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Last week we talked all about building your spring capsule wardrobe and how to best maximize your capsule. Well, this week we’re going to talk about how to pick your spring wardrobe essentials for that capsule!
Once March hits, it becomes all about transitional spring fashion. So you’re going to want to do a bit of a seasonal wardrobe refresh and find the pieces that will keep you warm on chilly days, but comfortable when it hits 70 degrees. Read below to learn what the must-have pieces are to keep you stylish and comfortable all season long.
Spring Wardrobe Essentials: Must-Have Pieces for 2025
Lightweight Jackets: The Perfect Layering Piece
I mentioned that in the spring you want to find the pieces that will work for unpredictable weather (like when it’s 40 degrees in the morning and 68 degrees by the afternoon). So what’s the best way to do that? Light layers! (Yes, I did give it away in the title of this section, haha.) I tend to lean more towards trench coats and sweater blazers in spring, but denim jackets are excellent too! Trench coats are great because they’ll protect you from the wind and rain. Sweater blazers can either be used as a light jacket outside or it can keep you warm in the office. The main goal is that whatever you pick should be loose enough to fit layers underneath and light enough that you won’t be overheated when you have to layer.
Also, if you’ve ever wanted to play with the cropped trend, a cropped jacket is a fun way to do that without feeling over-exposed.
Here are some of my suggestions for the Best Lightweight Jackets for Spring 2025:
Want some ideas of how to style your lightweight jacket? Check out my post with 10 ways to style a denim jacket, how I styled my favorite swing trench, and ALL of the ways I’ve styled a sweater blazer.
The Essential Spring Tops: Breezy & Chic
Next up are the tops! You want to continue with the theme of light tops that are perfecting for spring layering, , but other than that, you can go wild with your options. Personally, I like to start by making sure I have a few basic tees that are a mix of solid, striped, and graphic tees. Tees are a must have for me because I’ll wear them for everything from running errands to going to work.
After that, I want one or two blouses and button downs. I love loose classic white button-down shirt, but I can’t resist a blue striped one! With either of those I would feel pretty set, but you can also throw in flowy blouses. While it’s trendy to have blouses in pastels or with lace accents, you should really pick what makes you happy and feels the best on you!
Finally, I would want to grab one or two tank tops for layering. A ribbed tank top is pretty popular, but sometimes I like to have just a simple racerback. Last summer, I lived in these tank tops and I have a feeling I’m going to bring them back out this year.
Here are some of my favorite blouses and tops that are available this year:
Want some suggestions of how to wear these tops? Check out my Spring Capsule Wardrobe post!
Bottoms That Go with Everything
Does anyone else have the problem where they have a drawer filled with jeans and other various bottoms, but you only ever end up wearing one or two pairs for the whole season? It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.
I’m a jeans girlie through and through. (Which is hilarious for me to say now, because growing up, I absolutely refused to wear jeans until the sixth grade. I was a leggings girl all the way.) If I could only pick two pants for the season, it would probably be a pair of skinny jeans and a cropped straight leg jean. Luckily, I don’t have to narrow it down that much. Last year, when I was working on losing my baby weight, I leaned into the wide leg pants (cotton and relaxed linen pants) and midi skirts. I enjoyed it so much, that this year I want to continue to incorporate those into my wardrobe. I also just picked up a new pair of cropped wide-leg jeans that are so comfortable that they will be making multiple appearances throughout the summer.
If I was going into an office daily, I would want to throw a pair of tailored trousers into the mix. In the past, I’ve stuck to the Old Navy Pixie Pant and while I still love those, I would want to give these wide leg trousers a shot (they’re so popular right now, they deserve a fair chance).
Really, at the end of the day you want to have a few versatile bottoms that will go with all of your tops.
Here are some of the best bottoms for a Spring Wardrobe 2025
Spring Dresses: Effortless One-Piece Outfits
Dresses are the wardrobe workhorses for spring and summer. Why? Well, with just one piece of clothing you suddenly have an entire outfit! When I was working in an office, dresses were my go-to as soon as it got warm (they just make life so easy).
Luckily for us, while the trends change when it comes to pants and shoes and tops, it tends to stay pretty straightforward with dresses. So what should you look for when it comes to spring dresses? First, florals and pastels. Yes, that was a full sentence and no, it’s not groundbreaking. But it works works and that’s why this trend always pops up in the spring. Next up, you want to look at shirtdresses. For shirtdresses, you have the option for buttons or no buttons. No buttons will always be more casual, while buttoned shirtdresses can typically work well for work. Either way, you’ll look put together. Finally, the wrap dresses. Personally, I don’t really wear them, but I can fully appreciate their versatility and how good they look on everyone. If you’re looking for a style that will work for the office, it’s a wrap dress.
Want some suggestions of how to layer dresses with lightweight jackets and accessories?
Check out my spring capsule wardrobe, this maxi dress with a jean jacket, and how I layered this sweater with a shirt dress.
The Best Shoes for Spring: Comfort Meets Style
Once the weather warms up, people want to spend hours outside, which can sometimes involve a lot of walking. That’s why the trends for spring shoes are usually more comfortable footwear. For me, that means bringing out all of the sneakers. White sneakers will go with everything, like I mentioned in my spring capsule post. But, I love throwing a colorful sneaker in there to make things a little more fun.
I also love to bring my ballet flats and loafers out. Both of these can make any outfit look a little more polished, even if the outfit involves ripped jeans.
Finally, I always like to have a third footwear option. If you’re somewhere where it’s a little colder, then I would suggest a cute ankle boot. But if you have a warmer spring, why not go for a strappy sandal or cute mule?
Check out some of the best shoes for Spring 2025
How does it all go together? Building a Spring Capsule Wardrobe in 2025
Now that you have a better idea of what pieces you need to curate a spring wardrobe with fewer (but more effective) pieces, check out my Spring Capsule Wardrobe post! It’ll give you some great spring outfit ideas and show how you can create multiple outfits with just a few items.
Let me know what you’re buying this spring and if you want help styling it!
