It’s officially spring and I’m eager to dive into spring outfits. When I think of a spring capsule wardrobe, I truly envision lots of classics. Pieces that help you transition out of winter and into warmer weather seamlessly. Items that you can easily layer to combat that wide temperature range. And outfits that feel new and fresh for the season. Let’s dive into what should be in a spring capsule wardrobe.



Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Every body will have their own spring essentials when it comes to their capsule. Take what you like, leave what you don’t need. But here’s some essentials to consider when shopping for the season.
Essential Spring Tops
Say goodbye to the heavy sweaters and knitwear, and reach for lighter tops and blouses. Spring always feels like the perfect time to embrace a cotton button down, striped t-shirt, and cotton lightweight knit wear for easy layering. This is also the time when I like to try a few spring blouses that you can dress up a bit or wear with denim too.
- White t-shirt
- Everyday button down
- Lightweight sweater – think cotton, open-knit style
- Tank tops
- Cropped cardigan
- Graphic tee
- Spring blouses
White T-Shirt & Graphic Tees
Come spring I like to reach for easy t-shirts. Whether they’re a basic white tee, or a graphic tee, having a cotton t-shirt I love to reach for in various options makes my closet more versatile.
Everyday Button Down
Button downs are a great spring wardrobe essential. Try a crisp white button down, or a blue and white stripe for a classic vibe. Style your button downs with your new spring skirts, light wash denim, or trousers.
Lightweight Sweater
Lightweight sweaters and cropped cardigans are great layering pieces for spring. They are especially ideal for those spring transition outfits. I especially like to style my lightweight sweaters over my shoulders. They add a nice interest and layer to my outfit. Plus, they’re functional! If it gets too cold, throw the sweater on. Gets too warm, take it off!
Tank Tops
Layers are crucial for your spring wardrobe and so tank tops are a must have in my book. wear them under those lightweight sweaters or oversized button downs. They allow you to peel layers off and still have a great base on that you won’t sweat in when the weather warms up in the afternoon.
Spring Blouses
For a nicer top, try pretty spring blouses in prints or solids. So many styles to choose from whether you need something for the office, or just a nicer spring blouse for everyday or date night. From ruffles, to puff sleeves, split neck tops and more. There are lots of options to choose from just keep fabric and colors in mind!

Essential Spring Outerwear
Outerwear and light layers are key for spring. They’re how you’ll manage the weather changes and also complete our looks. These act as a third piece which I talk about a lot. They complete our looks and make outfits more interesting.
I love spring light outerwear and jackets as they are the one time of year I don’t overheat in layers. For spring, we’re also seeing a few fun new trends for 2023. Lady jackets and bomber jackets are a nice update to our everyday denim jackets.
- Denim jacket
- Utility jacket
- Lady jacket
- Bomber jacket
- Blazer – try a lightweight linen
- Leather Jacket
- Trench coat
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight sweatshirt
Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is such a classic piece to transition your wardrobe into spring. It’s a great light layer and dresses down any outfit.
Utility Jacket
Try a utility jacket for a different silhouette for spring. Whether you choose a classic khaki green color, or try an ecru denim style, there are always great options. And the style of utility jacket will change every few years. So be sure you’re making the right Millennial style updates.
Lady Jacket
A more preppy option for spring outerwear is a lady jacket. They’re a more polished and feminine outerwear or third piece option.
Bomber Jacket
I love a bomber jacket as spring outerwear. Try an oversized option and one in a fun color. I love this more casual option that feels very street style cool.
Blazer
Blazers are a perfect spring outerwear option and they make your outfit feel more complete. For spring just keep in mind the fabric. I love a linen oversized blazer for spring, but classic suiting material works too. Just avoid wool as we want to wear that fabric for fall and winter.
Trench Coat
A trench is THE spring outerwear option. Great for rainy days. I always prefer a longer length one. But lengths do change with the trends. I think longer is always a safer bet. Try classic taupe or camel, or you can even try a color like army green or navy.
Leather Jacket
An edgy spring outerwear choice is always a great leather jacket. Go classic in black, or try a ligher color in off-white or a fun color like red or a rich green.
Rain Jacket
A more functional outerwear choice is having a good rain jacket to reach for when it’s raining out. Look for water resistant, and a functional hood for it to be worth your while.

Spring Shoes
I have a thing for spring shoes. They’re just my favorite. Summer ones too. I just love the act of finally swapping out the heavy boots for something more light and fun.
Spring shoes are also a transition moment. You can keep some of your boots nearby like knee-high boots and Dr Marten’s to help bring your spring dresses into the new season. This is a simple trick I love when you start to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring. You don’t have to jump in 100%. And this is most evident in the shoe department.
- White sneaker
- Trendy sneaker
- Versatile sandal
- Flat – ballet flat or loafer
- Comfortable heel
- Waterproof boot
- Knee high boots from winter – think lighter colors like your tan or brown ones are best, but not a deal breaker if you want to wear black
White Sneaker And A Trendy Sneaker
Having both a classic white sneaker for spring, and a more trendy one will give you lots of options. I feel like every spring I always rely on my Converse. But then I like to add in something new and different that feels a bit more trendy. Maybe it’s a Dad sneaker, or the super popular Adidas Sambas. Not a necessity, but if you’re big into sneakers, this could be the time to add in something new and trendy for spring.
Versatile Sandal And Comfortable Heel
Spring means open toed shoes! A versatile sandal with a sensible heel will be your most worn shoe for spring. Whether you go classic and nude that will go with everything, or try a woven style with texture, something that you can wear with jeans and dresses dressed up or down, is the best spring shoe to have.
A Ballet Flat Or Loafer
The perfect transition spring shoe is a ballet flat or a great loafer. Try lighter tan or cream leathers, or a fun color. You can still do black and brown, but to embrace spring you may have more fun in a lighter shade of leather.
Waterproof Boot
Since April showers bring May flowers, which means, rainboots. Having a good pair of Chelsea rainboots or a knee high depending on how much rain your city gets, are essential for spring.
Knee High Boots
Transitioning from winter to spring can be tricky. But one thing I keep from winter to style into the new season are a few of my best knee high boots. They help to turn those really spring dresses into the perfect transitional spring looks.



Essential Spring Bottoms
You can make a few additions or swaps here but not many are needed for spring. I just find myself reaching for lighter-wash denim and maybe starting to swap heavier trousers for linen ones. And I love a great utility pant or cotton chino style bottom to wear for spring. This is probably my most worn pant for spring.
If you are in a warmer climate, shorts and mini skirts can be a good option too. Especially if you pair them with a knee high boot. And I love a jumpsuit for spring. Such a fun one and done piece.
- Lighter wash denim
- Cropped wide leg pants
- Utility pants
- High waist shorts
- Mini skirts
- Midi slip skirt or maxi skirts
- Trouser – linen, cotton or just a lighter color for spring
- Jumpsuit
- Midi dresses
Light Wash Denim
While I’m a firm believer you can 100% wear ANY wash denim any time of year, I do like to reach for my lighter wash pieces come spring. It’s just a nice welcome change from all the darker colors from spring. Try cropped wide leg denim, high waist shorts, and your favorite straight leg jeans.
Utility Pants
Try a utility pant for a nice change of pace from all the everyday denim. These are tailored yet you can really style them in edgy or preppy ways.
Shorts and Mini Skirts
With warmer weather, try showing off some leg in high-waisted shorts or mini skirts. I love to pair these with a cotton sweater for those cooler spring days. Not sure what to wear with jean shorts? Check out this guide!
Midi Skirts and Maxi Skirts
Bring out all the skirts from mini to midi and yes, even maxi skirts. This is the season for all the great skirts in your closet to pair with sneakers, boots or sandals. So versatile!
Spring Dresses
Personally, this is the season I start to embrace dresses again. I just can not get into winter dresses over here. So spring and summer dresses are my favorites.
A few good essentials are a t-shirt dress, a shirt dress, and a midi floral dress. All great basics to easily transition you into spring and well into summer. You can even try my beloved denim dress trend.
- T-shirt dress
- Shirt dress
- Floral dress
- Maxi dress
- Denim dress
T-Shirt Dress
A classic casual piece to have in your spring capsule is a great t-shirt dress. Whether you go more fitted or boxy, choose one that suits your style. I love a t-shirt dress for a super easy outfit idea for spring.
Shirt Dress
Another great dress option for spring is a shirt dress. They are insanely versatile as you can see how to style a shirt dress here. From dressed up, to the office to casual in sneakers.
Floral Dress
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Obviously. But truly a floral dress whether it’s a mini or maxi, or anything in-between is the ideal spring dress. Instantly feels like you’re welcoming the new season. These are also a great transition dress from winter to spring. Add a leather jacket and sneakers for those cooler early spring days. Or wear with a denim jacket and sandals when it’s warmer.
Denim Dress
I love a denim dress and they are a staple in my spring capsule wardrobe. There are so many silhouettes to choose from. I love them paired simply with a white sneaker or brown leather sandal.
Spring Essentials And Spring Accessories
Spring has its own essentials for the season when it comes to the elements and accessories. We tend to see some rain which means you’ll maybe want a waterproof boot or bag and of course, umbrella.
And for spring accessories like bags, sunglasses and so on, I definitely feel like there’s a big shift that happens here. I like to swap out my dark leather but lighter ones, and even for different materials like woven straws and rattan.
- Umbrella
- Waterproof shoe
- Work tote bag
- Jute tote
- Sunglasses
Umbrella
If you’re in a city that you’re in the elements, you’ll want to have an umbrella handy for spring weather. I like to throw my tiny travel one into my crossbody bag on possible rainy days. It’s never a bad idea!
Jute Tote
When the season finally turns from chilly winter to warm spring, the first thing I want to swap out are my shoes and bags. And a jute tote is the perfect addition to your closet for the spring season. I love having a large tote that can also double as a beach bag. But also any jute bag is great. It’s a fabric that is simply meant for spring and summer.


How To Build A Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Choose Timeless Pieces
It goes without saying that a capsule wardrobe that you can rely on for years to come, should have classic and timeless pieces. Not all of it, but some of it.
Think timeless quality items that you’ll invest in like a great trench coat, or quality denim and shoes. Having a good amount of your capsule timeless will allow you to get more use out of it in future seasons.
Define What’s Essential For You
Not every capsule will look the same. I live in a much warmer climate and find spring to be a season I can wear lots of shorts in. And would probably skip needing major rain essentials.
If you live somewhere that needs rain boots and a quality raincoat, make that an essential that you need. Your spring capsule should reflect the everyday essentials to create effortless outfits

Keep A List Of What You Really Need
I’d suggest doing a good purge of your closet for the new season. I love using the Marie Kondo Method to get my clothes in tip-top shape before I start doing any major shopping. Then see what you really need to fill in your closet to help you easily create outfits with what you already have.
Make a list on your phone and keep it in mind when shopping. This helps to prevent impulse shopping and instead encourages you to buy pieces to make your closet work more efficiently for you.
Choose A Color Scheme
I think we tend to see a lot of capsule wardrobes that are just black, white, navy and brown. They’re very boring in color in an effort to be “simple”.
While I personally gravitate towards less bright color, that doesn’t mean you have to as well. A capsule wardrobe should work for your personal style and closet. If you like color, great. Your capsule wardrobe should reflect that and coordinate with the staple pieces you wear all the time in your closet. Don’t be fooled by a monochromatic capsule guide, you CAN and should tailor it to your personal style and color scheme.


