The Row Spring 2025 Formulas & Alternatives
Finding personal style within the most coveted minimalism
I'll begin with the obvious: I absolutely love The Row. To spare you any redundancy, I've been a devoted observer of the brand since its inception, and it's only grown stronger with time and worse for my wallet. If you've made it here, you likely understand this already.
I'm well aware of the nuances that come with wearing and discussing this brand. While my "investments" yield more sartorial joy than financial returns, the only Row regrets I've had over the years form a remarkably short list—quickly recouped thanks to The RealReal. The brand is undeniably cool, you feel cool wearing it, and for someone not immersed in the fashion world daily, The Row connects me to how I aspire to see myself and what I choose to share online.
What I specifically want to discuss is the insanity that is the Spring 2025 collection. While obsessively scrolling through FWRD this morning, I found myself hearting nearly every other item until I was genuinely overwhelmed by wanting more than I should reasonably acquire. Stepping back, I'm reminded that the "less is more" approach is where true cost-per-wear value emerges—a philosophy that's fundamentally woven into the brand's ethos and something I’ve transparently been more concerned with lately—it’s a lot easier to hit checkout on lust worthy new arrivals than it is to have original taste and personal style.
Though I'll certainly be indulging in select purchases soon, I'd like to share my top items that I believe will be heavy hitters throughout the warmer months, along with styling plans. Most importantly, even if you acquire nothing, the inspiration from this collection stands on its own. I've included key takeaways (from my perspective) like fresh outfit formulas alongside closely aligned alternatives from other exceptional brands that evoke that same feeling we are all perpetually seeking. As much as I covet The Row, ultimately it's about how you wear the clothing and make it feel like you—not the other way around.
Outfit Formulas I’m Bookmarking
To my earlier point, the most valuable asset that The Row provides us all is endless inspiration. The following looks include silhouettes that can be achieved with existing wardrobe staples or perhaps more unique alternatives from slightly more under the radar brands. Let’s dive in!
But first, if I had to distill the entire collection down to just 5 key items, I’d land here: flip flops, slip skirt, utility jacket, raffia, trench coat, and exaggerated pants whether in denim or linen. All summer wardrobe staples with a fresh spin, whether that comes to us in the form of color, cut or general styling—the latter being the area where I paid the most attention. The outfit formulas that stuck out to me the most are below, get ready to save and repeat as you’re getting dressed this Spring:
Formula: Light-Weight Knit Over a Lace Layer + Relaxed Denim + Flip Flops
Formula: Utility Jacket (Tech or Leather) + Wide Leg Pants + Sporty Sneaker/Loafer
Formula: Silk Base with Knit Layers + Trench + Statement Boot/Shoe
While I particularly love the exact items included in these three looks, it's important to maintain a level of individuality. It's also not lost on me that selecting just a few new-season Row items comes with a significant price tag. Below are alternative selects that are similarly coded from a range of smaller designers I am equally obsessed with, across varying price points. TLDR; the vibe of these styles are the same but you are less likely to have multiple OOTD twins on the internet when wearing them.
However if you’re more eager to work within your existing Spring wardrobe versus stockpiling the new, here are some styling tips that align with The Row's aesthetic while encouraging an personal touch:
Unexpected Layers Try pairing laid-back plaid (tied around the waist) with a structured blazer, or wear your slip dress over a thin ribbed turtleneck for cooler days.
Texture Variance A single color palette that mixes different textures is beyond chic and so easy to accomplish. Pair your ecru denim with a slightly off-white knit and cream leather accessories (example here).
Minimal but Meaningful Accessories Instead of statement jewelry, opt for a single architectural piece—like a sculptural cuff or an unusually shaped ring. To be honest, I wish I was more of a jewelry girl, but having a handful of really great pieces to work with still allows me to add that extra edge when the look is in need.
Footwear as the Foundation Use shoes to ground your outfit—loafers or simple flip flops can transform the same slip skirt from your coffee meeting to fit perfectly with your upcoming weekend plans. I will always stand by the statement that there is no chicer or more versatile shoe than the flip flop.
The "Third Piece" Rule An unexpected third element will always elevate your most tried and true basics—drape a scarf over a simple shirt and pants (like this), or add a leather belt to a flowing dress for intentional nonchalance. The more irony here, the better.
My Spring Edit: Closing Thoughts
I've obsessed over this collection enough to admit it's probably a bit much, but I'm trying (key word being trying) to practice what I preach about buying less. I've narrowed it down to three orders I'm genuinely excited about: Riaco jeans (something about this fit really intrigues me), Cary loafer (a chic boat-shoe/loafer hybrid), and Emilie bag (I’ve eyed this for a while—now is the time). All pieces I know will work with what I already own, feel updated in their own ways, and will surpass any trend cycles of the summer.
At the end of the day, what draws me to The Row—and what I hope you take from this—is how it manages to be simple yet still makes you look like you know what you're doing. The art of being effortless while still putting in effort, if you know what I mean. Nonetheless, let me know what items your indulging in and please don’t hold me accountable for any additional purchases that may be made from now until when Spring is officially here!
Loved this. The breakdown of the looks through a formula was so helpful!!