Even though we are fully in spring and summer is fast approaching, I thought I would dedicate a blog post to 10 spring essentials to have in your closet. This list consists of classic pieces that you can wear year after year and will always be a good foundation to your warm weather wardrobe. Summer is a bit more whimsical in terms of clothing because it’s hot and we all just want to not melt and wear fun prints and colors. Ha! But spring is more of a level-headed season where basics are king and will never let you down. Here are 10 (actually it’s 11 – I had to add one last thing LOL) clothing essentials that are must haves for your spring closet and will be timeless year after year.
10 Spring Wardrobe Basics
White Blazer
Blazer | Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses
Assuming you already have a classic black blazer in your closet (if not, highly recommend this one from Amazon), a simple white blazer is spring staple. You can dress it up or down, wear it to work, wear it out in the evening, a white blazer looks so crisp and chic during the warmer weather.
White Jeans
Sweater (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
I’m a firm believer that you can wear white jeans year round but they are on heavy rotation for me once spring rolls around. I am personally loving the look of a wide leg pair of white jeans this year but if you prefer straight leg or skinny jeans, then definitely get what you feel you will wear. I’ve really embraced the straight leg and wide leg denim trend and am shocked at how classic they look! Though they are trending now, this is a classic shape you will wear for years to come.
Trench Coat
Coat (similar) | Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
There are arguably a million different trench styles to choose from but at the end of the day, opt for a classic and simple style first. Once you have that base covered, you can branch out to other colors or lengths. I am absolutely loving the look of a cropped trench too! Trench coats are always a great in between outerwear option which makes them perfect for spring and fall.
Lady Jacket
Cardigan (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses
They are calling them lady jackets but to be honest these are just cropped cardigans and I LOVE THEM! So classic and chic with an endless amount of ways to style them. My advice is to choose one that has buttons all the way up so you can wear it as a sweater or leave it open over a camisole or tank. I also like draping them over my shoulders to add some print or texture with a spring outfit.
Striped Tee
Tee | Trench (similar) | Pants | Shoes | Bag (code: MAREE15) | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses
Every year I add another striped long sleeve boat neck style tee to my closet. I’ve been wearing them for nearly 20 years and they NEVER go out of style. Before getting a brightly colored style or one with any specific details, purchase a black/white or navy/white style which is the most versatile. I have so many black/navy striped tops in my closet so I opted for a red/white combination next and love how it looks!
Striped Button Down Blouse
Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (code: MAREE15) | Sunglasses
Once you have secured a simple striped tee, next on your list is a striped button down shirt. Not just any striped shirt however, choose one that is *insert color of your choosing* and white. It could be tan and white, red and white, green and white, etc – but choose a stripe paired with white instead of black. It looks fresh and suitable for spring. But the white makes it instantly neutral regardless of the other color paired with it.
White Gauzy Blouse
Shirt (code: MAREE10) | Jeans | Belt | Bag (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses
I love a drapey white button down for spring and summer. It looks so crisp and beautiful and can be styled a million different ways. There are so many at all price points so look for something that is a bit billowy in shape. Anything too slim or stiff is better for a professional outfit but a gauzy boho style white blouse is perfect to style for more casual outfits.
Related: 10 Spring Date Night Outfits
Straight Leg Jeans
Cardigan (similar) | Shirt | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
Yes straight leg jeans are still trending at the moment. But if you choose a pair with no distressing and a classic fit – you will wear them for many years to come. Choose a medium wash and your preferred rise (high/medium) and style them as you would a classic pair of trousers. That was what helped me figure out how to make the straight leg denim trend work for me was seeing them as a pair of trousers. Once I did that, I was able to envision them with nearly everything in my closet!
Slip Skirt
Cardigan | Tee | Skirt (similar) | Bag (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses
I wear my slip skirt all four seasons out of the year so for me it is closet staple every season. It’s a classic shape and style that always looks timeless and is one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe. I’ve worn my slip skirt with sneakers and a denim jacket, dressed up with a silky camisole and heels or for a casual day out with sandals and a simple tee. It’s one of the easiest items to mix and match with a ton of different things in your closet.
Midi Dress
Dress | Bag (code: MAREE15) | Sandals (similar) | Sunglasses
As soon as the warmer weather comes, there are so many spring special occasions that seem to pop up. Graduations, baby showers, wedding showers, etc. Investing in a classic midi dress is essential because it will always be appropriate for almost any daytime function. The midi dress style that I gravitate towards is a shirt dress shape because it never looks outdated or trendy.
Ballet Flats
Blouse | Jeans (similar) | Ballet Flats | Belt (code: MAREE15) | Bag | Sunglasses
As an avid heels wearer for nearly all of my 20’s and 30’s, I hardly EVER wore flats. I owned maybe one or two pairs in total during that time. But now in my mid 40’s, I LIVE in flats. In fact, I have more flats in my closet than I do heels at this point and I couldn’t be happier. In my defense, flats are so much more chic and stylish than years ago so I never feel like I have to sacrifice style for comfort. Ballet flats are especially a must have though I do prefer a more pointed versus rounded toe most of the time. The ballet flats I am wearing in the above photo were actually a find from Walmart and are less than $15! They are truly some of the most comfortable that I own and they come in a ton of colors.
Denim Jacket
Denim jacket (similar) | Dress (similar) | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
A denim jacket will always be one of my favorite spring wardrobe essentials. There are a ton of great options to choose from at all price points but if you want something classic and that works well in a spring capsule wardrobe, choose a medium wash denim jacket with a classic slim fit. Nothing too oversized or with too many details which can make the piece look trendy and possibly dated at some point.
Kitten Heels
Blazer | Tee | Jeans | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Belt | Sunglasses
When I want to wear heels, I usually opt for a pair of kitten heels. I have a few high heels hanging around in my closet for certain occasions, but usually want my heels to be 2.5 inches or less. This gives me just a tad bit of height but still is very easy to walk in. A low heel can even be suitable for fancier occasions such as a wedding or formal dinner. I ordered these kitten heels as a more elevated option when I have somewhere important to go but they still would look great styled with jeans and a basic top.
Trousers
Jacket (similar) | Trousers | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
If you are someone who doesn’t want to wear denim or find jeans to be uncomfortable, trousers are the way to go. Obviously trousers will always be in style and are a wardrobe staple especially in the workplace. But over the years, trousers are seen less as a professional-only piece of clothing and more as something that can be dressed up or down. I love styling my trousers with sneakers and a tee for a casual day out or adding some embellished heels and a silky camisole for a night out.
The best trouser shape that will look the most timeless is a simple straight leg with a slightly high waist. Anything too fitted will not look workplace appropriate and anything too oversized will look trendy. Start with a black pair if you are new to wearing trousers and then branch out to various neutral tones based on what you already have in your closet. My absolute favorite pair of trousers that I own in a few colors are these from Abercrombie – I recommend them to everyone! They come in various lengths but have a classic shape with little to no added details.
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