Dressing for spring can be confusing, but picking the right wardrobe for the season doesn’t have to be. A reliable spring capsule wardrobe starts with the essentials: comfortable jeans, crisp T-shirts, functional totes, and sporty sneakers. Aside from to the classics, it’s time to sprinkle a few spring-specific styles—such as trench coats and pleated skirts—into your closet. Put away the down coats and embrace a little playful color!
The key, really, is to curate your wardrobe around a handful of pieces you can wear over and over again while finding ways to sprinkle in a little bit of seasonal fun. Below, you’ll find all the shopping ideas you need for the perfect spring capsule wardrobe, plus some extra styling inspiration to keep these pieces in your rotation for years to come.
Our Spring Capsule Building Blocks
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1. The basic T-shirt
Crewnecks, boxy tops, baby tees—no matter the silhouette, a simple, short-sleeve T-shirt is a staple any time of year, and especially in spring. As the weather warms up, consider investing in a few high-quality tees, preferably 100% cotton options that’ll wash and age best. The magic of a basic T-shirt, especially a white tee, is that it pairs well with just about anything, but a denim jacket, wide-leg jeans, and loafers combo will never fail you.
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2. The everyday sneakers
One absolute must-have as we embark into spring? Sneakers primed for everyday wear. While these pairs speak to this season’s trends—including slim soles and retro designs—they’re also the kinds of kicks you’ll want to wear long after the season is over. A spring jacket will keep the casual, sporty theme going, while a blazer and black pants will make these picks office-appropriate.
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3. The straight-leg jeans
The debate between skinny and wide-leg denim rages on, but straight-leg jeans have quietly emerged as the middle ground pretty much everyone loves. This timeless denim silhouette works well with a variety of shoes in your spring arsenal, including colorful sneakers, elevated ballet flats, and ’90s-coded kitten heels; pay attention to your below-the-ankle styling to make every look feel fresh.
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Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Loose Jeans
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4. The trench coat
Fashion pros swear by trench coats for good reason: They protect against misty mornings, unexpected downpours, and sudden gusts of wind, all while simultaneously taking your outfit up a notch. Best of all, they don’t require much effort in the styling department. Pull on a billowy blouse, light-wash jeans, and a sharp pair of boots for a look that’s equal parts practical and cute.
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5. The oversized sunglasses
With the sun finally sticking around a bit later, you’ll want to stock up on a few pairs of standout sunglasses to protect your eyes and add some oomph to your spring ensembles. Slim sunnies are still en vogue, but oversized shades are perhaps even more popular this season, particularly ’70s-style aviators and bold yet understated black frames.
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6. The ribbed tank
We’ll put it simply: A proper spring wardrobe requires a ribbed tank top. This classic silhouette is an essential layering piece—it looks great under light jackets—but it’s also perfect on its own when temperatures rise. With one of these picks in your collection, you’ll have plenty of outfit options ready to go; tuck one into trousers and throw on some of those sunglasses above for a zero-effort stunner for your day off.
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Old Navy First-Layer Scoopneck Tank Top
7. The midi-dress
Just right for warmer spring days, the midi-dress has endless appeal. These picks are also built for layering over fitted tops that look good solo or paired with blazers or cropped trenches. Style them with ballet flats, walking sandals, or court sneakers, depending on the occasion.
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8. The ballet flats
After staging their big comeback a few years ago, tried-and-true ballet flats are officially here to stay. There are so many pairs to choose from, but whether you go the Mary Janes route or opt for sleek leather flats, you’ll never feel underdressed with these bad boys on. Channel Jennifer Lawrence in jeans and a trench, or go a little more elevated with a shirt dress.
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9. The pleated skirt
Whether you go midi or mini, pleated skirts lean into the season’s overarching preppy look with a vibe that’s relaxed yet elevated. We’re not opposed to wearing pleated skirts with sneakers, but if you’re afraid of looking too tenniscore, we recommend dressing up your pick with tall socks and penny loafers (or knee-high boots earlier in the season). Half-tuck a thin sweater up top and you’re good to go.
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10. The work tote
Overpackers, listen up: An oversized, laptop-friendly tote bag will make all the difference for your spring wardrobe, both during the week and when you’re off duty. You’ll want a carryall that’s luxurious on the outside (i.e., worth wearing everywhere) and roomy enough inside to fit all your essentials while on the go. Feel free to splurge, since a classic leather tote is seasonless and highly durable.
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11. The cozy cardigan
Just because it’s spring doesn’t mean sweater season is over quite yet. Now is the perfect time to replace your heavy turtlenecks and wool pullovers with lighter, more layering-friendly cardigans. A soft, lightweight sweater is ideal for the chilly nights when you need some layers but it’s not quite gusty enough for a jacket. Pro tip: Tie one around your shoulders or waist during the day, then slip it on as temperatures drop.
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12. The statement earrings
Accessories are the finishing touches that make your outfits look (and even feel) new with every wear. We’re assuming your jewelry capsule is already stacked—but many women are missing eye-catching earrings in their collections. We prefer larger-than-life options over the typical studs and hoops to turn blah outfits into true statements. Start with these favorites from some of our favorite jewelry brands.
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13. The button-down shirt
A button-down shirt is as timeless and versatile as you’ll possibly get for spring. There’s no wrong way to style this trusty top; you can tuck it into trousers, throw it on unbuttoned over a tank or dress, or wear it over a swimsuit as a cover-up on the beach—just to name a few. Our tip: if you already own a white or light-blue style, try branching out with a playful stripe or bold hue for a springy twist.
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14. The barn jacket
With unpredictable weather on the horizon, the barn jacket is a happy medium between a light jackets and a heavy coat. This workwear-inspired silhouette is deeply practical, with sturdy fabric and ample pockets. You can always keep your outfit simple, but consider spicing it up with a frilly maxiskirt or a boho blouse for contrast.
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15. The cuff bracelet
Chunky, ’80s-inspired cuff bracelets are back, and the newest iterations on the market give even the simplest of looks an editorial finish. Our favorite way to style a shiny cuff is by layering it over a long-sleeve top or sweater for a chic, effortless touch.
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