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    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    All You Need is $250 to Build the Chicest Spring Outfits at Nordstrom

    Let these six looks upgrade your new-season wardrobe.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 20 April 2026 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of fashion week attendees wearing spring outfits
    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)
    Jump to category:
    • A Light Jacket and Jeans
    • A Slip Skirt and an Elevated Top
    • A Mini Dress and Boots
    • A Matching Set and Mules
    • A Striped Tee and White Skirt
    • A White Tank-Top and Jeans
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    There are days when I look into my wardrobe and don't have a clue what to wear. When a T-shirt and jeans don't cut it, or I'm in the mood for something more, I turn to street style stars for inspiration. But it turns out you don't need a designer budget to create It-girl-approved outfits. You just need $250 and a trip to Nordstrom.

    Nordstrom has all of the spring trends I'm craving that actually fit into my budget. From lightweight jackets and spring-ready dresses, to staple denim and elevated basics, I'm considering Nordstrom as my ticket to a cooler spring wardrobe.

    Ahead, I've created a cheat sheet, if you will, of easy, chic, and affordable spring outfits. The next time I have a hard time getting dressed, I'll be referring back to this list of It-girl looks for an update on my go-to outfit rotation.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    A Light Jacket and Jeans

    fashion week attendee wearing sunglasses, short trench coat, jeans

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    A simple denim outfit isn't boring—throw on a cropped trench coat—one of spring's biggest jacket trends—and your look is instantly elevated. You can add a pop of color with a T-shirt of your heart's choosing, while a pair of bug-eyed sunglasses ups the cool factor even more.

    Water Resistant Short Cotton Trench Coat

    Levi's®
    Water Resistant Short Cotton Trench Coat (Was $150)
    $100
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    Straight Leg Jeans

    MANGO
    Straight Leg Jeans
    $90
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    Jade Polarized Sunglasses

    BERTHA
    Jade Polarized Sunglasses (Were $49)
    $33
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    A Slip Skirt and an Elevated Top

    fashion week attendee wearing white top, polka dot skirt with greyhound dog

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    A slip skirt will always be a staple in my wardrobe, but especially come springtime. I plan to bring back summer's polka-dot trend with this Reformation find and team it with an elevated-neckline top. Matching Mary Jane ballet flats ties the adorable look together.

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    Savi Boat Neck Long Sleeve Top

    EDIKTED
    Savi Boat Neck Long Sleeve Top
    $29
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    Layla Flare Polka Dot Midi Skirt

    Reformation
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    LifeStride, Beloved Mary Jane Flat

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    Beloved Mary Jane Flat
    $60
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    A Mini Dress and Boots

    fashion week attendee wearing sunglasses, mini floral dress, and knee-high boots

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    Don't put away your winter boots just yet. Knee-high styles like riding boots look fabulous paired with a spring-ready dress. Lean into the season with a floral print—they can be groundbreaking—add your boots of choice, and choose a complementary shoulder bag, then you're ready to head out the door.

    Smocked Lace Long Sleeve Minidress

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    Smocked Lace Long Sleeve Minidress (Was $100)
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    Prue Tall Boot

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    Prue Tall Boots (Were $149)
    $59
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    Oval Faux Leather Shoulder Bag

    MANGO
    Oval Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
    $70
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    A Matching Set and Mules

    Fashion week attendee wears grey blazer and bermuda shorts, gold flats, sunglasses, and yellow bag

    (Image credit: Launchmetrics)

    It doesn't get much easier than a matching set. For Spring 2026, though, I'm looking for a set that feels fresh—Bermuda shorts and a cool-girl blazer will do the trick. To finish the office-worthy look, I'm taking a cue from the street style star above with elegant gold mules. As one of the biggest fashion trends of 2026, the metallic hue has been at the top of my wishlist.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

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    The Icon Hourglass Blazer

    Open Edit
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    The Curator Crepe Culottes

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    LifeStride, Believe Mule

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    A Striped Tee and White Skirt

    a fashion week attendee wears a striped t-shirt, white skirt, and sneakers

    (Image credit: Lauchmetrics)

    I'm predicting white skirt-centric outfits will be back and more popular than ever this spring and into summer. An editor-favorite look is to pair a billowy skirt with a black top, but I think a striped T-shirt adds a fun pop. Tie a sweater over your shoulders, waist, or bag, and this easy outfit works for practically any kind of spring weather.

    Striped Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt

    English Factory
    Striped Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve T-Shirt
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    MANGO, Falda Newcreta Cotton A-Line Skirt

    MANGO
    Falda Newcreta Cotton A-Line Skirt
    $70
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    Martha V-Neck Oversize Sweater

    EDIKTED
    Martha V-Neck Oversize Sweater
    $59
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    A White Tank-Top and Jeans

    a fashion week attendee wears a white tank top, button down shirt, white jeans

    (Image credit: Lauchmetrics)

    One thing about me: I'm a major fan of an all-white outfit. I think the look works in any season, but it especially feels right in the warm-weather months. A button-down shirt, tank top, and matching white jeans will be my go-to outfit formula this season—clearly, the monochromatic look screams "It girl."

    The Easy Poplin Button-Up Shirt

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    Cotton On, Women's All Day V Neck Halter

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    501® '90s Straight Leg Jeans

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    Nordstrom
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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