Our Must-Have Items To Create The Most Versatile Spring Capsule Wardrobe

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As the seasons change, people often forget the effectiveness of a capsule wardrobe. It’s a great idea when you are trying to minimize your closet and maximize what you already have. Building a spring capsule wardrobe will not only last you through these breezy, sun-filled months, but it can also help you save time and money this year.

Not familiar with a capsule wardrobe? Essentially, it is a set selection of clothes that can easily create multiple stylish outfits—all from simple mixing and matching. It’s important to have versatile pieces in your wardrobe that aren’t too plain, but can still act as the base of various fashionable looks this season. Making your own spring capsule wardrobe is easy with these clothing essentials

Easy Spring Capsule Wardrobe Must-Haves

Tops


Loose-Fit Button Up

A loose-fit button-up is an essential top for your spring capsule wardrobe, as it can be used when you’re in the mood to dress up or down. Choosing a loose or oversized fit can be styled in many ways, especially when compared to a more fitted style. You can wear it as a tunic, a mini-dress, or the classic French tuck. The most versatile option? White! But to keep the spring vibes going, choose pastels like lavender or pale yellow. Another chic option is one with stripes! 


Neutral Colored T-Shirt

A capsule wardrobe is not complete without a solid t-shirt. It’s a go-to staple, and it might be the comfiest clothing piece in this capsule. We suggest a neutral shade to add a pop of color and variety to your capsule selection. This includes beige, gray, green, or cream, but you can never go wrong with a basic black cotton tee!

White Crop Top

Crop tops are a fun piece of clothing to wear any time of the year, especially to create cool, spring outfits. So, be sure to include a crop top in your capsule wardrobe as a reliable base for any look. If you’re a little warm-blooded, choose a tank-top style with a built-in bra—but if not, a short-sleeved one will be a great addition, too. Don’t forget to dress to your level of comfort—crop tops come in a variety of lengths to suit your style. This top will also pair well with all of the essential clothing bottoms that are part of this capsule wardrobe!

Ribbed Long Sleeve

Spring is not the hottest season of the year, so there will still be some chilly days that will make you want to layer. Add a ribbed long sleeve to your spring capsule wardrobe—consider one with a waffle knit for added texture. Find a style that is thick enough to wear on its own for the sunnier days, too! 

Bottoms


Denim Shorts

For all the spring (and upcoming summer) days full of sunshine, denim shorts are what you’ll want to wear. Whether you’re taking a trip to the farmer’s market, an annual music festival, or taking the day to walk around in the sun, a comfortable pair of denim shorts can become the centerpiece for your spring outfits this year. 

Light Wash Denim

Light-wash denim in any style or cut will be essential to your spring capsule wardrobe! Pick what makes you feel confident and comfortable. That can be the classic skinny jeans, the trendy straight-legged style, or the Y2K-inspired wide-leg jeans that everyone and their moms (literally) are wearing! You can’t go wrong with a quality pair of denim, so if you ever have doubts about spending a little extra on jeans that fit you perfectly—we say go for it! 

Linen Pants

Linen pants or trousers are an underrated spring clothing item! I say, the stretchier the better, since it makes it easy to tuck in any top (in addition to overall comfort). Our suggested options for this spring? Choose a pair of wide-leg linen pants with a denim texture, marigold yellow, or chocolate brown tone. If linen pants aren’t your style, substitute them with black or navy blue trousers for that same level of coziness and versatility. 

Floral Dress

Sounds a little cliché for spring, right? But the right floral dress will be a valuable clothing option because it can be as versatile as you let it. Keep in mind, however, that the color is important, so make sure it matches well with the color palette of the capsule wardrobe you're making. A floral dress with a black, brown, or cream base will definitely work well. However, if your style is more eclectic, a colorful one will be perfect!

Midi Slip Dress

Finding a quality slip dress can be tricky, but once you find the right one for you…*chefs kiss.*  The shiny appearance and smooth texture makes it a valuable addition to your wardrobe, and the simple shape of a slip dress also makes it easy to layer, style, and accessorize. Another great thing about a midi dress is that it can double as a skirt if you layer it correctly! Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a black slip dress, but adding a bright-colored one will make your wardrobe more unique to spring.

Outerwear


Denim Jacket

You may already have a denim jacket that fits exactly the way you like it—add it to your wardrobe rotation this season. There are so many jacket styles to include, such as cropped, oversized, or sherpa-lined. Any of these will style well and surely be put to use during the spring weather. If you’re looking for a different style, pick white denim or a darker denim shade. 

Light Bomber Jacket

This might be an item you don’t already own, but it will be an essential piece of outerwear in your spring wardrobe. Chic colors to choose from are dark green, cool beige, or terra cotta. These colors are versatile, easy to match, and combine to make the perfect everyday outftimelit. Another similar—yet trendy—jacket style is a utility jacket. It offers the same silhouette, but with more pockets. 

Shoes 


Birkenstocks

I love my Birkenstocks, and they are gaining a lot of popularity due to their durability, newer designs, and selection of colors. From their original Arizona sandal to their ultra-trendy clogs, include a pair in your capsule wardrobe. They are perfect for your laziest spring days or simply when the sun is shining. One of the best parts about wearing Birkenstocks is being able to wear them with socks and still feel fashionable. (Let's be real, you can’t do that with many sandals.)

Classic Sneakers

Suggesting “classic sneakers?” You’re probably thinking, what does that even mean? In this case, we mean the timeless sneaker styles that have been around for decades (seriously, decades) and still remain popular, most often in white or a combination of black and white. We recommend Chuck Taylors, Air Force Ones, Vans Old Skools, New Balance 979s, or Reebok’s Club C 85. I’m only naming a few because there are so many options, but I think we all have a favorite. These sneakers are classic for their unlimited style and long-lasting fashionable impact. 

Ankle Boots

If you have previously built a fall capsule wardrobe, then you’ll know how you can take this versatile pair and bring it into the spring season. You’ll want a pair of ankle boots not only for the rainy and colder days of spring, but also to elevate some of your more casual outfits. We suggest trendy platforms, combat boots, or if rain is heavy in your area, quality Chelsea-style rain boots! 

Strappy Heels

For the days that you need to dress up a little more—whether it be for a date night, an evening work event, or if you simply want to get dressed up for yourself. Again, spring asks you to play with some color, so gold, beige, or mauve will be great colors to have as a simple footwear choice to the other bolder colors of your outfit. Either way, each is a refresh of color from our reliable pair of black strappy heels. If skinny heels aren’t your vibe, consider platforms for that extra support. 

Spring Capsule Accessories

These are surely optional, but can enhance your capsule wardrobe, especially if you have any warm travels on your calendar! 


Sunglasses

Don’t forget your go-to sunglasses to complete an updated spring wardrobe. While they will be used more while you’re outdoors enjoying the sun, they can also tie your whole outfit together, making it look more complete! If you’re looking for a new pair, try plastic frames or a timeless style, like Ray-Ban Wayfarers. 

Gold Hoops

You might already have a pair of gold hoops that you wear almost every day. They’re almost a fashion necessity—for any season. Obviously, there are so many sizes to choose from, but select a pair that’s comfortable and personal to your style. Plus, gold hoops are perfect for casual days to dressed-up evenings. 

Swimsuit

From one-pieces to cut-out bikinis, make sure you have one ready for any fun Spring Break destinations. Or, if you’re already close to some beautiful bodies of water, don’t forget to pick out your favorite bathing suit to complete your capsule wardrobe. Depending on the style, it can double as a unique top, too! 

Crossbody Bag

Crossbody bags are both practical and are the ideal size to hold all of your essentials. Big and small brands continue to make different designs, especially in the trendy fanny pack or popular mini bag style. We suggest colors such as pale yellow, off-white, or classic black for the bag to ensure it will match any outfit you create with this capsule wardrobe and the rest of the year! 

Angela deMesa

Lover of French fries, travel, fashion, and the comfiest workout clothes.  She is from the beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area and currently resides in Barcelona, Spain.  In 2018, she followed her passion for writing and published for the first time in a tourism magazine called Barcelona Connect.  She continues to contribute to various online and print publications.  In her free time, she enjoys doing yoga, teaching an occasional spin class, and a glass of red wine with a good book.


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