Spring is just around the corner, and depending on where you live, it’s closer for some of us than others. Here in Philly, spring is usually slow in coming, but I know many of you are located in areas that are already getting a spring teaser.
I’m hoping that Punxsutawney Phil was right and spring is on its way, but even if it’s not, I’m pretty much done buying winter wardrobe pieces. I will continue to wear my winter capsule and integrate some transition pieces until spring finally arrives for good, so it’s time to start thinking about my spring wardrobe and what I want it to look like!
I’ve learned a lot from doing the capsule wardrobe experiment, and while I don’t plan to continue using a capsule exclusively, I hope to shop intentionally and be selective when determining which pieces secure a place in my closet. Of course, part of my job is sharing new styles, so a lot of clothing items will cycle their way through the revolving door that is my closet these days, but through that process, I hope to curate a selection of quality basics that make up the foundation for my constantly changing wardrobe.
This post is certainly not exhaustive, but it should be a good starting point for most of us. These are pieces that are on trend this spring and will provide a basic foundation for your spring wardrobe. You will need to discern which pieces you should add to your closet based on your own lifestyle and wardrobe needs, but these are articles of clothing, shoes, and accessories that you may want to consider.
Spring 2016 Wardrobe Essentials
#1. Basic White and/or Grey T-Shirt
This probably goes without saying, but I don’t want to leave it out because it is absolutely an essential. Investing in a few quality t-shirts that you can wear alone with a great accessory or layer under your jackets and t-shirts is crucial. I prefer a V-neck or U-neck, but you may like a crewneck or boat neck style. Just be sure you choose the neckline that is most flattering on you.
Last summer, I splurged on a grey T by Alexander Wang, and the fit and drape is bar none. Even though the price tag almost made me faint, it has turned into such a workhorse in my wardrobe that I’m about ready to order a white one to add to my closet this year. Of course, you can find a good quality t-shirt for much less. Caslon makes a nice Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee for $25, and Halogen has a Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee for $32. Then there’s the Modern V-neck Tee at Gap for $18 and a Boyfriend Pocket Tee for $13 at Old Navy.
I linked to those and more in the widget below. If you hover over the images, you can see the brands and price. Click through to shop!
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#2. White Jeans
White jeans make a crisp statement and pair well with everything from neutrals to pastels to brights. I cannot IMAGINE my spring and summer wardrobe without them. It is important to find a pair that fits well and the material is thick enough that you can’t see through it.
You know I will recommend premium brands like DL1961 and AG, but you can certainly find decent white jeans for less if your budget is tight. Check LOFT and Kohl’s for more budget-friendly options, but no matter where you shop, be sure to try them on and get a good look at your rear view to ensure a great fit.
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#3. Ankle-Length Pants
Ankle-length is the hottest trend in pants this spring and summer. The key is to buy pants and jeans that fit close to the body and end below the widest part of the calf. You never want your pants to cut off at the widest part of your leg.
Ann Taylor has a nice selection of ankle-length pants, and White House Black Market is also touting their slim fit ankle pants this spring.
This trend carries over to jeans as well. Boyfriend jeans also tend to be cropped, and if you like them, they’re still on trend.
I’ve learned that I look best in skinnier silhouettes, so I tend to gravitate to those styles. I love my Hudson Krista Crop skinnies that I picked up on clearance at the end of last summer. I wear them all year round because they tuck nicely into tall boots and also work well with ankle boots.
Ankle length jeans are slightly longer than “cropped” and they also work well with all types of shoes and boots. My black AG Ankle Leggings were a splurge when they went on sale last fall, but I love them so much I’m considering getting a pair of white for summer.
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#4. Pencil Skirt
A pencil skirt is always a classic, but it’s also a big trend this spring. LOFT has a great selection, AND all of their skirts and dresses are all 30% off right now!
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#5. Denim Dress
Denim dresses are a huge trend this summer, and you know how I love my denim! This is definitely an item on my spring shopping list.
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#6. Denim Jacket
Let’s keep the denim theme going here! I always have a denim jacket in my closet. I love how it dresses down a dress or skirt. It also looks great over a basic tee with white jeans. Also consider a white denim jacket for a fun twist on this classic wardrobe essential.
Another fun twist on this piece is a denim vest.
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#7. Bright Blazer
I generally think of blazers as work wear, but it’s chic and on trend to pair a blazer with boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans for a fun date night or weekend look. Whether you work in an office or spend most of your days at home, a bright blazer is a great piece to add to your wardrobe.
If you prefer, you could substitute a bright cardigan sweater, but a structured blazer is generally more flattering and the perfect compliment to white jeans or your favorite pencil skirt. Of course, you can have one of each!
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#8. Classic Trench
I realize a trench coat makes it into every year’s spring essentials post, but there’s good reason for that. Every woman should have one. If you want to totally splurge, a Burberry trench is a classic you will wear for the next 20 years.
That is way out of my price range, but fortunately there are tons to choose from in the $100-150 price range. I opted for a bright color rather than the traditional khaki. I have a bright pink trench coat that I love because it’s different and it brightens up a dreary day. This one is similar.
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#9. Fatigue Jacket
A military or fatigue jacket is a great alternative to a jean jacket. If you live a super casual lifestyle, you may want one of each. I have a utility jacket that I’ve had for several years, but it’s a bit heavy for spring, so this year I added this fatigue jacket to my closet. It’s going to be on repeat this spring, for sure.
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#10.Wedge Sandals
Wedge Sandals are a must for spring and summer. I adore wedge sandals, and I cannot WAIT for the weather to warm up enough to break mine out. If you’re only going to have one pair, go with a neutral tone. I have a whole post on wedge sandals coming up, so stay tuned for that!
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#11. Ballet Flats
Ballet Flats are great all year round, but I find myself wearing them the most in the springtime. Often it’s not warm enough for open sandals, but I am tired of my boots, so my ballet flats get a lot of wear at this time of year! You know how much I love and adore my Felicia Flats. Payless also has a pretty decent knockoff.
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#12. White or Silver Pumps
White and silver pumps are trending this year, so if you work in an office environment, you may want to add a pair to your wardrobe if you don’t already have one. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to invest or not because I don’t wear pumps very often, and I just bought a pair in nude. If I do invest, I will probably go for a white pair, rather than silver. I love my new Charles David Pact Pumps. For $99 you get a lot of bang for your buck. Here are a few more to consider at a variety of price points.
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#13. Fashion Sneakers
Fashion sneakers like Converse, Superga, or Adidas Superstar are essentials for every season.
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#14. Statement Handbag
Handbags this spring are less structured and more boho-inspired. Think saddle bags, hobo style bags, and crossbodies. Don’t limit yourself to those styles, though, if you don’t care for them. I prefer a more structured bag, myself. A statement handbag doesn’t have to be super pricey, but it should be something that speaks to your personal style. I linked to a wide variety of price points below.
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#15. Layered Necklace
Delicate layered looks are a huge trend in jewelry this spring. If you add one new accessory to your wardrobe for the season, consider a layered necklace. I’m a Stella & Dot Independent Stylist, and I’m loving their new spring line. You can see all of their necklaces here. I actually did a whole post on Spring Jewelry Trends a few weeks ago, if you want to check that out. You can shop my boutique online through this link anytime, and if you ever need any assistance with an order or a return, just let me know.
Phew! This post took a lot longer than I expected, but I think it’s a pretty thorough roundup of spring wardrobe essentials! Which ones are on your spring shopping list?
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