Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Simple staples to keep you looking and feeling your best this spring
It’s almost that time of year where bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and fun prints come out to play! I absolutely love spring. Not just for the weather, but for the clothes! Spring offers so many possibilities when it comes to picking out an outfit, as there are endless options to mix and match. Today I want to provide you with inspiration when you get ready to rotate seasons in your closet! I will show you several fun outfits that you can put together with pieces you might already have in your closet. (Or that you can easily add without breaking the bank!) With a little imagination and out of the box thinking, you can elevate many of the pieces you already own and transform them into something Pinterest worthy! But first, let’s look at our spring staples in our capsule wardrobe!
The above items are just to give you an idea of the variety of pieces you may want to include in your wardrobe for spring! I encourage you to play around with prints, colors, textures, and silhouettes; whatever fits your style or makes you look and feel your best! The name of the game is mix and match to get as many outfits as you possibly can. Now, let’s break down each category!
Basics & Tops
Let’s talk base layers. It is obviously a given that some tops require a cami or tank to look complete, but wearing these items on their own is also doable and totally trendy. If you aren’t a fan of bodysuits, you can easily take a longer tunic-like tank and tuck it into your favorite pair of jeans to give the illusion of a bodysuit. This is also an easy way to stay cool especially if you live somewhere warmer. For cooler temperatures or nights, simply throw on a boyfriend cardigan or your favorite jean jacket to stay warm while looking great. For an on-trend, monochromatic look, pair a black bodysuit with a pair of black skinny jeans and a black moto jacket or blazer.
When it comes to basic tees, you cannot go wrong. A white tee (round neck or v neck, whichever you prefer) looks great on its own with a pair of jeans complete with a french tuck. Basic tees in neutral colors like white, grey, and black are very versatile and can be dressed up or down, and are all great to have on hand for spring. For a little something extra, complete your tee ensemble with a stripe or print in a muted or neutral color to spice up any casual look! Graphic tees are still having a moment, so invest in a band tee or inspirational quote or two for more options. For an in style outfit, grab your favorite graphic tee and throw it on with your favorite pair of denim shorts or leggings, and finish the look off with a fun baseball cap and a pair of white sneakers!
Now, blouses and dressier tops. With the bright colors and patterns that spring often brings, having a few fun tops on hand is always a good idea. Classics like a white button-down and a chambray top are a must, but having a fun blush colored blouse or off the shoulder top will add variety! Again, don’t be afraid to play with patterns like florals, or with new silhouettes like a wrap top or fun printed cami you can layer under a cardigan or jacket.
Second Layers
When it comes to a layering piece, there are so many options to choose from. A classic second layer for spring is a denim jacket. Throw it over a basic tee with joggers or over your favorite sundress with sneakers and you are good to go. To elevate this classic piece, try for a distressed look, dark grey or black wash, or fun fringe for endless outfit options. Right now, Old Navy and American Eagle have a great selection to choose from.
If you are one that likes cardigans in the fall and winter, make sure to keep a few handy as you transition your closet to spring wear. Cardigans are great second layers as they offer classic and effortless style. Basics like white, grey, and black are always great to have on hand, but a fun pop of color like olive green, mustard yellow, or a fun pink will bring your wardrobe to life! Personally, I like to keep different lengths on hand, depending on the look I am going for. Duster cardigans are very much in style, so add one in a neutral color that you can wear with a tonal look, or over your go-to loungewear set to relax on the couch.
Other light to midweight options like cargo jackets, moto jackets, leather jackets, and blazers can all be used to achieve a variety of looks whether you are meeting the girls for brunch or spending your Saturday shopping. Most of these items can be dressed up or down, so if you do not own one of these styles of jackets, just know they are great investment pieces for seasons to come!
Bottoms & Dresses
Bottoms of any sort can often act as an anchor or base for your entire look depending on the style you are trying to achieve. Let’s start off with a classic: a good old pair of jeans. For spring, a variety of denim in different shades will help to give you a well-rounded spring wardrobe. Lightwash denim has a youthful and trendy vibe, dark-wash denim is typically very flattering on all body types, and a pair of white jeans add a feminine and girly touch. Black jeans are also great to have on hand as they offer a more casual option for when you might be needing to dress up, and they are also figure flattering!
Other bottoms that are great to have on hand for spring are paperbag waist pants and joggers. Paperbag waist pants are very flattering because they have a high waist, and they add a chic touch to an outfit. You can pair these with a bodysuit, basic tee for a more casual look, or dress them up with a traditional white button-down or chambray top.They take your ‘normal pants’ look to a whole new level!
Joggers have become a staple nationwide during the pandemic and I do not see them going away just yet. Dress them up with a graphic tee, denim jacket, and sneakers, or go for a chic twist on loungewear and throw on a jogger set with a jacket to run errands. Leggings are still a great go-to option, and if you are a fan of the leather legging trend, these are yet another great option for when you need to dress up for a date night or GNO.
Skirts are making a comeback and offer a different approach to some of the most sought after looks. Instead of pairing your lightweight taupe sweater with jeans and mules, throw on a fun printed skirt with ankle booties or tall boots if your weather is still a bit cooler (cute, but make it warm!) Another fun way to style a skirt is with a graphic tee. Simply tuck it in or tie a front knot for an at the moment style. You can achieve many of these same looks with shorts, so be sure to have a few options on hand for weekend adventures!
When it comes to dresses, a few good options are all you need. It’s great to have a classic LBD on hand for dressier occasions, and if you dare, a white sun dress is perfect as tempteratures get warmer! Tshirt style dresses are also great to have, and you can typically find them in a variety of colors. This style of dress is easy to throw on and go, and typically have an effortless swing to them to keep you cool and stylish on warmer days. Simply throw on a light second layer to take your look from day to night!
If you are generally not into bold prints and colors, dresses are a great way to add these elements to your closet, especially if you just want something fun to wear every once in a while. A fun floral maxi is perfect for vacations while a shorter lace or wrap dress is perfect for picnics, brunches, and more! And if you want to try a fun new trend, throw on your favorite pair of white sneakers with a short or midi dress for an Insta-worthy look!
Shoes & Accessories
Now, I don’t know about you, but I love a good shoe or accessory moment. Personally, for me, I think that shoes and accessories can make or break a look. In regards to shoes, keep in mind versatility. Basic colored shoes in nude, cognac, black and white can go a long way. First, a white pair of sneakers is a must! Loungewear, athleisure, brunch, date night, and more, white sneakers are all the rage because they look clean and timeless. Nude or skin colored shoes are another great addition to add to your wardrobe. If you aren’t a fan of nude heels, you can capture a similar look with a nude flat or pair of slides. A printed mule or espadrille sandal will add a bit of flair to your wardrobe and are yet another great investment piece. I love adding cheetah or snake prints to otherwise monochromatic or simple looks to elevate them. If you are into bold and fun statement looks, pair a fun animal print with a bright color for an eye-catching look whether you are on vacation or celebrating a birthday. Other shoes to keep on hand are booties or tall boots depending on where you live. Like cardigans, boots and booties are great transition pieces that you can use to add warmth or depth to a variety of looks this spring.
Now, accessories! When it comes to jewelry, layering pieces and sets are very much in style right now. For versatility, especially if you are not picky about metals, it is great to have both gold and silver options on hand. Simple hoops or stud earrings are great for everyday wear and dress up even the most casual of outfits. A fun statement piece or two will help you stand out in a crowd, and can add a fun pop of color to whatever you are wearing! For a chic touch, throw on a layered necklace set to dress up a simple tee, tonal look, or bodysuit and jean ensemble. Grab a chain-link bracelet, a cuff or two, and you are set! If you haven’t checked out Victoria Emerson or The Styled Collection, these are great places to start for eye catching and trendy jewelry!
Other fun accessories to top off a look include headbands, hats, and belts. Knotted headbands add a youthful touch to a sundress, or peplum top and jeans. You can find them now at days in almost any color, pattern, or even embellished. Hats are definitely having a moment, whether it be a Panama hat, trendy baseball cap, or a floppy straw hat for the beach. If you aren’t a fan of sunglasses, these are great alternatives to keep you feeling cool and looking great! To finish off any look, make sure you grab a great bag! Throw on a fun crossbody or satchel and you are all set for brunch, or running errands! For road trips or long shopping days, throw on a mini backpack or belt bag to stay hands-free!
Now that we have broken down each category, let me inspire you with outfit ideas for any occasion!
Spring Inspired Outfits
Below I have put together some outfit inspiration for any upcoming event you might have! Again, think about mixing and matching and using items you already have!
I hope you have enjoyed reading and browsing inspiration for your spring wardrobe! I will be linking the looks above in the LIKEToKNOW.IT app for ease of shopping! You can download the app for free and search for “Caffeine & Cotton” to shop these looks and more! Let me know if you have questions or any great spring inspiration you are wanting to share!
Happy shopping! - XO, Natalie
