Spring is right around the corner (someone please tell it to hurry up), and now is the best time to start planning your spring wardrobe. If you’re looking to get a solid staple closet for the warmer months, I’ve got you covered with the 12 pieces you need for a spring capsule wardrobe. Now, I don’t necessarily think building a capsule wardrobe means you have to go out and purchase a whole new wardrobe. My hope here is to give you lots of options and a great variety of styles so you can incorporate pieces you already own. Plus, with this capsule wardrobe formula, you’ll be able to put together a comprehensive list of the items you DO need to shop for this year. I also want to encourage you to use pieces from your winter wardrobe, and rethink the styling of them for Spring. This is a great way to extend the wear of your garments and help determine what items are worth investing in for your closet.
So, here’s the capsule wardrobe formula:
- 3 Jackets
- 3 Tops
- 3 Pants
- 3 Shoes
- 3 Accessories (Bonus)
= The 12 pieces you can wear 100 ways (well, 81 to be exact.)
These pieces will be the staples for your Spring looks that you can build upon and remix throughout the season to create a cohesive and elevated wardrobe. So, without further ado, let’s get into the 12 pieces you need for a spring Spring capsule wardrobe.
Outerwear
The spring time still gets pretty chilly (especially here in Tennessee) so you’ll definitely need some lightweight outerwear for your spring wardrobe. I recommend a lightweight sweater, a sweatshirt, and a medium weight jacket. These can be in any style or color that fits your style best, but with this formula you should be covered for those cold spring nights. I’ve picked some of my favorite options below.
Lightweight Sweater (Choose one)
Whether a crew neck or a cardigan are more your style, grabbing a good lightweight knit sweater is a no-brainer for your spring wardrobe. Plus, it’s the perfect seasonal transition piece to keep you warm on those colder spring nights. The best part about lightweight sweaters is that they can be worn as a layering piece or by themselves as a cute top. We love multipurpose items!
Crew Neck Sweater
This lightweight cashmere sweater is the perfect spring sweater in my opinion. It’s nice and warm without being too toasty since it’s so lightweight, making it the perfect addition to a spring wardrobe.
Cardigan
I love cardigan’s lately because you can wear them over a basic tee or tank, or wear them as their own top. I’d recommend getting something more fitted that buttons in the front over something oversized, so that it can be worn by itself, which will add a lot more variety to our capsule wardrobe. It’s a great layering piece to get you through the winter/spring transition.
Sweater With a Collar
I really love the collar trend that we’re going to be seeing a lot of this season. A simple way to add this trend to your wardrobe is to grab a sweater with a great polo collar. This cropped sweater from Aritzia would be my pick, and it comes in a ton of colors.
Sweatshirt (Choose one)
To keep it cozy and casual, we’re going to add in a nice sweatshirt to our spring capsule wardrobe. This can be a crew neck, a 1/4 zip, a full zip, or whatever style of sweatshirt suits your style best. It will be great for throwing on for spring road trips or running errands. Plus you probably already have a sweatshirt from your fall wardrobe that will look great.
1/4 Zip Sweatshirt
I love a 1/4 zip sweatshirt because it gives an elevated look to something super cozy. It can be dressed down with leggings or shorts, and dressed up a little bit with jeans. I already have a 1/4 zip in my rotation, but if I didn’t I would be adding this one from J Crew.
Crewneck Sweatshirt
You can’t go wrong with a simple crewneck. Keep it basic like this one from __ or go with something graphic – the Anine Bing one is really popular and a great staple.
Hoodie
Hoodies can be elevated too! I love adding a hoodie to my capsule wardrobe because it gives off an effortless vibe while being super cozy and casual. Wear it to run errands or throw on some gold hoops to dress it up a bit. You can find hoodies at so many price points, but if you’re looking ro splurge, I’ve had this Anine Bing hoodie on my wishlist for a while.
Jacket (Choose one)
Since we want to focus a lot on transitioning our wardrobe pieces from winter to spring. A staple jacket will be the best place. For my spring capsule, I’m including a trench coat because I just love it.
Trench Coat
I’m obsessed with the look of a trench coat for spring. In my opinion it’s truly the best option because it doubles as a rain jacket, and I wear mine in the winter so it’s a great transition piece for me.
Jean Jacket
Some sort of jean jacket is a staple in every wardrobe. now, I’m not a huge fan of a denim jacket on myself, so I opt for a green utility jacket that fits my style a bit more. The goal here is just something a little bit heavier that we can throw on for a chilly night.
Leather Jacket
I’ve talked about my leather jacket a million times, but it’s because it’s truly one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I wear it all year round and it’s the best for quickly elevating an outfit without it looking too dressy. Plus, there are tonssss of different styles out there so you can definitely find something that fits your taste.
Tops
A Button Up (Choose one)
There are many many options when it comes to choosing a staple button up. From fabric composition, to cut and color, it can be pretty overwhelming. Choose something that you love and that makes you excited, but make sure it’s versatile with the rest of your items, and I’d also recommend going with a 100% cotton or linen so that it will still be super wearable when it gets super hot outside.
The most classic, and most basic piece of clothing you could add to your closet. To me, a white button up for spring and summer is a must have. It’s great for throwing on with jeans but it also doubles as a beach cover up that I love. A white button up is one of those items that you can wear year round, so I would definitely invest in a good one. And if you’re not that into a WBD, you could always add a little bit of color or pattern to your button down!
White Button Up
A white button up would be my choice for this because it’s truly classic, goes with everything and you can pretty much wear it in all seasons. I’ve had this one from Abercrombie for a couple of years and I love it. It’s more of a loose fabric versus a crisp cotton giving it a nice flow and casual look.
Patterned or Colorful Button Up
I’m loving this green striped button up from Gap. It actually has a button back as well which I think is super unique! Could make for some great outfits.
Chambray Button Up
If you’re looking for something classic, but not in love with a white button up, a button up chambray shirt is another great way to go. It’s great for layering and you can wear it throughout most seasons making it a great option!
The Basic Tee Shirt (Choose one)
The White Tee
You can’t go wrong with the basic white tee. It will go with literally everything in your closet and can be worn through most seasons. A basic white tee is definitely something I would invest in if you’re adding it to your wardrobe.
The Long Sleeve Knit Tee
I love a lightweight long sleeve tee in the Spring because it can still be pretty chilly as everything is warming up. I’d opt for something 100% cotton or linen so that when it’s warmer it will still be super breathable. I’ve had the same Gap tee for YEARS but I’m eyeing these ribbed knit tees from Everlane when I’m ready for a replacement.
The Graphic Tee
To add a little more personality to your capsule, I’d opt for a great graphic tee. It could be from your favorite band or just a really cool tee – I like this one from
A Dressier Top (Choose one)
For our third top option, choose something that’s a little bit dressier that you could wear to dinner, but that’s casual enough to wear with jeans for a fun lunch date. I recommend long sleeves since you’ll probably be wearing it at night when it’s cold.
Wide Neck Knit Top
This wide neck knit top from Dissh is a great way to add an elevated look to a pretty classic ribbed tee shirt. It could be dressed down with jeans and sandals, or add a pair of heels to dress it up for date night.
Textured Cardigan
I ordered this textured cardigan for my spring capsule wardrobe because it’s such a good addition. It’s got. really interesting texture to give it some interest, but it’s still pretty basic that it will go with almost everything in my closet.
Ribbed Knit Crop Top
I’m absolutely in love with this green knit top from Dissh. It’s perfect to wear with leather shorts for a night out or with jeans for something more casual. The color is beautiful and the ribbing gives it a super interesting texture.
Pants
Jeans (Choose one)
The tale as old as time, the thing that will never ever go out of style – jeans. Jeans are the number one item I always recommend as a closet investment because you truly wear them year around. A good pair of jeans can elevate your whole look, and a comfortable pair of jeans will (I promise) change your outlook on wearing them all day. Here are a few options I’d reach for in my spring capsule wardrobe.
Light Wash Denim
To me, spring means a light wash jean. It pairs so well with the brighter colors in my closet and just screams “the sun is coming.” I keep a good light wash denim in my rotation at all times.
Ripped Jean
What better way to keep it casual this spring that a pair of ripped jeans? Agolde makes my favorite pair of jean shorts, so I’ve been thinking about taking the plunge into a great pair of their jeans as well. These ripped jeans have caught my eye!
Interesting Style Jean
Jeans will never go out of style, and that’s because there are a million ways to do them. You can keep it simple, or add some fun shape and texture like these jeans from ___.
Shorts (Choose one)
Like our jeans, a pair of shorts are crucial for putting together a capsule wardrobe for the spring and summer months. I love throwing on a pair of jean shorts with a long sleeve top in the spring, and here are a few options I’d pick up for my capsule wardrobe.
Agolde Jean Shorts
I’ll say it now and I’ll say it again, the Agolde jean shorts are 100% worth the money. I purchased the Riley shorts from a revolve sale a couple of years ago and I’m so glad that I did because these are truly the best shorts for spring and summer. I can wear them all day long without getting uncomfortable.
Paddle Shorts
I’m loving these cute paddle shorts from J. Crew for Spring. I took a peek at them in-store and they are such great quality and would be perfect for a spring road trip or just a casual spring outfit.
Linen Shorts
Nothing screams Spring like linen shorts. They could have a tailored look like these shorts from Aritzia or you could go with a cool pattern or color.
Something Dressy (Choose one)
For our last pick in the pants section, we’re going to choose something a little bit dressier. These will be great for a night out with your dressier top, or could be paired with your basic or staples for a more casual feel.
Leather Shorts or Pants
There are so many options when it comes to leather shorts and pants. I’m really into these faux leather shorts I picked up from Amazon because the pockets are really roomy and the shape is so flattering. Plus they are pretty inexpensive. You could also opt for a leather pant or jogger and those would look great.
Skirt
A skirt is a great way to add something a bit dressier to your wardrobe. I’m not too big on skirts myself, but if I was going to add one to my wardrobe I’d opt for this silk skirt from ___. It’s easy to dress up or down with the other items in your capsule.
Linen Pants
Linen pants are a great option for the spring and summer months because they are super breathable and lightweight. I’d wear these with my swimsuit to the beach, or style it with a cute top for a date night.
Shoes
Sandals (Choose one)
Let your toes finally breath after being in boots for 5 months with a pair of sandals. There are a hundred ways to do sandals but here are a few of my favorites.
Birkenstocks
I’m absolutely drooling over these tan Birkenstocks with the gold buckle. I have a black pair that I wore every single day last spring and summer, so adding these to my wardrobe is a no brainer. They’re extremely comfortable and great for a casual look.
SHOP IT HERE
Leather Sandals
I love these designer-look-for-less leather sandals from Tucker Nuck. They are great dressed down with jeans or dressed up for dinner with linen pants.
Woven Flats
Okay, these woven flats from Tucker Nuck are incredibly cute. These would be the perfect spring shoe, I may have to snag these myself!
Sneakers (Choose one)
Great to throw on for a casual look, a pair of sneakers are going to be essential in your spring wardrobe. Here are a few pair of sneakers I’d grab for my spring wardrobe.
White Sneakers
Cool Sneakers
I recenty upped my shoe game with these Nike Low “Moon Fossil” Dunks and I’m really liking them! They’re perfect for a super casual and cool look.
Colorful Sneakers
Since I’m trying to add more color into my wardrobe, I’ve been eyeing these colorful sneakers from J. Crew. They would be a great addition to any spring wardrobe!
Fun Pair (Choose one)
For our last pair of shoes, choose something a little more interesting or dressy for your capsule wardrobe. If you’re a sneaker girl, this could be another pair of sneaks or you could opt for a great heel to dress your closet up a bit. Whatever you choose, make sure it showcases your personality and goes with (almost) everything else in your wardrobe. If you’re picking a heel, it’s probably not going to go with your basic tank and shorts, but that’s okay as long as we have enough variety in our other clothing options.
Leather Heels
I bought a pair of leather booties from Feners this fall and they quickly became my pride and joy. For Spring, I’m also loving these leather heels by them!
Strappy Heels
These $50 heels from Amazon have been a must-have in my closet for a couple of years. They are extremely comfortable and come in tons of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your style and your spring wardrobe.
Mules
I’m a sucker for a good pair of mules, and these woven mules from Sam Edelman have really intrigued me this year. A woven texture gives a great spring feel, so I’d definitely pick these up if you’re into mules.
I hope this was helpful in building out a solid wardrobe for Spring. I know it can be super difficult to curate a seasonal style and decide on what items to purchase for an upcoming season, so i hope this post helped you narrow it down a bit! If you’re looking for more tips and tricks to building out your spring capsule wardrobe, check out my TikTok @Kaylin_Jeanette, and if you’re looking for capsule wardrobe styling inspo, you can also follow me on Instagram @Kaylin_Jeanette.
Happy shopping!
Xx, Kaylin