Embrace the Joyful Spirit of Spring’s “Everyday Exuberance” Trend

Here are 6 outfit formulae that embody the season’s effervescent mood.

By Lindsay Samson

Apr 5, 2021

According to the Spring/Summer runways, it's time to embrace a little flair and frivolity, with everyday exuberance emerging as the new mood of the season. Designers have rediscovered a sense of optimism and, accordingly, delivered collections filled with bold shades, unique patterns, and statement-making accessories. And though it may seem trivial, the act of adding some cheer to your wardrobe through these styles can actually do wonders for the spirit.

Right now, comfort is still key, but colors are stronger and brighter, and silhouettes are airy and ethereal. Jewelry designs are whimsical, unexpected, and powerful, and the new accessories are practical and playful. These fresh fashions feel like a hopeful statement on an uncertain future and are a sartorial salve for any lingering wardrobe gloom. Read on to discover five everyday looks for five everyday occasions that exude this spirit of jubilance.

1.
Weekend outing

The weekend is a time for a little carefree indulgence. Work is off your mind for now and visits to parks and farmers markets are on the agenda. Inject some verve into your standard weekend uniform this season with a splash of color and sophisticated accessories that easily and effectively liven things up. Pair a confident and comfy striped trouser with a colorful knitted crop like Viviers’ chartreuse style as your breezy base then step into a timeless, bling-embellished, cross-strap sandal: Loza Maléombho’s Black Koh style is adorned with gold-plated bronze buckles and offers a subtle yet striking refinement. Look to a gleaming piece of jewelry to dial up your outfit’s polish and finish it all off with Tongoro’s Fitini bag in salmon to stylishly store your belongings.

2.
al fresco lunch

Sunny spring days call for leisurely outdoor lunches which, of course, also call for a simple and graceful ensemble. But simple needn’t mean subdued, which is why we recommend going for the sweeping maxi that is Andrea Iyamah’s bold and brilliant Ama Jumpsuit. And while the burnt orange shade certainly makes a powerful statement, the jumpsuit’s flowy fit remains understated and elegant. Shekudo’s Leather Kakawa Toe-Mules are a perfectly color-coordinated match for the head-turning jumpsuit and ZAAF’s black Periana Clutch offers both a contrasting tone and an element of practicality thanks to it’s roomy interior and detachable top handles. Make your jewelry choices for this look fearless and confident and turn to the sculptural pieces of Nigerian designer Adele Dejak—her expressive, gold-toned Adele Earring and Margaret Bangle will lend things a tasteful edge.

3.
Dinner Date

If you’re taking some time out to wine and dine yourself at home, it may seem like one of the best excuses to get into your most snug sweats—but there’s something quite special about getting all dressed up for the occasion. Avoid sacrificing on comfort and embrace the chic sleepwear as daywear trend with Taibo Bacar’s Rose Mandevo Rose Dress. A hybrid robe-pajama-set style, the printed floral, silk-sateen dress is an innately glamorous look all on its own and its faux-feather cuffs peppered with crystals further its spirit of luxurious cheer. Subtle touches of jewelry are all that’s needed here and the polished brass discs of the Noor earrings by Pichulik and delicate pearl starfish ring by Patrick Mavros make for the ideal toned down trimmings. If dinner doesn't happen to be at home tonight, all you need to add is a coordinating purse like Khokho Collection’s Lindi Minaudière in Smoke Blush for that eye-catching finishing touch.

4.
office hours

Enliven the daily routine of your workday by going for the most joyfully colored clothing possible. We’re talking shades that effortlessly raise the mood: sunshine yellows, electric blues, emerald greens, and blood reds. With this spirit, try the hot pink hue of South African label Viviers’ Peonie Shirt Dress. Handcrafted from silk georgette, the luminous piece pairs seamlessly with a chunky sandal such as Loza Maléombho’s White Fah Plus which is an artisanal take on the on-trend style. Go for the unexpected jewelry-wise with a dramatic piece like the Quartz Torque necklace by Ami Doshi Shah. Punctuated by irregularly faceted white quartz, the striking design is an offbeat kind of adornment that drapes asymmetrically over the collar bone. Deliver a final dose of happy color with the miniature version of Femi Handbag's bestselling Ameena bag and allow its ample lashings of fuschia and lemon yellow to tie your look together.

5.
Errand run

Patterned statement jackets can easily add life to a simple set of muted separates and the bright blazer by New York-based brand Kahindo is one such style. Its head-turning geometric pattern is an instant spirit lifter and its snug fit an effortless style elevator. Throw the piece unbuttoned over a white T-Shirt tucked into a roomy black trouser and pair with Shekudo’s striped green block-heel mule for a cheerfully casual yet seriously put-together errand-running look. Keep things light and laid back in the jewelry department by choosing a minimalist earring design like Pichulik’s simple Samba hoop. Next, throw a spacious satchel like the understated Geneva Tote Bag by Thalia Strates over your shoulder to allow the oceanic green-hued colors of the jacket to take center stage, and you’re good to go.