The first big trend of the spring is here: pale pink. I used to stay away from pink — does it feel young? does it suit me? — but I recently went to a party where everyone had to wear pink and realized how lovely and even elegant the shade looks, especially when balanced out with brown pants or dark blue jeans. Here are 12 pretty pieces…

“My husband teases me that I’m terrified of looking ‘schlumpy,’” my friend Alison Piepmeyer told me, which is funny because she always looks so polished and bright. Here, the marketing exec and mother of two shares her secrets, including the best balloon pants, thrifting hacks and her beautiful advice on grieving…

“I work at Color Factory, and I feel like part of my job as CMO is to look the part. For that reason, a section of my wardrobe is very bright and happy. I love a maxi dress, and I love stripes, so when I saw this dress, it was a fit. I’ll wear when I’m giving a tour at work or meeting with investors, and I’ll wear it on date nights with my husband.”

“Honestly, I’m a very phase-y person with my wardrobe. When we lived in San Francisco, I called my style ‘French Fisherman’ and wore beanies and canvas pants. Then there was a season when I traveled to Tokyo, got into Japanese style and bought all my clothes from Muji. Nowadays, I’m inspired by Sienna Miller‘s minimal style and Meg Ryan’s ’90s looks.”

“For regular stores, Alex Mill makes cute classics. I turn to COS for sculptural shapes, like the balloon-y pants I’m wearing here. And all my basics are from Uniqlo because their stuff lasts forever.”

“My four-year-old son Linus tells EVERYONE. His conversation starter at the playground is, ‘My grandpa died!’ But I get it. When someone asks me how my summer was, I can’t help saying, ‘Well, my dad died in June.’ It makes me feel better getting it out there. It’s like a mosquito bite that you want to scratch — it hurts but it feels good. It’s a pain that I want. It hurts so good, is that the phrase?”

“Things that make me feel better: Abbott Elementary is so cute and well done. My son loves Harry Styles, so we listen to his songs mixed with spooky Halloween music. And you just have to wake up and get dressed and go outside. Then I like when people give me a big hug and say, ‘I’m so sorry, this sucks, I love you, and I’m here.’”

Busted. By the wonderful Grace Farris.

Have you ever found yourself a dream summer dress that feels like freedom – barefoot on warm earth, wind-kissed hair, and a heart that beats to the rhythm of slow, sunlit days.

Where the fabric dances around your legs with every step, like walking through a soft breeze at golden hour – light, effortless, which makes life feel a little magical?

I stumbled upon these dreamy pieces from Rooh Collective – each one so poetic, so effortlessly flattering. Can you imagine where you’d wear them? I’m already daydreaming about slipping into those soulfully romantic ruffles on a sun-drenched road trip through the European countrysides, windows down, heart wide open… drifting through vineyard towns and collecting memories like pressed flowers.

Who else adore lightweight clothings? Honestly, it’s hard not to fall in love with the easy, breezy comfort of a light, breathable outfit – especially when the temperatures start to rise or you’re just craving something relaxed and effortless. I found some Eileen Fisher’s new arrivals that just feel like a breath of fresh air, both literally and stylistically.

How flattering is this soft earth-toned long skirt? It’s elegant, breathable, and so easy to wear. I can totally imagine myself lounging at home, heading out for a quick grocery run, or meeting up with friends for a casual brunch or coffee.

This cute cotton vest with a delicate front tie is the perfect lightweight layer for spring or summer. And I’m absolutely in love with this airy scoop-neck dress with pockets – it looks like it would fit my body with ease and grace. I could see myself wandering around every weekend in these outfits during summertime.

Do you also love lightweight materials and natural fabrics like the ones in Eileen Fisher’s lookbook? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear what you’re loving this season!