12 Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials to Refresh Your Style for a New Season

As we transition from winter to spring, it’s a great time to give your wardrobe a refresh. As you bring in new clothing and accessories, consider a bit of spring cleaning to simplify your life and make getting dressed more enjoyable. A spring capsule wardrobe isn’t so different from your year-round capsule, featuring basics like white sneakers, basic tees, and your favorite lived-in denim. To make the season’s constantly unpredictable weather easier to navigate, we’ve added practical staples like a transitional trench and a lightweight cardigan. The key to creating a versatile and functional capsule wardrobe is investing in pieces you can wear time and time again, styling many different ways. Looking to refresh your spring style? Ahead, see 12 essential pieces for a spring capsule wardrobe, complete with spring cleaning tips from two style experts.

MEET THE EXPERT

• Allison Bornstein is a stylist and wardrobe expert and the author of Wear It Well.
• Mathilde Mader is the chief creative officer at Everlane. She also has prior experience at brands including Sonia Rykiel, Marni, and Kim Jones.

Transitional Trench

Spring’s weather can be unpredictable, which is why a trench coat is key for layering. “A transitional trench coat is a versatile staple for any spring capsule wardrobe because it offers a touch of sophistication that effortlessly transitions between casual and elevated looks,” says stylist and wardrobe consultant Allison Bornstein. Jacquemus’s Le Trench Bari ($1485) is the ultimate splurge-worthy staple, crafted from water-repellent cotton canvas to keep you dry and stylish in April showers. Anine Bing’s Randy Trench ($500) and Nichole Lynel’s On Watch Plaid Detail Trench ($153) are other great, versatile options available for a more accessible price tag.

Pro Tip: “A trench coat also serves as the perfect outer layer for the ‘three layer rule,’ a styling method Stitch Fix coined for creating outfits with three distinct layers that will help you stay stylish while accounting for varying temperatures and weather forecasts for seasonal transitions like spring,” Bornstein tells us.

Linen Dress

As spring approaches, we start reaching for lightweight materials like linen and cotton and steer away from heavier fabrics. “At Everlane, we design our pieces to be a part of your ‘forever wardrobe,’ and I really try to buy items for my own wardrobe thoughtfully and rework or restyle them as the seasons change and what’s in fashion evolves,” says Everlane’s chief creative officer, Mathilde Mader. “At the moment, I love layering: draping a sweater over the top of your blazer—or something more daring, like wearing a shirt over or under a linen shirtdress to create a double collar—can completely transform an item that might have been languishing at the back of your closet.” We’re loving Gap’s Linen-Blend Midi Shirtdress ($90) for layering. If you’re looking for more of a statement piece, opt for something with floral detailing, like Reformation’s Amorette Linen Dress ($178).

Tailored Top

A tailored top or button-down shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your wardrobe. “You can wear it open with a tank or tee in the spring and summer to get a little structure and tailoring while still feeling breezy,” Bornstein says. The Row’s Attica Oversized Cotton Shirt ($1150) is a great layering piece and comes in a light brick color, while Re Ona’s Linen Oversized Shirt ($190) is a classic white button-down with an airy, warm-weather-ready twist.

You can always have fun with proportions when styling a button-down shirt. The Aknvas Flor Button Down Shirt 2 Roses ($450) adds dimension to any look. “If your top is more fitted, try styling it with a relaxed bottom, like a flowy skirt or wide leg trousers,” Bornstein tells us. “If you’re opting for a tailored top that’s more oversized, such as a menswear-inspired button-down, and you want to create some balance, try a slim trouser for contrast.”

Sunglasses

When curating a spring capsule wardrobe, consider investing in a few items you’ll have for years to come. Sunglasses are a chic accessory that can instantly elevate a look without breaking the bank. Coco and Breezy’s Nelson-102 Sunglasses ($99) are beautiful, affordable, and pair well with all spring essentials, so take your look from the beach to the bar and throw on some gold jewelry to tie everything together. If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy pair, we’re swooning over Miu Miu’s Glimpse Rectangular-Frame Acetate Sunglasses ($530).

Modern Ballet Flats

You don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe every season. A capsule wardrobe makes it easier to transition your style with pieces that are wearable whether it’s warm or cold out. “I love a good Mary Jane for spring, and you can wear them in the fall over socks for a cute cold-weather look,” Mader says. Mansur Gavriel’s Square Toe Ballerina ($395) is a cult-favorite, and available in a variety of colors—flamingo pink is a stunningly fitting choice for spring. You can also have fun with the trend and style something more daring, like Toteme’s Knitted Ballet Flats ($600).

Little White Tee

“A white t-shirt is a great styling tool,” Bornstein says. “Style your white tee underneath a leather blazer and finish the look with your favorite pair of jeans, giving you the perfect blend of casual and elevated.” Re Ona’s Signature T-Shirt ($69) is a staple in our spring wardrobes, offering the perfect amount of comfort and stretch. Good American’s Super Stretch Baby Tee ($59) is another great option.

Everyday Jeans

Jeans are quintessential to creating a capsule wardrobe for any season. Everyone needs a few pairs of go-to pants that you know fit just right. Most of us are guilty of having items in our closet we don’t wear anymore, so this spring, narrow down your denim collection to styles you’ll actually wear on repeat. “If you are truly ready to part ways with the piece, consider having a clothing swap with a friend or donating it to give it a new life,” Mader says. While you’re spring cleaning, consider trying a new style—Mader tells us that “barrel leg jeans are having a real moment and might seem scary at first, but are actually so fun and easy to style.” The oversized fit is fun and easy to style, but if you aren’t ready yet, opt for a classic option like Tove Studio’s Sade Jean ($436). Another style I reach for every season is Agolde’s Dame High Rise Wide Leg ($258).

Lightweight Cardigan

A lightweight cardigan can easily and practically pull together any look, and this season, we’re seeing delicate pieces with lace or mesh detailing. “A sweater is always a great layering piece,” Mader tells us. “I love throwing it over my shoulders during the day and then putting it on overtop of my outfit as the evening gets cooler. With the weather shifting from cold mornings to warm evenings, it’s essential to invest in your spring layers.”

Consider adding some sunshine to your wardrobe with Coach’s Lace Knit Cardigan ($295). Also, Everlane recently collaborated with Portuguese design duo Marques’ Almeida on a capsule collection using only liability fabric that otherwise would have gone to waste. From the collection, we’re loving the Alpaca Mesh Cardigan ($148).

Woven Shoulder Bag

“Adding a woven or raffia texture is a great way to signal spring,” Bornstein tells us. Raffia has become a spring and summer staple, and brands are incorporating the fabric in bags, shoes, accessories, and more. Khaite’s Medium Olivia Hobo Bag ($1350) is one of the most coveted bags of the season. You can also opt for a more affordable yet equally on-trend style, like Staud’s Moon Woven Bag ($295). Bornstein loves a raffia bag for a transitional weather look, and DeMellier London’s Tokyo Bag ($640) grounds the warm-weather-ready material in classic black leather. Style your bag with an oversized blazer and ecru jeans for a chic spring look.

Everyday Belt

Belt trends come and go, but an understated thin style is timeless. Not only are belts a functional accessory, but they have the power to change a look completely. The Scanlan Theodore Pointed Buckle Belt ($250) layers well over a tailored dress, while the Khaite Bambi Belt ($380) looks great with a good pair of jeans. If you have a little white dress in your closet that needs a facelift, you can revamp the look for spring with this elegant accessory.

Midi Skirt

Although mini skirts are trending for the warmer months (the tinier, the better), there’s nothing quite like a classic midi skirt to elevate everyday basics. The A.L.C. Maia Cotton Midi Skirt ($495) is made from crisp cotton fabric and features a paper bag waist with a front slit. “You can pair it with tall boots, or wear your midi skirt with a pair of sandals and a white tee for a great minimal spring look,” Bornstein says. The COS Embellished Circle-Cut Midi Skirt ($220) is a beautiful option if you’re looking to add a fanciful touch to your spring wardrobe.

White Sneakers

White sneakers offer versatility to your wardrobe, and let’s be honest: There’s nothing quite like a fresh new pair of kicks. “White sneakers are a great way to add a little sporty edge to your spring looks,” Bornstein says. New Balance’s 480 Sneakers ($90) offer both durability and style and can go from day to night with a few tweaks to your look. If you’re looking for a mix of glamour and functionality, look no further than Stuart Weitzman’s 5050 Lace Up Sneakers ($275).