What to Wear to be Spring Chic in the Month of May

Are you staring into your closet and wondering what to wear in May 2020, dear reader? We’ve got ideas and style inspiration on what to wear in May 2020 for working from home, working out, lounging around and heading outdoors (in a socially-distant manner, of course). Spoiler alert: in May, it’s all about the color of a UV ray.

what to wear in May 2020

Just for fun, when we think about the perfect wardrobe for a new month, we like to dress in a color palette that channels the true essence of the month.

So what should we wear to channel the essential spirit of May? Even in this era of social distancing, there are things to be grateful for – and work to be done. Which means wardrobe decisions have to be made – and we’re not just talking about which pair of sweatpants to put on! Because if you can’t remember what day of the week it is, maybe some #OOTD planning will help you keep it straight.

what’s the color of May?

Done well, a May color palette should send you into the day feeling optimistic, energetic, and a bit sassy.

For us, that means purple – or if you want to be more flamboyant, ultra violet.

Now, we know that the official color of 2018 was purple – but we’re still feeling it here in 2020. After all, no less a fashion authority than French Vogue rhetorically asked just a couple of months ago: Is purple about to dethrone pink?

The chic expert voice went on declare: “Either pastel or bright, purple is taking over our favorite fashion pieces and accessories. Is purple the (more fashionable) alternative to pink that guarantees an extra daring touch?”

Um . . . yeah! After all, Simon Porte Jacquemus held his spring 2020 fashion show in a lavender field in Provence. What more proof do you need?

There are so many wonderful qualities about the color purple. For one, it’s the ideal temperature. Purple will warm up your silhouette with a pop of color – but it won’t cause you to overheat.

As a color, purple is not too cool and not too hot. Like so many balmy days in May, it’s just right.

And there’s more. Clinical studies in both animals and humans have shown that lavender has a calming effect, reducing anxiety and helping to bring on sleep. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a powerful disinfectant (when used properly). In the middle of red states and blue states, purple has come to signify bi-partisanship in America.

Calm, clean and collaborative: purple embodies everything the world needs right now! We are all in on this. If you are, too, here’s how you might play it this month.

style inspiration for what to wear in the month of May 2020

1. what to wear in May 2020: work (from home)

Victoria Beckham ruffled silk blouse ($930). Rotate satin midi dress ($400). We Dream in Colour earrings ($180). Luz Camino brooch ($1,600). Valentino shirt dress ($3,500). Gabriela Hearst blazer ($1,690) and trousers ($1,090). Hermes scarf ($460).

2. what to wear in May 2020: (virtual) happy hour

Miu Miu pleated leather shorts ($2,430). Prada ribbon-detailed sequinned leather top ($2,980). Daniela Villegas ring ($9,165). Lake Studio silk midi dress ($610). Prada suede sandals ($1, 100). Karma el Khalil earrings ($8, 500). Isabel Marant earrings ($220). Paco Rabanne stretch metallic midi dress ($594). Jacquemus sandals ($1,485).

3. what to wear in May 2020: (home) workout wear

Sold Out NYC cropped sweatshirt ($185). The Upside cropped tee ($88). Alo Yoga sports bra ($78) and leggings ($141). Koral sports bra ($44) and leggings ($64). Cale ribbed flare track pant ($59.95). Adidas sneakers ($120). Nike’s new Air Max 98 colorway ($170) and the brand’s React Element 55 ($130).

4. what to wear in May 2020: (socially distant) outdoor adventures

Reinhard Plank bucket hat ($220). Jacquemus sunhat ($134). Sunday Somewhere sunglasses ($290). Isabel Marant trousers ($590). Baum und Pferdgarten minidress ($228). Dolce & Gabbana floral print shorts ($925). Stand Studio raincoat ($353). Stella McCartney jacket ($1,065). Marlo Laz necklace ($5,080). Acne Studios scarf ($285). 

5. what to wear in May 2020: (every day) lounging around

LoveShackFancy floral print bikini set ($195). The Attico cotton-jersey T-shirt ($350). I Love Mr. Mittens lace cardigan ($590). Acne Studios cotton hoodie ($290). Tekla Fabrics terrycloth bath robe ($146). Balenciaga track jacket ($1,100) and track pants ($785). Isabel Marant bucket hat ($160).

how to dress this May 2020

Those are our ideas for you on how to not just survive, but to thrive this month, led by the color purple. Whether we’re debating what to wear to work via video conference, a solo walk outdoors, a grocery store run, chilling on the weekend, or the next digital dance party, this is what we’re planning to wear in May 2020. Stay safe and healthy, dear reader. We will get through this together.

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