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
Essential 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
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
- Trench coat
- Rain jacket
- Lightweight sweatshirt
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
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
- Trouser – linen, cotton or just a lighter color for spring
- Jumpsuit
- Midi dresses
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
Spring Essentials And Spring Accessories
Spring has it’s 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
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 you need 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 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.
