Ahead of the spring season, our editors were hard at work trying out the best fashion items out there, from metallic cowboy boots to wedding-appropriate dresses and higher-than-usual platform heels. A common theme ran among our findings during March: we’ve all explored new sartorial territory. And after months of being cooped up and buried under layers, we're looking forward to exploring the fashion resolutions we've made as the flowers bloom.
Take a look at some of the best fashion items our team loved in March, including cargo pants we can’t stop wearing, fashion-forward tank tops, and more.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Boot Barn Encore Boots
“Being an East Coast baby, never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d own a pair of cowboy boots, but here we are. Boot Barn has so many different styles that it made it easy to choose something that was out of my comfort zone but still functional to compliment my spring pieces.” — Breanna Davis, associate social editorBoot Barn Shyanne Women's Encore Western Boots - Snip Toe, $, available at Boot Barn
Banana Republic Lido Cargo Pant
“I wasn't into cargo pants when they were popular in the '00s, and that's too bad. This pair, which I have been wearing nonstop, has just the perfect amount of bagginess while still remaining polished and work-appropriate, going just as well with a casual tee and sneakers as it does with a blazer and heels.” — Irina Grechko, fashion directorBanana Republic Lido Wool Cargo Pant, $, available at Banana Republic
Levi's 501® Spliced Jean
The arrival of sunnier days and warmer weather calls for swapping darker denim washes for medium and light, and this pair boasts the best of both worlds. A statement take on the classic Levi’s 501 jean, the spliced, two-tone detail gives the straight-leg, high-rise style a fresh upgrade for spring.Levi's 501® Spliced Jeans, $, available at Levi's
Anine Bing Melanie Dress
"I have a few weddings this spring and realized I had literally zero evening-appropriate dresses in my wardrobe. I was walking past the Anine Bing store and this dress caught my eye through the window. Although I may need to hem it a little, it doesn’t need any major tailoring, which is rare for my 5’1” frame, and isn’t sheer at all. I anticipate that I won’t be tugging or pulling at it all evening. I’m also looking forward to dressing this down with sandals or clogs (shown here) for daytime.” — Kate Spencer, senior affiliate strategistAnine Bing Melanie Dress, $, available at Anine Bing
Larroudé Carmen Platform Sandals
“One of my secret dreams in life is to be tall enough to not have to look up when I talk to my boyfriend, and thanks to these Larroudé platforms, my wish came true. In all seriousness, these platforms are one of the tallest and comfiest shoes I’ve ever worn. Although they may look like your ankles will break at the thought of wearing them, they are sturdy enough to let your feet just be, even with nearly six inches added. So far, I’ve worn them with a maxi skirt for date night and cargo pants for dinner with the family. The raffia texture is too good to pass for the spring and summer months.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writerLarroudé Women's Carmen Raffia Ankle Strap Platform High Heel Sa, $, available at Bloomingdale's
Free People Callie Sheer Tunic
"All I want to do is be Daisy Jones, twirling around the stage in a flowy, witch-like tunic dress, okay? And this piece does exactly that." — Esther Newmann, UK affiliate writerFree People Callie Sheer Tunic, $, available at Free People
Smash + Tess Lilli Cardigan
“I desperately needed a pop of color in my wardrobe, and since I love anything that’s oversized, this was perfect. It’s a great transitional piece from fall to spring and goes either dressed up with high heels or down with a pair of Nikes.” — Breanna Davis, associate social editorSmash + Tess Lilli Cardigan, $, available at Smash + Tess
Sandro tweed and denim dress
“A tweed-and-denim dress with a short collar makes me feel equal parts grown up and chill. The front zipper goes the entire length of the dress, which I think is chic and practical. The multi-material combo gives this form-fitting mini some playful edge, but I toughened it up a bit more with black tights and my combat boots. I wore it to my birthday dinner with my family, and even my six-year-old nephew, who usually only comments on my inability to beat him at Mario Kart, nodded his head in approval. That's a win for me!” — Carli Whitwell, editorial directorSandro Short tweed and denim dress, $, available at Sandro Paris
Marine Serre Logo Tank Top
Ever since I saw the Loewe tank top walk the runway, I have been into the Tank Top Era. Catch me in this perfect style from Marine Serre that has just the right amount of interest (see: the brand's signature crescent logo) all spring and summer.” — Irina Grechko, fashion directorMarine Serre Marine Serre Logo Tank, $, available at Nordstrom
Salt Water Luxe Britton Midi Dress
“As simple as this dress is, I never had anything like it in my closet. It really helps me tap into my dainty side. Plus, the shoulder string is adjustable, so it doesn’t fall over my shoulder, which is always a challenge for my petite frame.” — Breanna Davis, associate social editorSalt Water Britton Midi Dress, $, available at Salt Water Luxe
Dora Larsen Beth Embroidery Bralette & High Waist Knicker
"Thanks to the pandemic, I swore off underwired bras a long time ago, instead opting for soft, comfy bralettes. Dora Larsen creates some of the most beautiful lingerie on the market, with delicate embroidery and soft lace edging in a sweet shop kind of color palette." — Esther Newmann, UK affiliate writer
Dora Larsen Beth High Waist, $, available at Dora Larsen
Dora Larsen Beth Bralette, $, available at Dora Larsen
Kika Vargas Floral Print Dress
“I don't wear colors or florals, but as soon as I saw this dress on the 75% off rack at my favorite department store, I made a beeline for the fitting room as it felt like such an occasion. The ruffled hem is the standout of this made-for-spring look, but I'd have to say the roomy fit and pockets are a strong second and third place. Because this dress is loose and longish, I'm going to show off my ankles with aplomb! I plan on wearing it to my dear friends' wedding in May. And maybe, a family barbecue? To the office? To the grocery store? It's definitely going to be on repeat this summer — it's too pretty not to be!” — Carli Whitwell, editorial directorKika Vargas Kika Vargas all-over floral-print dress, $, available at Farfetch
Akris Skirt
“Ever since I saw the Prada fall 2023 show, I’ve been obsessed with A-line flowy skirts. So much so that I bought this Akris skirt on The RealReal days after the show. What first attracted me was its volume, which can be attributed to the pleated detail, as well as the wool knit fabric. So far, I’ve worn it with everything from a brown vest (pictured here) to a white button down and black oxfords. While it’s a spring-ready skirt, I think it’ll stay in my closet even as temperatures cool in the fall months.” — Frances Solá-Santiago, fashion writerAkris Punto Wool Stretch Knit Skirt, $, available at Akris
Nanushka Regenerated Leather Jacket
“The last time I bought a leather jacket was 10 years ago. With it now on its last seams, I've been on a hunt for a new investment piece to last me another decade. While I did not expect to go for one in a bright color like this baby blue, I find that this Nanushka number — crafted from buttery regenerated leather — goes with everything in my closet and makes for an instant statement piece when I am running late and need to get out the door.” — Irina Grechko, fashion directorNanushka Regenerated leather jacket Azure, $, available at Nanushka
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