Overcoming spring anxiety
Seasonal style blockage is here
I don’t know about you, my dear TIDBTW friends, but I myself started our Easter vacation panicking: I didn’t bring my favorite blazer. The one item I knew I could trust to dress me up when needed, I didn’t pack it. Why? Why why why would I ask myself for the next two or three days. The answer is simple: after 5 months of winter my brain is very slow to adapt to the sun, outfits tentatively too layered, my body overheated and my complexion merely a draft of what could be. Spring style, it has been unlearned.
Which seems like an irrelevant factor in a beautiful place, but when feeling good is somewhat related to dressing well for you, it makes sense. Spring anxiety is something I am well familiar with, somehow I always come unprepared.
So here are a few thoughts on how I was able to relax into it without buying an emergency blazer – with a few of my favorite pieces worn (and washed) more than expected. Some ideas on what to pack with little time, space or emotional capacity while practicing kindness. May this save you some frustration x
Things I’m glad I packed
Why would I feel so strongly that I needed to be or look anything but present during this vacation? I partly claim this on my love for fashion and curiosity for the new, but more so on the lasting social media narrative of the perfect suit case, curated spring wardrobe and eager readiness for any new season. I just didn’t have the energy. Whatever happened to throwing stuff in a bag and getting the hell out here, off to a nice time? I wasn’t going to dress for anyone but me.
When things get tense, I usually dial it down, keeping my looks very very simple. And that’s the advantage (and challenge) with hot days: you need fewer clothes. And with said clothes being just clothes, they can simply be worn on repeat. So I worked with what I had:
Hands down best travel outfit and vacay/spring look is my trusted CAES t-shirt and their merino sweater plus COS Linen trousers (a preggo purchase from 2023, they still work just as good). With some rain on the radar it was a pretty brave move to rely heavily on linen – and all-white – but I do know I appreciate a monochromatic look for warmer days. Once I let go of the idea that I magically had to pull out more interesting outfits, but instead gave myself time to arrive, this one combination actually worked all the time. I really wore this (on rotation with two other t-shirts) every single day. And it may seem random, but I’m just back to tying things around my hips – so carrying that sweater in an easy way added something new to the whole silhouette.
Before leaving Berlin and on the whim of spring I had suddenly identified ballet flats to be the defining item for my spring wardrobe. I wish the ones by Ukrainian brand Vikele would have fitted, but I had to move fast: was it a smart idea to wear my ballet flats by Vagabond for the first time on our initial 12 hour travel day? Absolutely not. But I’m so glad I did because it made them soft enough by the time we strolled through Malta and Sicily, adding the right amount chic to my step (never mind all the dusty roads). I was excited about them every day.
My 7/8 Nike workout tights. In an attempt to support my new obsession with indoor cycling – and the inevitability of noticing all the cool cropped tops and seamless pants around – I also dragged myself into the Lululemon store. How cool would it be to wear some super soft leggings on the journey? Thank God I went. Because otherwise I would have blindly ordered online when in fact nothing felt quite right one me. Saved me around 130 Euros. Currently very tempted by Literary Sport’s though and their Row-ish asthetics.
Anyway those tights! Who needs to pack capri trousers if they own gym wear? I have to admit they are pretty well worn, but I still bring them for actual workouts (happened zero times during our vacation) or pair them with a small top or a big shirt / sweater for all-day outings. It’s the ballet flat that make them street smart for me. Maybe that works for you too?
Gucci Bamboo hobo bag, a no-brainer, fits all the kids’s stuff and my book. William Fan bucket hat, bought it in 2017 and it’s still good as new. Gotta protect that hair line! Great any hair day too. Havaianas flip flops in white, the slightly thicker ones. My new HERA top by ZODIAQUE STUDIOS, which doubles as adequate dressing when poolside. Nice Pyjama bottoms that are comfy for breakfast and afternoon strolls too, striped cotton trousers are always on trend.
Things I forgot
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but I managed to full-on lose my wonderful beige vintage leather jacket. I remember the moment I decided to not wear it on the plane but put it in the suitcase and next: nothing. I wrote to some of the places we stayed in and so far, she is still gone. This total blackout just proves I really needed that holiday.
My grey men’s blazer. Or any oversized blazer to make a shirt + trousers combination that little more elegant.
A nice longsleeve / off shoulder top – My closet presents a total lack of let’s say date night worthy items and after spending a bar evening with my beautiful friend and her left shoulder peeking out of her shirt the other day, I’ve been thinking about the retro sex appeal of that look and I’m all here for it. Also my brother in-law’s gorgeous girlfriend packed all these fun tops! I did not! Would have worked great for this Spring trip though.
I also wish I’d own a few more shirts of the CAES quality but in a bright color – let’s say a red or even green. Or a fun trouser? You know, the Olsen kind of color splash:
Things I didn’t buy this week
There were two major shopping obstacles on my holiday and they were both based in Ortigia, Sicily. I ditched a few sun hats and thought I was doing pretty well.
Until my entire in-law family (and I mean everyone!!), went into the most gorgeous vintage glasses shop. We stayed for hours and it was one big happy hangout with all the 90s shades you can imagine, Gucci being especially present. Although I had 2-3 favorites, I was not as sold on them as the rest of the fam who, once matched with their perfect shades, simply looked like they belonged. So I walked out of there, hands free.
Only until the next store, a small boutique with garments, jewelry and bags handmade in Italy. While some of the prints were too much for me, I loved the colorful fine pearl necklaces and THE bag, right in the entrance.
While I own an actual straw bag by Little Liffner from circa 2016 (find the bigger version on The Real Real here, 177 dollars), which comes out with me every other full moon night in summer, I so far ignored all of those emerging woven leather bags. But this little one, it stole my heart. I went in twice, I tried it on, but suddenly in a hurry to leave for our next destination, I left it behind.
After gathering feedback on this find on Substack, the overwhelming majority told me to “buy it”! I had hoped for more of a veto, maybe even a communal fatigue on the woven phenomena. But no: some even asked to order the same bag through me. I messaged the store owner. She was quick to let me know that this one, my bag, was the last one in stock. I’m still contemplating whether to get the bag or not, it’s not an item from my wishlist nor do I NEED it. But maybe it can be one of those items that match my travel identity as much as my (spring and moreover) homebody. And maybe I’m messaging the store again as I’m writing to you.
Things I did buy in April
Tassled blazer by Couple Dansant 269,00 € (item #6)
So after giving you this whole speech, about how I stayed clear on my vacation, April did bring some other damage: at my meeting with Couple Dansant I simply couldn’t help but try on one of their deliciously upcycled jackets. Unfortunately it sat absolutely perfect. A preowned men’s wool blazer with silky tassles. I wore it immediately the next day with grey jeans, a white t-shirt and red necklace (!) and I felt well dressed, in an original and fun way.
Belt from Etsy via Vinted, 42,00 € (item #7)
I didn’t give up on that KHAITE belt, but also there is no way (or financial means) I’m paying roughly 600 Euros for a belt. Although I do believe that a belt can turn your whole outfit from random to intentional. Come to think of it, I should commit to a belt way more often. I found this one on Vinted, formerly purchased on Etsy and it’s in pristine condition. Do I wish it was slightly wider? Yes, but I think this can still work. Two ways I’m wearing it since coming back:
Vagabond ballerina DELIA 89,90 € (item #8 in 2025)
First ballet flats in 12 years and what can I say, they are indeed great. 10/10
Three new items, all perfectly reasonable and already well worn. But still, that question I received the other day, whether I would buy something colorful next, it keeps nagging. Because I haven’t! Even though it is spring time.
But after the last year and all my restraint, I feel like I’m building a base more than a voyager of a closet. Something to be packed up in an instant and making me feel good wherever I go, no matter the time of year. And maybe on my personal journey, with my wardrobe and at this point, this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. Talk soon! Xoxo
Things I didn’t buy this week: 2
Vintage GUCCI sunglasses: 290,00 €
Handmade woven leather bag: 149,00 €
Things I did buy this week: 3
Tassled blazer by Couple Dansant 269,00 € (item #6 in 2025)
Belt from Etsy via Vinted, 42,00 € (item #7)
Vagabond ballerina DELIA 89,90 € (item #8)
Total buys in 2025 so far: 8 pieces for 2128,35 €
I resonate with all of the packing issues and pray for your vintage leather jacket to find its way back to you! Love your Vagabond flats and ever since you posted the left behind woven bag, I want one. Still discussing with my bank account!