Denim jacket over anything.

Yes.

That’s the whole spring outfit trick. A medium-weight denim jacket goes with everything—dresses, chinos, jeans, shorts, whatever. It’s warm enough for a chilly morning, comes off when the sun hits, and never looks wrong. If you own one jacket, make it denim.

The alternatives are fine too: a cotton chore coat, a lightweight trench, or even a hoodie if you’re casual. But denim wins because it’s tough, comfortable, and doesn’t try to be dressy. It’s the adult version of a security blanket.

For pants: chinos or dark jeans. For shoes: sneakers or loafers. That’s your spring capsule. Don’t overthink it.