Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate
The pink flower trees are making their annual appearance this week. Copy editor, Nylah, shares some easy styles for the fun festivities all over the District
BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR
The most coveted time of the year in the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia area is here. Sakura—commonly known as cherry blossom—season has finally arrived, painting the forestry across the District blush pink. With the flower trees approaching peak bloom in a couple of days, the Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off this past Thursday to welcome the new season. Loads of festivities throughout the metropolitan area are lined up to keep the momentum going all month long.
Here are seven blooming styles for when the cherry blossoms do:
Pastel cardigan and jeans
This is one of the easiest and most classic outfits to put together. There are hundreds of ways to style a cardigan and jeans, but for the festival season, lean into the trending color of the season for the ultimate spring cherry blossom look: butter yellow. The outfit could be styled with light or dark-wash jeans. Top off the look with shoes such as Birkenstock Boston clogs, Adidas Sambas, Vejas, or Doc Martens.
Canadian tuxedo
The denim-on-denim look has been everywhere in recent months. Examples include Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Grammys and Beyoncé in her new collaboration with Levi’s. Styling options include a pastel long-sleeve shirt with a denim top unbuttoned; a buttoned denim jacket with a thin sweater thrown over the shoulders; or a tee underneath with the top two buttons unclasped for a more casual look. Finish the tux with Doc Martens, cowboy boots, or loafers.
Knit sweater and white skirt
The white skirt has been a staple since last spring and it’s not going away anytime soon. For the festival, balance the windy weather with an oversized knit sweater and a long white skirt. Styling options include loosely tucking the front half or one side of the sweater into the skirt. For maxi skirts, roll the waist for a midi-length look to show off any footwear. Accessorize with dramatic jewelry sitting on top of the sweater, such as bracelet cuffs on sweater-covered wrists. Footwear options such as heeled or calf-riding boots and ballet flats add a final touch to the outfit.
Baggy cardigan, white tee, baggy jeans
For a quick yet essential outfit, the three-piece look will add a masculine undertone. While the cardigan can be worn unbuttoned, try buttoning it with the tee pulled down below the hip enough to peek from under the cardigan. Or, leave the cardigan unbuttoned and semi-tuck the tee into jeans so that the belt peeks through. Complete the fit with flat sneakers like Adidas Sambas or Gazelles, high-top Converses, Birkenstock Boston clogs, or chunky Chelsea boots.
Cable-knit sweater and mini skirt
The weather is warming up, but the wind chills are still present. The best kind of sweater I recommend is a vintage cable-knit, preferably found at a local thrift store, that hits the waist. The quality is long-lasting and sits proportionally balanced with the skirt. Style and accessorize the outfit with oval sunglasses, tights, an oversized denim jacket, or a brown leather jacket. The look is best paired with the 8053 Leather Doc Martens, Adidas Sambas, heeled, calf-riding, or cowboy boots.
Barrel jeans and slim-fit long-sleeve tee
Though the style of the jeans may seem ‘odd’ to some, they grow on a person after a while. The tee’s fit adds a leaner silhouette, while the barrel jeans add a curved flair. Accessorize with a thick or color-pop belt. Not into slim fit and want something thicker? Go for a turtle neck or a fuzzy sweater. Try a dark-colored baggy sweater with a white tee. Finish it off with chunky Chelsea boots, loafers, or dad shoes like New Balance 990s, Salomon XT6s, and Nike Air VaporMax.
Ruffle top and jeans
What’s really trending this season? Bohemian style—everything chiffon, frill, fringe, floral. It’s perfect to match the floral and beauty aesthetic of the cherry blossoms. With baggy “dad” jeans, fold the seams up and style them with any kind of ruffle blouse. Not feeling the pants? Go for a maxi skirt instead. Too cold for sleeveless? Add a cardigan, buttoned in the middle to still show off the ruffles, and a suede or denim jacket with folded-seam jeans. Sweeten the look with low-inch kitten heels, Mary Janes, or calf-riding boots.
To know about all the upcoming events, visit DC Cherry Blossom Festivals. For peak bloom status, check the National Park Service’s predictions. Want to know the best spots for viewing and pictures? WUSA9 has the answers.
