13 Easy, Breezy May Outfit Formulas I’m Planning for Next Month

In May, the warm weather has joined us in earnest, but we might still be experiencing cool mornings and evenings. In fact, “this time of year can be a little awkward style-wise. It’s warm, but not quite summer,” says founder of Cove Fine Jewelry Alyson Iarrusso. You can store your warm knits and bulky coats, but you will need to keep out your sweaters and cardigans.

Stylists and designers actually love this time of year because there are so many opportunities for creativity. “Light layering is key. Layering a sheer shirt over a tank adds dimension without the weight. I also love mixing in unexpected textures with crochet or open-weave knits,” says Maria Gangemi, founder of M.Gemi. Adds Iarrusso, “Jewelry is the perfect way to make things feel intentional without layering up. Even if your wardrobe is in that weird seasonal transition, jewelry can totally carry the vibe.”

For concrete examples from the experts that’ll provide helpful outfit inspiration, read on.

Butter Yellow

Thus far, yellow, especially a light, delicate version that looks like fresh butter, has emerged as the color of spring and summer. A dress or matching set is an easy “throw on and go” option, but if you’re not ready to lean in yet, there are more subtle options. “Start with your favorite straight leg jeans and a simple grey cotton tank, then layer on a butter yellow cardigan or blazer,” says stylist and fashion expert Naina Singla. Or, for an even more subtle look, try “a yellow tee tucked in with belted denim. The belt and shoe should have a similar color or tone,” explains Holly Shapiro, creative director of Splendid.

Off-White Trousers

As a chic alternative to white denim, “Off white pleated trousers instantly elevate any look and feel just right for spring,” says Singla. They work well with a light cotton or cashmere knit, as we see here. Alternatively, “Pairing them with a black fitted tank and belt keeps the outfit clean and modern. Add a large structured tote and open-toed sandals and you’ve got a look that works for city days, casual meetings, or a lunch date,” Singla adds.

A Skirt and Vest

Matching sets are still très chic, if you’re curious. “A mini skirt paired with a matching vest is a fun take on a monochrome look. It feels polished without trying too hard,” says Singla. If you want something a bit more fun, she suggests a pleated mini skirt with a matching button-down. For something a bit sporty, “mini-shorts and skirts (think ’90s tennis-core) are back in full force,” says Lilysilk creative director. Yijia Shen.

Pretty Pastels

“Pretty pastels are having a moment this spring: think powder pink, light blue, and butter yellow,” says Singla. Gangemi notes, “Pistachio, in particular, was a runaway bestseller when we introduced it.” She adds, “These shades feel refreshing and modern, and they pair beautifully with warm-weather staples like white denim, crisp cotton, and eyelet pieces.” Stitch Fix stylist Jessica Sockel says, “Perhaps the most unexpected trend we’re excited about? Purple.” Most specifically, Wisteria, a soft and expressive shade that was named StotchFix’s 2025 Color of the Year.”

Wear two colors that are close together on the color wheel, like this light pistachio sweater and sparkly yellow skirt. Or go all in with an outfit that uses a single color head to toe. “Don’t underestimate the power of tonal dressing. Playing with one color, especially the season’s fresh pastels, in a mix of textures adds dimension and feels intentional,” says Gangemi.

Polka Dots

Polka dots are both a trendy pattern and a classic neutral. “It always feels fresh, especially during the spring season,” says Singla. “Whether it’s a fitted dress or a cute top, this print adds just the right amount of charm.” A smaller, more delicate print will skew more feminine, as we see here, whereas bigger dots closer together will look bolder and more vibrant. Experiment to see what gels with your style. This also complements a “tougher” style, like these chunky boots.

Gemstones, Diamonds, and Pearls

This is the moment to break out big, chunky, fun pieces. If your jewelry box is filled with delicate neutrals, this might be the moment to invest in brighter stones. “As we head into summer, color is coming in hot. Lab-grown rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are making waves, especially in playful, Americana-inspired styling. Think red, white, and blue, but reimagined through the lens of fine jewelry,” says Iarrusso.

Or, if you still want something classic, just go big with a more traditional stone. “Pearls are still having their moment, but forget the classic strand your grandmother wore. Baroque and irregular pearls, especially when paired with asymmetrical designs and solid gold, feel chic and totally of-the-moment,” Iarrusso adds. These Chanel strands are a perfect example, especially since they’re being mixed and matched together.

Cardigans Galore

You might be under-utilizing your cardigans, but they’re more versatile than you might expect. “Wearing a cardigan as a top with nothing under is the best during transitional weather!” Shapiro notes. This one is Chanel in a trendy pastel blue. You can also, obviously, layer cardigans over an existing outfit. “Whether you’re throwing one over a black or white maxi dress or pairing it with denim and a tank, it’s an easy layer you can keep in your tote and pull out whenever you need it,” says Singla. You could even layer a cardigan over another cardigan!

Mixing Metals

Contrary to what you might have been taught, gold and silver work beautifully together. Not only that: this combo is trending. “White and yellow gold are leading the way this season—and the two together are even better,” Iarrusso explains. “While white gold is dominating runways in sleek, sculptural styles, yellow gold continues to be the go-to choice for everyday wear, especially as we head into the warmer months.” You can even mix and match in a single piece, like “diamond-cut chains that mix both metals. Yellow and white gold that catch the light and sparkle like there are actual diamonds woven in. It’s subtle, elevated, and playful all at once,” Iarrusso notes. This look mixes gold and silver (the watch and rings) with gold jewelry (the earrings and cuff bracelet).

A Touch of Sheer

This look proves that “sheer” doesn’t have to mean “bare”: you can deploy see-through pieces strategically and thoughtfully. “This is such a great outfit idea for May when the weather starts to really warm up,” says Singla. “A sheer skirt adds lightness and movement while still feeling current. Pairing it with a simple tank keeps the look clean and easy.” If you’re hesitant to go sheer for the entire look, just make one of the pieces solid. “The ‘half-sheer’ moment, wearing a sheer knit top over silk bralettes and doing a French tuck, is a nod to layers without bulk,” says Shen.

An Elevated Pop

Office styles are making a comeback, but with a much-needed creativity. “Searches for ‘office wear’ are up 30 percent at Stitch Fix, and clients are pairing traditional workwear items like structured blazers with wide-leg trousers in hues like burgundy and purple, or finishing their look with bold footwear,” says Sockel. The same creativity goes for going-out outfits. “After dark, it’s all about turning up the drama. Our ‘Corner Booth’ trend is all about elevated night-out style: faux leather, animal print, and subtle cutouts,” she adds. In this look, there’s impressive tension between aesthetics: a crisp lace-up top, Adidas track pants, and leather slingbacks. It’s great for work and drinks afterwards.

Summer-Ready Jewelry

Opt for pieces that sparkle in the sun and pair well with your lighter outfits. “It’s such a simple look, but a bold pendant, especially something with a gemstone or a coastal charm, instantly makes an outfit feel styled. Plus, it elongates your frame and just looks effortless,” says Iarrusso. Alternatively, dial up the sparkle. “A diamond tennis necklace over the collar of a light sweater or crisp button-down? Total power move. It gives off that cool ‘I just threw this on’ vibe, but looks incredibly elevated,” she adds. Or, if you want to go classic, “A baroque pearl earring or pendant with a relaxed button-up or broken-in jeans is peak coastal chic.”

Some Asymmetry

If you’d like to add a dash of surprise, pick a classic style that has some asymmetric draping: you can opt for a diagonal waistline, like this, or an off-the-shoulder neckline. “It keeps things sensual but refined,” explains Shen, adding, “Bandeaus underneath tailored blazers are still trending, now in breezier summer fabrics like silk-linen.” If you want to DIY your own asymmetry, carefully tie a scarf around your waist, like this, and pull up one side of your top.

Vacation Inspiration

Whether or not you’re actually going on vacation this month, there’s no harm in dressing like you’re headed to Capri (like this gorgeous floral blouse, which Shen calls “island hues”). “We’re seeing more requests for breathable, travel-ready fabrics like linen with clients asking for ‘tropical’ and ‘resort’ inspired items,” says Sockel, adding, “Our clients want clothes that feel like a vacation, even if they’re just heading to brunch. Think coastal-inspired blues, breezy matching sets, raffia accents, and relaxed tailoring.” You can channel this vibe in your accessories, too: “A raffia handbag is an instant outfit boost in the summer months,” says Gangemi. Embrace joy in the details, like these gorgeous pink sneakers. Really lean in this month. You won’t regret it.

Read the original article on InStyle