With the weather getting warmer, fashion is evolving at Ida B. Wells. Students are adopting new styles and ideas, blending comfort and fashion to fit the new temperatures.
But what exactly are students wearing this spring?
The transition from winter to spring isn’t an exceptionally large shift. We can see a lot of similarities between “Winter fashion at IBW” this past season, where sweatsuits, full denim outfits and UGGs remain a staple at IBW.
But we will see some differences this spring, with matching sets gaining traction. Sweatsuits are traded out for easier and comfier coordinated outfits.
Many students pair tank tops with shorts or some lighter sweatpants. Students may use more pastel colors to bring a lighter and more energetic feel to their outfit, featuring colors such as butter yellow, baby pink and sky blue.
Transitioning into American fashion as a French exchange student, IBW junior Juliette Paulet says, “In America, I’ve noticed my style changed and I really like to put on ‘American’ stuff like a sweat set with a detail that pops like a scarf or a handband, it makes me feel more included.”
IBW senior Libby Benn, who will study the fashion industry’s science and technology at the University of Arizona next school year, has a minority opinion about color choice for matching sets. “The electric blue is getting a little old,” in regard to the popularity of matching sets produced by popular teen brand, Brandy Melville, in this color.
For outer layers, we can see a switch from the popular The North Face and Aritzia puffer jackets to lighter cover-ups such as cardigans, denim jackets or light long sleeves.
Full denim looks have been a staple across IBW for a few years now. The classic “Canadian tuxedo” is an elevated outfit showcasing denim tops, such as jackets and jeans and can include denim shorts and skirts. Benn said that a piece of clothing she brings out each spring is a jean jacket.
Benn has many springtime classics for her go-to spring outfit. “A jean skirt, maybe if it’s a little colder, a cute sweater, a little long sleeve, a cute pair of sneakers, using the sandwich method. Or we could do the opposite, you could do jeans and a tank top and let your feet out [by wearing flip-flops],” she said.
This season, patterns are at the forefront of the fashion scene. Polka dots are making a big comeback, appearing on nail designs, accessories and shirts. The vintage pattern adds a fun and classy look to outfits, while still being easy to pair with jeans, which are a good neutral.
Paulet also follows this trend. “I can’t wait to be able to wear a jean mini skirt with a polka dot top [this spring]. I feel like that would be cute,” she said.
Stripes are also everywhere this season, especially on oversized shirts and jackets. Worn in every color, with fun associations, they bring a little bit of warmth for this in-between weather.
As for materials, the season getting warmer brings out new and floatier materials that are more breathable and easier to wear. Cotton is still the main material, though, as a very wearable and stylish.
However, linen is also starting to compete against cotton. Linen pants and skirts are starting to be spotted around the school as students look for more comfortable outfits for the warm weather. Students are excited to wear their linens again. “I always pull out linen pants. It’s one of my classics,” says Paulet.
Transitioning into spring, we have also seen a rise in UGGs as normal, but switching from the trendy Ultra Mini Boots to the UGG Lowmel sneaker, which gives warmth and style to colder weather outfits, a perfect transition from winter to spring.
The return of spring also marks the return of boots. Usually paired with a skirt or shorts, boots elevate students’ outfits from simple to more put-together. Boots can provide real versatility, changing people’s outfits from casual to chic to trendy depending on what you pair them with. Cowboy boots are a particular boot making a return, adding some more fun to the footwear scene.
The taboo topic of having your feet out has been a recent topic amongst teens, but many disagree. Flip-flops have become a staple during spring and summer, a chic and classic addition to your outfit. It ties the outfit together, and in 2026, we’ve seen women’s flip-flops reach an unprecedented rise in popularity. Benn dislikes socks and sandals, hoping students would forgo socks. “I don’t like socks and Birkenstocks. I don’t like that, just let your feet out,” she said.
As winter wraps up, we can observe how fashion evolves within seasons as well. Trends will continue to go in and out of fashion, and students will evolve with them. As the school slowly transitions into the next season, we are excited to see what spring brings out and how students’ styles are going to evolve this spring.
