10 Ways to Upgrade Your Spring and Summer Outfits on a Budget
So simple, anyone can wear it.
Spring is often sold to us as a season of new beginnings.
A fresh start.
A reason to swap everything out—your wardrobe, your routine, your look.
But, honestly? A full reset isn’t always necessary.
You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to make your outfits feel current.
Sometimes, it’s just about rethinking the pieces you already have or adding one or two things that can completely shift the vibe of your outfits.
So if you’re craving a little refresh, here are 10 simple (but impactful) ways to update your spring and summer outfits on a budget.
1. Animal Print Accessories
Animal print isn’t exactly new—it’s one of those trends that never really goes away.
It just keeps coming back in different forms. And right now, it’s having a bit of a quiet comeback.
It’s not about going full-on statement.
Think of it less as a bold print and more like a texture. It’s about using it in smaller, intentional ways—like a leopard-print belt or snake-textured shoes—that instantly make your outfit feel more styled without looking like you tried too hard.
What’s interesting is that animal print is being treated more like a neutral this year.
Vogue even called it one of the go-to “quiet statement” pieces for 2025.
And it makes sense—when you pair something like a leopard bag, belt, or shoe with a simple outfit, it adds just enough personality to elevate the whole look!
2. Scarves as Multi-Functional Accessories
Scarves are set to be everywhere this season—and not just in the way you might expect.
They’ve gone far beyond their traditional use and are now one of the most creative styling tools you can play with.
But this isn’t the first time scarves have had a big fashion moment.
Think of the 1950s and ’60s, when icons like Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot wore them tied around their heads or necks.
Then again in the early 2000s, when they became part of that Y2K boho aesthetic.
Right now, they’re being styled in ways that feel both intentional and effortless: wrapped around baseball caps, woven through braids or ponytails, tied onto bag handles, looped through belt loops, or draped over the shoulders like a shawl.
What I love most is how much versatility you get from one piece!
A scarf can bring in color, pattern, and dimension without overwhelming your look.
It’s an easy way to refresh your basics and add a touch of personality, without spending a lot or changing your wardrobe entirely.
3. Sculptural and Colorful Jewelry
Statement jewelry is making a comeback—but not in the loud, maximalist way we’ve seen in past seasons.
This year, it’s all about boldness with intention.
Think architectural shapes, clean lines, and pieces that almost feel like wearable art.
We’ll see this in sleek cuff bracelets, curved metal rings, and geometric or oversized pendants that instantly elevate an outfit.
These aren’t accessories you throw on last-minute—they’re meant to be part of the outfit, almost like a finishing layer!
On the flip side, playful and colorful jewelry is still going strong too—especially with the lingering influence of Y2K.
Beaded necklaces and colorful details are a fun contrast to an otherwise minimal outfit, and they add a bit of youthfulness without looking too overly trendy.
4. Brooches Are Back (and way cooler than you think)
For a long time, brooches had a bit of a reputation, often associated with vintage heirlooms, royal family photo ops, or your grandma’s jewelry box.
But now, they’re not just for decoration. They’re actual styling tools.
Think: pinning an oversized tee at the waist, gathering a knit sweater, or closing a button-up shirt in a way that reshapes the entire silhouette.
On recent runways, from Schiaparelli to Miu Miu, brooches have been styled more like functional micro-sculptures. Harper’s Bazaar even referred to them as “wearable punctuation”—used to shape, close, or transform your clothes rather than simply embellish them.
And that’s what makes them so exciting right now!
This isn’t about casually pinning one to a blazer and calling it a day.
It’s about using brooches to genuinely shift the vibe and structure of your outfit!
5. The "Belting Everything" Trend
Belts have officially gone from accessory to centerpiece.
This year, they’re being styled over just about everything—cardigans, blazers, tops, dresses, even lightweight coats.
It’s a simple way to add structure and shape to more relaxed silhouettes, making your outfit feel styled with intention.
While studded leather belts and rope-style belts are definitely having a moment right now, you don’t need to follow the trend exactly.
Any belt you already own can work—the key is how you use it!
6. Red Undershirts (the new way to do a red accent)
We all know red is trending.
A red bag here, a pair of cherry ballet flats there… and while that can look nice, it’s starting to feel a little expected.
This year, there’s a more interesting way to work red into your wardrobe—and it’s not through accessories; it’s through layering.
Try layering a red long-sleeve tee or tank under something simple, like a white button-up, a cardigan, a basic long-sleeve, or even a crewneck or V-neck sweater.
Let just a bit of it peek out at the neckline or sleeves.
It’s still a subtle accent, but it feels way more intentional—and just bold enough to catch the eye without overpowering the outfit.
7. Swap Your Black Stockings for Brown
Black tights are a classic, but this season, brown stockings are stepping in with a softer, more elevated feel.
It’s the kind of subtle shift that doesn’t seem like a big deal—until you see the difference it makes in your outfit.
While black can sometimes feel a little stark (especially in daylight or paired with lighter colors), brown brings a warmth that’s more in line with the soft neutrals and cream tones trending this year.
8. Unexpected Ways to Style Basics
Right now, it’s not just about what you wear—it’s about how you wear it.
Layering is getting more experimental, and basics are being styled in ways that feel fresh and a little unexpected.
Try half-buttoning a shirt and tucking it into trousers to shape your silhouette a bit differently.
Patterns—especially the classic striped Breton top that always makes a comeback in spring—are being layered in more creative ways, too.
And textures are getting mixed more freely!
Suede, for example, is stepping out of its autumn lane and showing up in spring outfits, paired with airy cottons or silks for a fresh contrast.
What I love most about this “trend” is how accessible it is, and it feels like a quiet rebellion against fast fashion’s push for constant newness.
You don’t need to buy anything new to participate.
All it takes is a willingness to experiment with the basics you already own!
9. DIY Cuffed Hems (the easiest styling hack you’re probably overlooking)
Cuffed hems have cycled in and out of fashion for decades—from ‘50s pin-ups to early 2000s street style—but this year, they’re back with a more refined twist.
We’re seeing them styled everywhere, from runways to editorials, often paired with sleek flats, boots, or pointed sling-backs to spotlight the shoes.
Whether they’re pre-cuffed or rolled by hand, they add a bit of structure and contrast, especially to straight or wide-leg denim!
10. Skirts and Dresses Over Pants (yes, this again)
This one’s definitely a wildcard—but when it’s done well, it can look surprisingly modern.
The dress-over-pants look first hit mainstream fashion in the early 2000s (cue red carpet flashbacks), but the 2025 version is much more refined.
Instead of bright minis over skinny jeans, we’re seeing flowy slip dresses layered over tailored trousers, or A-line skirts paired with wide-leg pants and loafers.
The key to making it work is balance. Keep the fabrics light, the proportions intentional, and the color palette cohesive.
Think more editorial than experimental.
And there you have it. That’s the list!
I feel like this season is less about buying something new and more about seeing differently.
It’s about playing with shape, texture, and proportion—reworking familiar pieces in ways that feel more personal and fun.
Which honestly feels really refreshing!
So, whether you’re experimenting with layers or just folding your hems a new way, I hope this gave you a few ideas—or at least a reason to get curious again about what’s already in your closet.
Let me know which one you’re into—or which one you’d never try in a million years.
I always love hearing your takes!
Brilliant post. Off to play with a brooch!
Great post, thank you! So many ideas I'd like to try: the scarf tied at the back of a baseball cap, the red under layer, and the brown tights! I haven't been able to wrap my head around a dress over pants, but I've seen it styled on others in ways that I really loved.