A Sea of Blue

Spring's most serene shade

Clockwise, from left to right: Cornflower blue nail polish, a ladylike jacket with sparkle, a periwinkle top and wide-leg pants in silk from Staud, Santoni metallic loafers and a Skagen minimalist watch.

SPRING/SUMMER collections from the likes of designers Stella McCartney and Dries Van Noten—who's sadly retiring—showcased shades of robin's egg blue.

The way to wear them is to mix and match different hues, stick to a monochromatic look or choose one item—shoes, a polo shirt, a jacket—for a wardrobe refresh. The whiplash temps of early May are prime time for jeans, which will mate swimmingly with pale blues. (Speaking of denim, see Dries's stonewashed jacket and long shorts below.) If you're not inclined to go full bore into blue, pick an accessory—a watch or even nail polish.

As always, we've got some suggestions for you—including a faux suede jacket from Zara, a sleek Skagen Denmark watch and a sporty-girl cardigan from Tuckernuck.

Left, an oversize jacket and matching pants from Stella McCartney’s spring 2024 collection. Right, a washed denim double breasted blazer and matching shorts from Dries Van Noten for this spring.

I’m a believer in matching tops and bottoms, particularly for more formal occasions--say that summer wedding on your calendar. Pair Staud's Rochelle periwinkle top  with the matching Sasha pants, in lustrous silk, and all you have to think about are your accessories.

Instead of the traditional shades of brown, spring for a faux suede blue jacket. You’ll get a lotta bang for not a lotta bucks—from Zara.

The ladylike jacket captures the spirit of one from Chanel but at a tiny percentage of the cost. French label Maje has designed its version with a napped texture, silvery buttons and a sprinkling of sequins—to look as good with jeans as with a white summer skirt.

Also from Maje, a refresh of a classic polo in a chevron knit with openwork detail. Silver-tone buttons and a scallop finish at the hem and sleeves are the finishing touches.

In warm, but not hot, weather, I'm a jeans-and-sneakers kind of grownup girl. I like polos as tops but I also prize button-downs for a casual-yet-put-together look. I wear my comfy, boxy striped shirt from Everlane on repeat, so I'm considering another—like this cotton Boxy Oxford—with dropped shoulders and big patch pockets.

According to my husband, the author, there are some unwritten rules of sports, which include “Have an excuse, look good and meet at the bar.” So, no matter what your skill level is, don this cable-knit Charley cardigan from Tuckernuck Sport over your top and skirt, and you've got game.

Santoni is an old-school Italian shoe company, which, while preserving its handmade traditions, has introduced new designs and methods. Case in point: these almond-toe sleek loafers with a classic penny strap design in an unexpected metallic blue pebble leather.

When it comes to nail polish, I rarely go outside my comfort zone of red and pink shades. But I'm tempted to give Essie's cornflower blue color a try. Blue goes with everything, right? (There's always nail polish remover.)

An international brand, Skagen Denmark's got a sweet spot for Scandinavian minimalism and even takes its name from Denmark's northernmost town. The Aaren Kulor watch face and case in sky blue matches up with the same color blue silicone strap. A sleek piece of functional jewelry for your wrist—for $145.

Finally, I love La Ligne's pairing of its mini marina sweater with its khaki Romeo dress. The chunky, cotton cropped knit with a roll neck is pale blue, but combining it with the dress color brings out a touch of pale green.