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There’s no perfect time like the spring season to purge your wardrobe and get rid of all the clothes that are taking up space and not serving you. In order to create a more cohesive (and overall stylish) wardrobe, you’ll need to replace those weak links with classic items that you love and will wear again and again. Enter the spring capsule wardrobe!
Though a capsule wardrobe is a good idea for all seasons, as the weather heats up and you begin stowing away your winter clothes, you may be wondering how to create a timeless wardrobe for the warmer weather. There’s a good chance you have these items, and if you do, then keep scrolling for the outfit ideas you need to get the most out of your pieces. If not, here’s the beginning of your spring shopping list for the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe!
Spring Capsule Wardrobe
OUTERWEAR
When it comes to needing a light jacket for spring, a denim jacket is the perfect solution. Whether you opt for the classic denim, or one in white if that’s more your style, it’s easy to throw on to make any outfit look more casual. Plus, it serves as an additional layer for cooler nights and mornings.
Choose a quarter-zip when you can’t decide between your favorite sweater or jacket. It’s easy to layer over your favorite tee or pair with trousers and boots for work.
A Parisian fashion staple! The perfect trench will take all of your looks to the next level – plus it’s a great piece for workwear as well. It’s the perfect style for casual or elevated looks.
This versatile spring wardrobe basic can be layered or buttoned and worn as a top for many different outfits. Currently trending style tip: Pair the sweater with your favorite basic tee, using the top button and leaving the rest open.
Adding a lady jacket to your outfit is the perfect way to elevate your spring look. If you love similar items like cardigans, a lady jacket is a sophisticated spin on a seasonal staple. Layer it with trousers for work, or with lightwash jeans for a more casual take on the weekends.
A lightweight blazer in a light color, such as white or tan, adds a touch of sophistication and polish to any outfit, effortlessly elevating even the most casual outfit! Its versatility allows for easy integration into various outfits, whether it be paired with a sundress for a luncheon or worn over a blouse and jeans for a chic yet relaxed look. Plus, the lightweight fabric offers comfort on warmer spring days while also providing a layer of warmth when the temperatures fluctuate.
TOPS
A plain white T-shirt may be one of the most basic but also most important pieces you’ll want in your wardrobe for spring. Even if you prefer not to wear it as a standalone top, a basic tee is a great layering piece to add contrast underneath your favorite sweater. Plus, they help prolong the life of your outer layers by not having to wash them as frequently.
Madewell or Everlane are known for their quality basics and are each a great first step to start your search. Want to cut down on your search even more? That’s what I’m here for! Related: The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to)
If you aren’t ready to let go of sweater weather, try swapping your thicker styles for lightweight versions. You can still style similar looks with them, but they’ll offer a better alternative for warmer weather – plus, you can use them as foundational layers.
A striped tee, whether you prefer a short-sleeved or long-sleeved version, is a Parisian classic. Style it in endless different ways, like with skinny jeans and ballet flats, or maybe with wide-legged trousers and heels.
Add texture to your look by choosing a chambray or denim shirt. It can be worn open, closed, layered, or on its own. This piece has staying power and is the perfect way to add a neutral shade of spring blue to your spring outfit, without straying from your beloved neutrals.
You’ll want more than one basic layering tee, and gray is a great second color to have on hand. Pair it with white jeans and a jacket if you’re going for a casual look, or wear it with trousers and simple jewelry for the office. Plus, there are days you just don’t want to risk wearing white – and heathered gray is a great alternative!
A button-down shirt (like this Oxford variation) is a great layering piece or standalone top that will live in your closet year-round. For springtime wear, use it as a base for your favorite lightweight sweater and jeans. Or, if the climate is warmer where you live, pair it with high-waisted dress shorts and a belt for an elevated weekend look.
DRESSES & BOTTOMS
From winery brunches to date nights, a slip dress is an elegant and versatile piece. Feel free to experiment with color and pick a slip dress in a spring hue such as pale pink, chartreuse, or lavender, though of course, neutrals such as black and brown are always a good idea!
A shirt dress is the perfect addition to a spring capsule wardrobe. Layer it under a sweater or jean jacket for a casual Friday look, or on its own for warmer weather. Plus, this is an easy piece that would pair well with any of the shoes on our list.
Not only are black shorts versatile, but they also offer a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether you’re going for a laid-back weekend look or dressing up for a casual lunch date, black shorts can easily be dressed up or down. For cooler spring days, this is an easy piece to elevate with tights. On warmer days when you’re tempted to show your legs, you could also wear it on its own with a white t-shirt and gold jewelry for a classic, chic look for date night.
Denim shorts are incredibly versatile, easily paired with anything, from basic tees to striped shirts. They offer a comfy and laid-back feel, perfect for casual outings or warmer spring days. With their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear (and because they look even cooler as they age), you can count on denim shorts as a long-lasting investment.
Don’t forget trousers for your work-ready looks. Comfortable yet chic for the office, trousers are the perfect pair of pants to pair with your favorite sweater, an Oxford button-down, or a simple tee. What’s more, trousers are perfect for dressing down and crafting a casual chic look – just pair them with a tee and sneakers and you’re good to go.
No matter what the Internet says, well-fitting, tailored jeans will never go out of style! And if skinny jeans no longer fit your personal style, there are plenty of other fits to choose from, such as straight leg, slim leg, or cropped. One of the best ways to style these is to imagine them as an alternative for your favorite pair of leggings – they have the same shape, but the fact that they’re denim adds an elevated twist to athleisure wear.
Looking for more capsule wardrobe checklists like this post? I have a free resource library with shopping lists for you to use!
Your spring capsule wardrobe won’t be complete without a pair of lightwash jeans. They offer a brighter alternative to darker denim and are a slightly more casual look for warmer months. Plus, they pair well with lighter-colored tops than a darker pair might. They’ll easily become your favorite pair of jeans this season.
Even though a pair of black pants might not scream “spring,” you’ll want to keep these on the checklist for a spring capsule wardrobe. These are an office staple and are easy to elevate for occasions like a nice dinner, or church on Sundays.
If there’s one item that deserves a spot in your spring capsule wardrobe, it’s definitely a midi skirt. Whether you choose the throwback denim skirt or an elegant slip skirt, picture this: a versatile and effortlessly stylish piece that can take you from casual brunch dates to evening occasions with ease. A skirt offers endless styling options, from pairing it with a basic tee for a casual vibe or dressing it up with a blouse and heels for a more sophisticated touch.
SHOES
If you’re looking to expand your shoe collection this year with a classic style, then a pair of Mary Janes is the way to go. The straps add a bit of vintage flair to your typical flats. These shoes are versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Every wardrobe needs a pair of white sneakers. They are especially handy in spring, when you still need to cover your toes but don’t want to rely on running sneakers or chunky snow boots. Want something a bit more trendy? Consider a pair of Adidas Sambas in a neutral colorway.
A pair of ankle boots is tough enough to brave the cooler spring elements and stylish enough to make you look chic while doing so. Plus, if you choose a pair with heels, they’ll elevate your different looks for dinners out or happy hour.
And if you live somewhere like me where winter takes a long time to dissipate, knee-high boots are the perfect way to transition to warmer weather (no matter how long it takes). A pair in neutral colors, like this shade of brown leather, are a bit more springtime appropriate than ones in black.
A classic black pair of Mary Jane heels with a double strap is a great option if you want to elevate your favorite pair of jeans or trousers. They would also pair well with a slip dress or skirt and tights.
Classy and Parisian, this shoe choice adds a feminine and flirty look to your outfits. That’s what spring encapsulates after all, right? Wear these shoes to work or even to jazz up some leggings.
Thanks to the closed toe and open back, these shoes are the perfect blend of winter meets spring! Whether you’re headed to a casual brunch or a day at the office, the loafer mule has got you covered for all different occasions. With its slip-on design, friendly casual tone, and timeless silhouette, it adds an effortless air of sophistication to any outfit.
If you’ve been thinking about jumping on the clog bandwagon, now is the perfect time to do so for your spring capsule wardrobe. These funky yet functional shoes are a great pairing for your casual outfits. With their effortless slip-on style and comfortable soles, clogs provide the ultimate blend of fashion and comfort. Whether you’re strolling through the park or meeting friends for brunch, clogs add a touch of retro charm to any outfit.
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to embrace the carefree vibes and let our feet breathe! That’s where sandals come in. Leather sandals instantly add a touch of casual chic to any outfit. If you experience colder springs and still want to break out your sandals, mix and match them with your warmer pieces, such as jeans and outerwear, in order to make warmth and style go hand in hand.
EXTRAS
Earthy and light brown tones are always my go-to for spring! A classic leather tote will never go out of style, and will easily take you from work to play. This one is just as practical as it is chic and beautiful. Even better, it has the option to be worn as a crossbody, keeping your hands free. For a budget-friendly alternative, this is a classy option.
A woven handbag like this one is reminiscent of a summer picnic basket – the perfect foundational piece to usher in warmer weather. When you’re out and about but don’t need to bring much with you, a small to mid-size straw, wicker, or raffia bag is the perfect solution.
When the sun finally emerges for spring, you’ll want a good pair of sunglasses! A classic pair like these has a slightly rounded shape, which gives them a chic, vintage feel.
On the days that you want to style a more casual look (or maybe windy spring days when you’re not in the mood to do much with your hair) a baseball cap is the perfect solution. A style in neutral colors will pair well with the rest of your spring capsule wardrobe.
Add a Parisian flair to your spring looks with a neck scarf. This is also the perfect way to add a pop of color or pattern (like this floral style) to your neutral looks. For a budget-friendly pick, this one is a great option.
A belt is the perfect way to instantly tie a look together, and make it look more polished. It’s also an easy way to add a bit of structure to your looks, by using it to tighten classic pieces like an oversized sweater or button-down shirt.
You won’t want just one color for a belt! Choose a secondary color like brown to have on hand for softer, more organic looks. You could also choose a style in a brighter color like red, pink, or blue to further infuse your personality.
JEWELRY
A mixed metal watch is perfect for occasions when you can’t choose between gold or silver for the rest of your jewelry. Plus, it can pair well with any other metals that might be included in your looks, whether it’s a brooch or belt buckle.
A simple gold necklace is the perfect choice for a capsule wardrobe. You’ll be able to pair it with any look, so it will get plenty of wear. This is a great piece you might consider investing in if you’re interested in building up a jewelry collection. Rather than spending less money on a well-worn piece that you’ll have to replace after a little while because it’s in heavy rotation, consider the extra cost as an investment in a piece that you’ll be able to keep for much longer.
Pearls are a classic, chic choice to elevate any look. Pair them with more casual outfits to make them feel more put together, or add them to your favorite elegant styles to pull them all together.
Switch out your favorite gold hoops for this teardrop pair if you’re looking to mix things up. They add a new kind of visual interest to your look, without taking attention away from your outfit.
While capsule wardrobes are meant to be minimal, it’s a good idea to have a pair of earrings in both kinds of metal – especially if you find yourself going back and forth between which you prefer.
Prepping Your Capsule Wardrobe for Spring
You don’t have to feel overwhelmed when it comes to building your spring capsule wardrobe. An important thing to note about preparing your own personal capsule wardrobe for the new season is that you don’t have to start from scratch!
Many of the pieces on this checklist should be ones already in your closet from spring, fall, or summer – a good capsule wardrobe will take you through the year with a majority of its pieces. It’s also important to remember that this is just inspiration!
When choosing pieces, always tailor them to your personal style – whether that’s color, fit, or style. The goal is to create a wardrobe full of pieces that are quality, classic, and easy to pair well with each other to take the stress out of getting dressed every day.
Now that you have the pieces, are you looking for inspiration on how to put them together? Up Next: 30 Cute Spring Outfits to Add to Your Rotation This Month
