There’s nothing quite like a Saturday morning at your local farmers or flea market in the Spring. Between the colors, vintage finds and fabulous people watching, the markets are an ideal location for some major fashion inspiration and make for a great weekend activity with the gal pals post mimosa-brunch.

When heading outdoors for some fair shopping, it’s important to remember your apparel choices will play a big part in your mood throughout the day’s activities. Farmers and flea markets, no matter how small the city, can spread out into multiple booths and blocks, so dressing for the occasion is non-negotiable. No one likes to cut their trip short of the perfect find because of a dress you can’t scavenge in or a heel that’s putting a damper on your stroll. The best-styled outdoor shoppers are casually pulled together, and always rock the right shoe for long days.

Dresses and rompers while appropriate for brunch, aren’t the best selections for a day at the markets. Depending on their length, they limit mobility and you’ll likely end up showing off your bum, instead of that treasured find or perfect produce. Stick to a smart, cropped, skinny trousers in a bold color or print inspired by the markets themselves!

Bright and Bold Ankle Cropped Trousers

ASOS Skinny Cropped Trousers In Floral Print

We love inspired dressing and anything that channels fresh fruit like tangerine-colored denim just screams fresh and juicy Spring. Floral prints are reminiscent of the abundent garden and flower field offerings available at the markets and are sure to brighten the day of friends and passserbys alike. Pair either with basics like a chambray button up or classic white v-neck, or go bold with an equally bright blouse on top and create your own color-blocking action. The cropped and colored trouser isn’t just for J. Crew catalogs these days, so make it your own and style it out with your favorite signature accessories.

Big Sur Straw Tote by Flora Bella International

Every fashionable market shopper needs a great tote to haul their findings, and if you’re anything like us, the bigger, the better. Jazz up your basic top or tote with a funky pin or scarf for some more color, (yep pile it on) and daytime flair.

Girlie Chiffon Bow

When it comes to footwear for the mean streets of the markets, lean towards comfort. Uneven pavement or cobble stones aren’t mean for heels so leave the stilettos and peep toes at home, (no matter how cute they look with those cropped trousers). You may be able to get away with a cushy wedge, depending how long you plan to be out and if you’re a seasoned pro, but we find it’s a safer bet to stick to flats and walking sandals.

UNIF Hellraisers Flat Shoes

Steve Madden Swivvel Sandal Shoes

Skip the ballet flat and pick a loafer for a twist on the classic. And while you’re mixing it up, why not add some edge to the outfit with a few spikes? Unexpected accents alway make for killer street style. You also can’t go wrong with a slim sandal; nothing like feeling the Spring breeze from head to toe.

What are your favorite looks for outdoor shopping? Do you have a go-to accessory that adds insta-glam to your casual weekend wear?

By Melissa Carpenter