Ah, springtime! The season of new beginnings, fresh blooms, and awkward transitional outfits that make you question your sense of style. (Just me?) If you are left flummoxed by spring’s fashion needs, fear not, as today we’re highlighting 10 iconic spring items that almost all wardrobes can benefit from. Take a look!
10 Spring Fashion Staples Every Wardrobe Needs
A floral dress
It’s the quintessential spring staple! What better way to celebrate the end of winter than by donning a flowy, floral frock? You’ll look like a walking bouquet — and that’s the fun of it.
A cotton/silk floral dress by J.McLaughlin. $328. Shop it HERE. Image: J.McLaughlin
Draper James has many options for floral dresses, and this green one is so pretty and feminine for spring! On sale for $139 (reg. $195). Shop it HERE. Image: Draper James
For a shorter version with a bold print, Cara Cara is a beautiful choice that is always super flattering. $395. Shop it at Oak Hall HERE. Image: Oak Hall
The denim jacket
It’s not quite warm enough to ditch the layers, but you’re over your puffy coat. Enter the trusty denim jacket, the perfect in-between layer for those breezy spring days. You’ll want one that is fitted but not too tight.
I can’t say enough great things about the AG denim Robyn jacket. I would never have spent over $200 on a denim jacket, and then I was talked into it over 10 years ago. It’s still my favorite jacket, and I’m still wearing it. That’s pennies per wear, with at least another decade left. $215. Shop it HERE. Image: AG Denim
Here is that same AG Robyn denim jacket in white. You’ll wear it more than you think. $215. Shop it HERE. Image: AG Denim
If you want a different look and functionality for your denim jacket, this field coat option from Draper James is a great addition to your spring wardrobe. $150. Shop it HERE. Image: Draper James
The trench coat
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a classic trench coat. It’s timeless, chic, and practical for those unpredictable spring days. A trenchcoat works on a chilly morning or afternoon, as it’s a windbreaker and keeps you dry when that inevitable downpour threatens to leave you soaked to the bone. Plus, you’ll feel like a total boss lady strutting down the sidewalk with a coffee in one hand and your spring handbag in the other.
Side note: where did the name “trench coat” originate? From the trenches … literally. During World War I, this coat style was used by officers in the trenches who found their wool coats too heavy. Now, it’s a classic fashion item for men and women of all ages.
J.Crew can get the classics oh-so-right. Case in point? This trench coat that also sports a hood. It keeps you dry, stylish, and warm. $348. Shop it HERE. Image: J.Crew
This coat by Cole Haan is so fun, as it’s RED! Wear it with or without the hood from soccer sidelines to city streets. It’s on sale for $149.90 (reg. $320). Shop it HERE. Image: Nordstrom
No trench coat lineup is complete without a nod to the original Burberry. For more than 100 years, this has been the original style. It’s the ultimate classic trench but comes with a hefty price tag. $2,490. Shop it HERE. Image: Burberry
White jeans or chinos
Okay, hear me out. I know white jeans are terrifying for many, but there truly is a reason they are so popular. Pair them with a pastel top and some nude sandals, and you’ll look like you just stepped off the set of a J.Crew photoshoot. Pair them with your cashmere winter sweater and cool kicks on a cold spring day. And, if you hate white jeans because you find them unflattering, consider white chinos. They are more forgiving! For both, avoid mud, red wine, and coffee drips at all costs.
These jeans by MOTHER are beloved by many. The frayed hem and flare, cropped cut make them fun and stylish. Add a silk top and strappy heels to elevate them. $218. Shop the 31-inch inseam option HERE. For MOTHER’s 27.5-inch inseam, check these out. Image: MOTHER
I’m too tall for these, but my friends look so good in these Frank & Eileen white twill pants. They have an inseam of 25.5 inches or slightly longer as you size up. $298. Shop them HERE. Image: Frank & Eileen
We’re talking spring fashion, so there is no way to resist the sailor vibes from these white Madewell wide-leg jeans. For $128, these are polished enough for work and fun enough for the weekend. Shop them HERE. Image: Madewell
A navy blue or white blazer
Spring is all about floral, color, and classic seafaring colors like navy, white, red, and orange. Navy or white blazers easily pair with pastels, red, or orange for your iconic spring look. Plus, a blazer instantly dresses up any outfit and is a confidence booster.
I’m such a huge fan of Veronica Beard blazers. The way you can zip dickeys in and out is genius! Plus, they are cut so well. This white blazer is $595. Shop it HERE. Image: Veronica Beard
Banana Republic always has classic pieces that work well for both work and dressed-up casual. This navy blazer feels nautical and just right for spring. $230. Shop it HERE. Image: Banana Republic
The blue and white striped shirt
Nautical vibes, anyone? A classic striped shirt is a staple in any wardrobe, but it’s especially appropriate for springtime when you dream of days spent by the beach.
This navy striped shirt is updated with a puffy shoulder that still fits under a blazer. $78. Shop it HERE. Image: Tuckernuck
The classic navy and white boatneck striped tee. This style has been on point for decades and isn’t going anywhere. $49.50. Shop it HERE. Image: J.Crew
Those stripes can be vertical, and this shirt by Rails works equally well on the weekend. It can also be made dressier when needed. $158. Shop it HERE. Image: Rails
The midi skirt
The midi skirt is long enough to keep you warm but short enough to show off your cute ankle boots, and it’s equally at home with shoes that show off your fresh pedicure. It’s a perfect compromise for those indecisive spring days. Bonus points if it has a fun pattern like polka dots or florals, but solid colors also work.
Lilac is a trendy color for spring/summer 2023. This skirt fits in nicely for weekend trips, work, and fun casual. At just $79, it’s a way to embrace this color without a huge commitment. Shop it HERE. Image: Dillard’s
This silky green skirt is just so happy for spring! Don’t be afraid to pair this with a striped shirt like the ones we’ve already mentioned … And perhaps a jean jacket to make the look even more casual yet wholly put together. $325. Shop it HERE. Image: Ann Mashburn
Tory Burch’s cotton-linen white midi skirt with a ruched waist looks just as good with a t-shirt and flat sandals as a silk top and dressy heels. $698. Shop it HERE. Image: Tory Burch
The white dress
Spring is all about easy, breezy fashion, and what’s easier than throwing on the opposite of the LBD (little black dress)? Add your denim jacket, or trench coat, on cooler days and wear it by itself on warmer spring days. Purchase wisely, and your dress can go from casual to more formal, all with a swap of shoes and some bold lip color.
The answer to “what am I supposed to wear?” for spring and summer. Pair it with a long jacket on a cooler spring day, pack it along when you head to the beach, and wear it with colorful sneakers … there are options galore. If you want a different color, this dress is available in seven colors. $128. Shop it HERE. Image: Tuckernuck
Long sleeves for spring can come in nicely. This option is inspired by the tennis dress but definitely belongs off the court. $128. Shop it HERE. Image: Tuckernuck
Yes, it’s a lot of fabric to keep clean, but nothing looks as crisp as a long, white dress. This one keeps you covered from head to toe, but it’s still fashion-forward and classic. $345. Shop it HERE. Image: Tuckernuck
White tees
Yes, I did mean that to be plural. There is no better time than the transition from winter to spring to replace your white tees. They work with pants, skirts, jeans, and shorts … you wear them all the time, so stock up with good ones and relegate the ones that are a little worse for wear to your walk-at-the-park pile of clothes.
From under blazers to paired with chinos or suits, there is no more versatile tee than the Everlane micro-rib tee. I have this tee in black, navy, white, and gray, and I wear them all regularly. For $40, I can’t endorse a t-shirt any more than this one. Shop it HERE. Image: Everlane
This off-white tee with shoulder detail will compliment many an outfit. This tee is definitely a more elevated one than a traditional plain-white tee. It’s available at Oak Hall for $68. Shop it HERE. Image: Oak Hall
No white t-shirt roundup is complete without mentioning Michael Stars, the go-to place to shop for tees. Look at that lovely cut on the arm! $78. Shop it HERE. Image: Michael Stars
Espadrilles
Bright or neutral, espadrilles are the classic go-to spring and summer shoe for all ages. With different heel heights, colors, and patterns, it’s just a matter of deciding which one(s) you want. They instantly take any outfit into the balmy warmer months.
Say “warm weather” instantly with these espadrille slides for $55. Shop them HERE. Image: Tuckernuck
This gorgeous shoe is available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $235. Shop it HERE. Image: Bergdorf Goodman
A red shoe is always welcome, especially in the spring! These slingbacks have a low wedge heel for $160. Shop them HERE. Image: Bergdorf Goodman
So there you have it, folks! Those are our 10 iconic spring wardrobe items for women. Just remember to have fun with your fashion, embrace the awkward transitional weather, and don’t be afraid to make some bold choices. Happy spring!
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Want more core wardrobe staples? Shop the best white tanks here.
