fitted style remains true the menswear roots, plenty of today’s versions are made for the modern woman. And if you’re missing that feminine touch, may we suggest styling the staple with a flowy skirt or sophisticated blue jean? Options include Wardrobe.NYC’s slate gray style and Favorite Daughter’s pinstripe pick, or Cos’ classic black choice and H&M’s linen vest for more affordable options.
Straight-Leg Denim
It’s a fact: every capsule wardrobe needs a straight-leg jean or two. And yes, when styled correctly, it’s the perfect anchor to a wardrobe filled with ladylike silhouettes (see: prim jackets, driving loafers, and suit vests). Whether you go for basic blue or bright white, a great jean is the ultimate fashion blank canvas, to be worn with everything from airy knits to statement tops.
Easy, Breezy Poplin Skirts
A white poplin skirt instantly imbues a spring outfit with ease and elegance—not to mention that the silhouette was a fixture on many of the spring 2024 runways, from The Row and Ulla Johnson to Marni and Alexander McQueen. Slip into floaty styles, below, from Joseph to Cuyana.
Lightweight Yet Luxurious Knitwear
No capsule wardrobe is complete without a roster of lightweight yet luxurious knitwear–and ladylike dressing is no different. Chic cashmere sweaters, like those from Arch4 and Everlane are minimalist must-haves, while Jaquemus’s scarf-adorned sweater and The Row’s dainty delight are perfect for the fashion girl making her way down Madison Avenue.
Crisp Shirting
Fashion’s favorite layering essential? An ultra-crisp button-up shirt. Opt for striped styles from Brunello Cucinelli, Favorite Daughter or T by Alexander Wang’s menswear-inspired bright blue button-up. Black and white shirts from The Frankie Shop and Cos are closet classics, while Interior’s statement red shirt the ultimate outfit topper.
Retro-Inspired Sneakers
Spring fashion’s gone retro, with the spotlight on old-school style sneakers from Prada and Dries Van Noten to Vince and Adidas. And while a sporty sneaker may not immediately come to mind when thinking of ladylike dressing, these picks are as polished as they are practical—and beloved by many a fashion darling.
Lightweight Blazers
Like the suit vest, a lightweight blazer is another elevated essential worth borrowing from the boys. Tonal varieties from & Other Stories, H&M, and The Frankie Shop make for easy spring dressing, while Everlane’s classic black option will prove to be a wardrobe workhorse. Then, there are those runway-ready blazers from Loewe and The Row, which are worthy investments.
Tailored Trousers
Nothing says polished perfection quite like a tailored trouser. Fit for spring, Everlane’s off-white pant is cheery as it is charming; and same goes for Etro’s checkered khaki choice. Then, there are neutral styles from Theory, Loulou Studio, and Zara that whisper ‘chic’ no matter the season.
Chic Clutches
Of all the spring handbag trends, few are as chic as the day clutch. Slouchy styles from Loewe and Cos are casually cool, while day options from Khaite, DeMellier, and Ferragamo are sophisticated stunners. There, there’s Savette’s two-toned clutch, which truly stands alone.
Barely-There Pumps
Give your ladylike look instant polish with a minimalist, barely-there pump. Prada’s futuristic mules are perfect for the evening, while Manolo Blahnik’s animal-print slingbacks offer some welcome edge. Off-white options from Gucci and M.Gemi are sure to spring your wardrobe forward, while Ferragamo’s patent mules are fresh off the spring 2024 runways.
Heirloom-in-the-Making Top-Handle Bags
Looking for a hero handbag to invest in? One to pass down to your newborn as an heirloom? The Row’s Margaux top-handle bag is a contemporary classic for a reason–capacious, expertly crafted, and for those in the know, as instantly recognizable as a Birkin. Others just as good include those from Khaite and Prada to Nothing Written and Tory Burch.
Elegant Belts
An understated yet elegant leather belt is key to pull a look together. Go modern with Zara’s rope belt, Tom Ford’s gold-bar belt, or Toteme’s skinny waist belt. For something true-to-the classics, options from The Row, Cos, and Anderson’s won’t disappoint.
Finishing Touches
Dainty jewels, like a pair of Dorsey drop earrings or Sophie Bille Brahe’s pearl necklace, are sure to dazzle all day (and night) long. And for the ultimate sign of luxury, opt for Cartier’s tank watch, which comes adorned with the brand’s signature elegant alligator band.
Modern Neck Scarves
A small neck scarf is one of those versatile wardrobe essentials that is forever stylish. Wear yours around your neck, in your hair, or tied-up as a bag charm and expect sartorial success each and every time.
