We’re not gonna let the weather stop us from getting excited for a new season! Even though Punxsutawney Phil hexed us with six more weeks of winter, this springtime inspo is just what we need to say, “winter, bye” and bring on spring with something sweet. Get ready to swoon over these trendy transitional outfits, perfect for moving from frigid winter to sunny spring with layers and bright colors. And don’t forget to try out our recommended delicious treats to match back to these spring looks and activities.
Backyard Picnic
Enjoying a refreshing snack while soaking up some sun calls for laid-back yet super on-trend transitional outfits. Long flowy maxi dresses are great for early spring as the temperatures aren’t quite warm enough to show some leg yet. Add a jean jacket for an extra layer of style and comfort and complete the look with a pair of sunnies—our favorite functional fashion accessory! Kick back and enjoy some fresh air while sipping on a delicious homemade drink like this sweet and earthy mint lemonade.
Homemade Mint Lemonade
½ cup sugar
2 cups water for simple syrup
4 cups water for lemonade
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ cup fresh mint leaves
Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and 2 cups of water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a separate pitcher, combine lemon juice and 4 cups of water. Add cooled simple syrup to the pitcher and stir to combine.
Muddle half your mint leaves to extract more of the minty flavor—either by gently crushing with a mortar and pestle or just slapping them between your palms (seriously). Stir in muddles and fresh mint leaves and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve cold with ice.
Jog in the Park
Spring is the perfect time to kick off a new workout routine. Slip into some comfy activewear and find a jogging trail near you or head out for a run in the city! We’re living for matching sets with plenty of layers to give you flexibility as you work up a sweat. Keep your limbs warm and nimble with joggers and hoodies, and stay cool in breathable seamless tops and bike shorts. Need a boost of energy to get the blood pumping? Try this creamy mixed berry smoothie recipe!
Mixed Berry Smoothie
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ cup frozen strawberries
½ cup frozen raspberries
¾ cup milk
½ cup plain greek yogurt
Add all ingredients to your blender and mix until smooth. If you’re using fresh fruit in place of frozen, add in a handful of ice to assure your smoothie is nice and cool.
If you’re preparing the fruit for later use, save the berries in freezer bags for up to 10 months and keep frozen until ready to use.
Sunday Brunch
Spring Sundays call for simplicity and comfort. A classic jeans and nice top combo will never go out of style! Adding a trendy lightweight cardigan like our most-loved tie-front styles keeps the chill away and completes the whole vibe. Brunch is a luxury we all love love love, so while you’re wearing a classic outfit, you might want to try a classic sweet treat—fresh baked blueberry muffins!
Blueberry Muffins
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
⅓ cup canola oil
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
Heat oven to 400° F. Line standard muffin tray with cups.
Whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt) in a bowl. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk your egg before adding oil and sugar and mixing to combine. Slowly add milk and vanilla to the liquid mixture and stir to combine.
Slowly add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until no clumps remain. Do not over mix—it’ll make your muffins too dense. Once you’ve got the batter blended, gently fold in fresh blueberries. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups until they’re ¾ of the way full. Top off any remaining batter in the cups.
Bake muffins for 15-20 minutes. Remember all ovens vary in temperature, so check to see if your muffins are done by inserting a toothpick into the top of a muffin. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Cool muffins on a rack and enjoy. For an even sweeter treat, top cooled muffins with sifted powdered sugar.
Even though we’re still counting down the days to warm weather, these trendy transitional outfits and tasty snacks have us in the springtime mood. Check out the site for new arrivals every day and give your closet a refresh in time for the new season!
Share your spring style on Instagram with #YOUinrue and tag @rue21!
