While a capsule wardrobe is a perfect way to minimize fashion waste and overspending, it can be tough to create a single wardrobe to address every season. At Crescent, we believe the ideal capsule wardrobe has versatile basics that can make it work for any season with a few simple changes for the current weather. When you choose just a couple of items to rotate out with the weather, the majority of your closet stays the same, and only ultra-heavy and ultra-light layers find themselves swapped out.
If you’re wondering how to create a spring capsule wardrobe with staple pieces for every other season, explore this guide from the Crescent style experts for advice and inspiration.
The Essentials
First, let’s talk about the spring wardrobe essentials that can be styled with different layers for any time of year. These may include jeans, blouses, and sweaters that offer extreme versatility due to their neutral colors, timeless silhouettes, and simplified style. Your spring essentials should be transferable to all the other months, so you want to avoid bold prints and colorful hues that won’t easily mix and match with fall, winter, and summer styles.
Our checklist for year-round wardrobe staples includes:
- Blue or black jeans
- Neutral slacks
- Unique midi skirt
- Classic white tees
- Tank tops
- Blouses in neutral tones
- One formal dress
- One casual dress
- Knit sweaters
- Denim jacket or structured blazer
- Heels for formal or professional occasions
- Sneakers for casual events
- Accessories
This list is by no means the end-all of capsule wardrobe creation. We’ve provided the most paired-down version of a capsule wardrobe upon which you can build. Use these pieces as your base and add a handful of seasonal pieces that rotate out with the weather.
Spring Staples
Now that you know what basics must be in your spring capsule wardrobe, you can start thinking about the seasonal styles that ensure you’re comfortable and stylish during this time of year. See what our style experts recommend for spring below.
1. Lightweight Trench
Spring can be a confusing season; in the morning, you're freezing, but by lunchtime, you’re ready to soak up the sun. The solution to this weird weather is lightweight layering. After you’ve put on a blouse and maybe even a vest, you can finish any outfit off with a lightweight trench coat. Look for wool or cotton blends that are a little bit thinner than normal, and opt for timeless prints and colors that never go out of style.
2. Floral Dress
Spring is also synonymous with flowers. Give this spring staple a nod with a floral dress that falls to the knee to ensure a flexible cut for weekends, work, and other occasions. Keep your style subtle for this spring capsule wardrobe essential when you opt for subdued prints, like white lilies on a beige background or an ivy print on a sage field.
3. Linen Suit Set
Sets are making a big comeback for this new decade. Whether you opt for a linen suit set featuring a linen blazer and slacks or a three-piece knit set with a cardigan, skirt, and tank, we love this easy look for any spring wardrobe. Crescent even carries warm-weather suit sets that blend shorts and blazers, cropped tops with tailored pants, and satin skirts with collared blouses. Find professional and casual spring capsule wardrobe styles for any aesthetic in our collection.
4. Sleeveless Knits
Many people associate knits with cold-weather outfits, but we believe they can work for every season. Choose these versatile pieces for spring when you browse cold-weather textiles in warm-weather cuts. In addition to sleeveless knit tanks and tops, we also carry cropped knit tops that work well with any high-waisted jeans or wide-leg pants. If the weather is chillier than usual, throw on your spring trench coat for a layered ensemble that keeps you warm.
5. Wide-Leg Pants
While your spring capsule wardrobe already has jeans and pants as part of your non-changing staples, we also recommend adding a pair of wide-leg trousers to your closet. These unique pants cut off around the shin to create a fascinating silhouette that works with so many of your closet essentials. Go bold with ultra-wide leg pants and pair them with a close-fitting top and cropped blazer!
6. Peasant Sleeve Blouses
Update your spring capsule wardrobe with peasant sleeve blouses! They’re ideal for all types of weather, as the wide cut of the long sleeve protects your shoulders and arms in cooler weather and allows for a breeziness that keeps you cool on warmer days. We love pairing this wide silhouette with basic jeans to draw all the attention to the cut of your top, but you can also wear the peasant blouse with shorts or a skirt.
To Shop or Not to Shop
Your spring wardrobe essentials should be all about pieces that have staying power, but sometimes it’s important to update your closet with more versatile pieces that can work in other seasons. If you’ve already got a pretty pared-down wardrobe, you might want to add just one or two more items to refresh your spring capsule wardrobe with something new. If you’re just taking your first steps towards a minimalist closet, sort through your most timeless styles and bolster them with seasonal mainstays.
Are you looking for a bit more style guidance? Explore our blog for more inspiration or reach out to our team for support.