Spring Trends That Take a Nod From Outdoor Culture

One big inspo board coming right up!

Hello TOGS readers!!

Thank you so much to each and every person who has sent a message or a kind note saying that you’ve been enjoying the letters. It blows me away. I’m so happy that it has resonated with anyone at all. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again and again- we have the best little community here. And the more the merrier!! So thank you all for sharing TOGS with new friends, talking about us, and ‘liking’ our letters so that more people can find them.

And thank you to The Colorado Sun who wrote an article on TOGS last week!

https://coloradosun.com/2024/04/12/kellyn-wilson-hadley-hammer-mountain-town-fashion/

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And just like that, it’s mid April! We are in the midst of the ‘one day I’m wearing wool, one day I’m in shorts, later that same day I’m back in a down jacket’ shtick. Phew whiplash. Function takes a forefront when the elements are really making the calls.

This week I’m writing about some styling I’m loving for spring, all of which are inspired by mountain classics and functional outdoor staples. These are trends that I’m seeing on a broader scale that are easy to replicate in a mountain town or similar setting, and maybe with pieces you already have.

And it’s a perfect time for one of my favorites things in fashion- juxtaposition and blending styles. Because the snow is melting and it’s mud season so you need to wear some muck boots, but you’re also on your way to buy flowers and that calls for a cute outfit. You can do both!!

Before we get started, here’s what I’m wearing today:

The whole get up was gifted to me from Buck Mason- sheesh I’m a fan. Styled here with these Alohas sneakers and a vintage Moe’s Bagels hat. (IFKYK)

These sneakers are definitely on my spring shoe rec list. I love how they’re on trend but not Adidas, just for something different. I also like their sustainable approach- I ordered these probably two months ago but they’re made on demand to limit overproduction.

And this is such a nice lightweight chore coat for spring, with a sweater over the shoulders in case the weather shifts which we know it will!

Since we’re taking chore coats, let’s start there!

(Less photos of my personal wardrobe this week because my closet could use a spring style refresh and this is a good place for me to start as well.)

1- Chore/Barn Coats

These three legends all recently seen in a barn coat! Ayo Edebiri’s is Prada (my mind was blown too), Glenn Close in Barbour, and Kirsten Dunst also in Prada.

The chore coat can be such a pillar in the often wobbly structure of outfits in transitional seasons like Spring. It can tie up aimless direction in a neat little bow and adds a functional barrier between you and the weather. It’s the perfect layer in a mountain town when trying to dress down a look as well. Like Ayo’s outfit! (The styling for that Vogue shoot was perfection.)

My favorite, a vintage LL Bean barn boat, often has a removable insulation layer for even more versatility.

In Colorado right now, it’s still plenty cold enough for the puffy jacket, but I’m sick of it, darn it! Enter the chore coat.

Here’s the vision:

This is such an affordable thrift, and a great layering option all the way through fall. This piece is as at home gardening in the spring as it is at a haunted house in October.

The Prada version comes complete with faux scuffs and fake stains will run you $4,800 if it ever comes back in stock. What a world.

But I started the second-hand digging for you. Here are some links to some nice vintage barn/chore coats out there right now: