21 Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials, According to Style Experts
Building a spring capsule wardrobe isnât all that different from filling your closet with wardrobe essentials; many of the building blocks overlap, which means youâre probably already halfway there. So, what will you find in the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe? The usual suspects, for sure: slim T-shirts, lived-in jeans, white sneakers, cute dresses, and perhaps an affordable designer bag.
Beyond the classics, though, weâve got our eye on a few spring 2024 fashion trends that feel timely but can be styled timelesslyâlike voluminous trench coats, mesh ballet flats, and statement belts. And the season wouldnât be complete without wedding-ready attire or light jackets done up in season-appropriate fabrics.
The key, really, is to curate your wardrobe around a handful of pieces you can wear over and over again without getting bored or tired of them. The vibe is less but betterâinvesting in quality over quantity, but not blowing a hole in your budget, either. Below youâll find Glamour editorsâ tried-and-true favorites that we rely on for our personal spring capsule wardrobe.
The white T-shirtYou already wear white T-shirts all the time, so the best move is to invest in a few quality options at once. Kathleen Thomas, Glamourâs associate fashion editor, loves Lesetâs boxy, 100% cotton option that âhas cracked the code for every torso.â Meanwhile, this top-rated pick from Amazon will look good with all the bottoms in your collection.
Trendy Queen Basic T-Shirt
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The sporty sneakersTwo words: convenience and versatility. These sneakers have athletic bones, but unlike running shoes, theyâre not too techy for everyday wear. Go with royals-approved Supergas for white canvas sneakers thatâll last; pick Cole Haanâs high-quality court shoes (a favorite among Glamour editors) for a leather-and-suede pick more suited to rainy weather.
Superga 2750 Cotu Classic
Cole Haan GrandPrĂž Breakaway
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The workhorse jacketMid-weight cotton pieces are the happy medium when youâre not in the mood for leather jackets or structured blazers. Whether you go with a classic denim jacket or a waxed option ideal for drizzly days, you need a go-to staple that youâll keep on heavy rotation. These tried-and-true picks have you covered (literally).
Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Denim Trucker Jacket
Barbour Crowdon Water-Resistant Jacket
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The ribbed tankCrisp jeans, satin maxi-skirts, pleated trousersâsomething about a ribbed tank top makes everything you wear look that much cooler. The piece is truly timeless, and Madewell and Everlane make high-quality styles in neutrals that look great and can hold up to countless washes.
Madewell Supima Rib â90s Tank
Everlane Supima Micro-Rib Funnel-Neck Tank
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The midi-dressJust right for warmer spring days, the midi-dress has endless appeal. We love Anthroâs butter-yellow number for any kind of dressy event, while Bodenâs shirtdress is perfect when the occasion calls for a little more coverage; both come in multiple lengths and plus sizes. Style them with ballet flats, walking sandals, or court sneakers.
By Anthropologie Tommie Cap-Sleeve Smocked Front-Zip Shirtdress
Boden Libby Jersey Midi Shirtdress
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The straight-leg jeansSkinnier and wider styles may come and go, but no cut is as trend-agnostic as straight-leg jeans. It helps that they look good with everything: slingbacks, long-sleeve tees, denim shirts, strappy sandals. Go with a worn-in blue or embrace warmer weather in some standout white jeans.
Abercrombie & Fitch Ultra-High-Rise â90s Straight Jeans
J.Crew Classic Straight Jeans
The modern ballet flatItâs clear by now that ballet flats are here to stay. After making a triumphant comeback last year, they still look now in 2024. While any leather or satin pair will doâthere are so many to choose fromâyouâll be especially on trend with lipstick red or mesh uppers. (Both work well with jeans and midi-skirts, just saying.)
Madewell Greta Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell Moira Mesh Flats
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The universal sunglassesNo squinting in these bad boys. Everyone needs a good pair of sunglasses heading into warmer weather, and we suggest choosing a pair thatâll blend in seamlessly with whatever youâre wearing. Slim black sunnies still reign supreme, but oversized, â70s-style aviators will be huge this season. Take your pick.
Le Specs Work It! Sunglasses
Aire Whirlpool Sunglasses
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The trench coatSpringâs topsy-turvy weather means that you need outerwear thatâll defend you from the elements without being too light or too heavyâand thatâs the magic of the classic trench coat. Whether youâre dealing with a downpour, a late-season blizzard, or a blustery day, these longline coats will protect you and take your outfit up a notch.
Banana Republic Sabbia Oversized Italian Twill Trench Coat
Babaton Finch Trench Coat
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The button-down shirtTuck it into pants, style it unbuttoned over a tank or slip dress, or throw it casually over a one-piece swimsuit as a beach coverupâthereâs no wrong way to wear a button-down shirt. Leave heavier materials back in February; spring is all about lighter picks like cotton and linen.
J.Crew Garçon Classic Shirt in Cotton Poplin
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The big-enough bagThereâs lots of talk right now about stealth wealth (especially when it comes to accessories) but investing in a well-made handbag that isnât excessively trend-driven is nothing new. Youâll want to wear these elevated, unfussy designs for years to come, partially because theyâre just big enough to fit all the essentialsâthe Goldilocks of purses.
Kate Spade Hudson Convertible Crossbody
Tory Burch Robinson Spazzolato Leather Shoulder Bag
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The floral dressFlorals for spring? Nonnegotiable. Celebrate the arrival of a new season with springâs most on-theme family of patterns. The shape, color scheme, and length are up to youâwe love these cocktail-appropriate picks from Abercrombie and Reformationâbut make sure you have at least one flowery piece on hand for the celebrations ahead.
Abercrombie & Fitch Stretch Column Midi Dress
Reformation Balia Linen Dress
The long denim skirtPlenty of denim skirts are teeny-tiny, but we prefer midi and maxi lengths right now; styled right, they look vintage in the best way. Thankfully, these skirts pair well with almost everything on this listâsneakers, ballet flats, T-shirts, off-the-shoulder tops, you name it.
Madewell The Rilee Denim Midi Skirt
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The eye-catching earringsWhile we predict a statement necklace revival in the near futureâearly-2010s fashion is making a big comebackâweâre not quite there yet. We are, however, in a golden age of big-personality earrings, whether theyâre huge chunks of metal or dripping with stones and pearls. More than studs or huggies, they make low-key outfits feel downright editorial.
Zara Double Half-Hoop Earrings
By Anthropologie Double-Stone Drop Earrings
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The cashmere knitSweater season is far from over. Get yourself through spring (and the first few chilly nights of summer) with a lightweight sweater in soft, luxurious cashmere. Trust us: Itâs worth the money. We love these options because they have loose or modular collars, allowing you to better regulate your temperature when the temps donât call for jackets, but itâs not quite sleeveless weather.
Banana Republic Caro Lightweight Cashmere Henley Sweater
Naadam Signature Cashmere Striped Polo Sweater
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The wedding guest dressReceptions, ceremonies, and celebratory meals stack up from April through October, so start your search for the perfect spring wedding guest dress with these two Glamour reader-beloved picks from Reformation and Staud. Both work for garden parties and black-tie events alikeâand for under $300.
Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
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The relaxed trousersNothing captures the ease of the season quite so effectively as tailored, wide-leg pants. Once relegated to office workers, these trousers lend themselves as handily to work as they do play. Pair yours with a matching blazer and loafers for a professional look; go with a trim white tee and fisherman sandals on your day off.
Everlane The Linen Way-High Drape Pant
Wilfred The Effortless Pant
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The sun hatA cute, travel-friendly summer hat is just whatâs needed for your upcoming OOO days. We prefer packable options that wonât take up too much room in your tote bag, suitcase, or beach bagâor even the central console in your car.
Rahi Lake Washed Bucket Hat
Hat Attack Chic Crochet Bucket Hat
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The off-the-shoulder topAfter a season of covering your body, thereâs nothing quite so subtly sexy as exposing a bit of skin. Off-the-shoulder tops let you do just that, showing off your shoulders while still leaving plenty to the imagination. (Just make sure you have a good strapless bra ready to go.)
Banana Republic Cotton-Modal Off-Shoulder Top
Mango Off-the-Shoulder Knitted Sweater
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The statement beltOften, making your capsule wardrobe work comes down to the styling choicesâand truly standout accessories can make your workhorse pieces feel fresh again. Statement belts are trending again, and we love these relaxed picks from Free People and Zara; the former is just the right kind of boho, while the latter looks like Tom Ford-era Gucci. You canât go wrong.
FP Collection Waltz Waist Belt
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The full skirtSwitch things up from your usual springtime dresses with a full skirt. While the versatile, voluminous pieces are currently enjoying a moment, theyâre too timeless to call a trend; whether you go with a simple tee, a button-down, or a fitted blouse up top, theyâre perfect for all-occasion dressing.
Free-est Lowen Midi Skirt
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