How to Live the Bookish Spring Aesthetic

I adore spring.

Perhaps it's because my birthday falls within this glorious season, but no matter the reason, my heart truly belongs to spring.

Nothing puts me in a better mood after a long winter than leaning into the clean, soft, and romantic vibes of the spring aesthetic. Here are just a few ways you can weave that spring aesthetic into your daily life.

Declutter and Spring Clean

Out with the old and in with the new! You don't have to do your whole house, but maybe dive into your closet or the bathroom drawers. If decluttering isn't for you, open all the windows, drop some essential oils in the diffuser, put on your fav playlist and deep clean the house.

Enjoy a Sunny Patio

Whether it's for lunch, brunch, or just a cup of coffee, find a patio on a sunny day and soak up those sunbeams. Bring a friend and wear fabulous hats or fly solo and enjoy the quiet buzz of the restaurant. One of my favourite things to do is take myself out on a date to a restaurant, and of course, I always bring along a book or two.

Wear Flowers or Ribbons in Your Hair

This is an easy one and instantly makes you feel like the main character in a Jane Austen novel. You could make a flower crown from daisies, or weave together some willow branches and tuck in your favourite blooms and greens. Ribbons come in so many colours and widths, so whether you are adorning a braid, accenting a ponytail, or wearing it like a headband, you will most assuredly feel like a Disney princess.

Picnic in a Park

Quintessentially "Spring", picnics are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon alone or with a loved one. Choose a soft blanket to spread out on the ground, pack a meal or snack of fresh fruit and vegetables, add in some champagne or sparkling water et voila! You have romance, beauty, tranquility, and snacks. I recommend bringing along a little sweet treat too, just for the fun of it! Oh and your novel or journal. Let's be honest - bring both.

Read a Romance Novel

This is a spring MUST for me! And if it's a regency romance, all the better. My selection for this spring is the newest addition to the Bridgerton world, Queen Charlotte by Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes. Romance is typically light-hearted making for a gentle, spring read, but it also gets your engine burning again after a long, cold winter. I love being swept off my feet and falling in love alongside the heroine, and nothing sets the scene quite like the darling buds of May.

Tend a Garden

Speaking of buds, getting your hands in the dirt and cleaning up after winter or planting new life is such a joyful experience. If you are fortunate enough to have a garden, look for ways to breathe some fresh life into it this spring. Not sure how? The library will have a whole section on gardening to support you. If you don't have a plot of your own, you could head to a friend's to help them out while gushing over the latest books you've read. You could also care for your indoor plants and perhaps add to your collection! Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, fertilize, and maybe even repot if one has outgrown its home.

Start a Journal

It's no secret that I love journaling. There are SO many ways to approach the art of journaling (can we call it that? I think so), and finding the one that's just right for you is key. I lean heavily on "morning pages" where it's more of a stream of consciousness style, but there are gratitude journals, 5-minute journals, writing prompt journals, and a million more. Do a little research, treat yourself to a new blank journal (one of my FAVOURITE things), maybe splurge on a fancy new pen, find a spot in your home or outside that inspires you, and take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts.

Dry Your Laundry Outside

If you're tall like me, you need to hang most of your clothes to dry! Shrinkage is unfortunate and expensive. Take that drying rack outside on a sunny day and let the soft spring breeze dry your clothes. The scent left on your fabrics is heavenly. This is also a wonderful way to dry your sheets and looks so beautiful when the sun is beaming down on white sheets fluttering in the wind. Now you just need your Mr. Darcy to come walking through the linens and scoop you up in an impassioned - okay. I'll just stop there.

Rain + Umbrella + Boots = Picturesque Promenade

The rains of spring are an essential part of bringing the vibrant flowers and lush greenery. Find a new appreciation for a rainy spring day by slipping on a pair of gumboots (or wellies as the British say), opening up your big umbrella, and getting outside! If you're really rain averse, head to the woods where the trees should offer a little more protection, but if you're feeling more bold, seek out some muddy puddles and bring some joy to your inner child.

Ride a Bike... With a Basket... To a Market

What is it about bikes that is just so romantic? Find a long, flowy skirt or dress, don those ribbons in your hair, and take yourself on a scenic bike ride. If you can, get a basket for your bike! It's not only a beautiful aesthetic but can be very practical too. You may ride your bike more if you are able to easily bring things along with you. And now that you can carry more, why not ride your bike to the local market? Pick up some food from local vendors and cycle over to the park for that picnic you planned! Love it when things go full circle.

What's on your spring list this year? Do you have a favourite activity that really embraces the bookish spring aesthetic? Comment below!