BASICS

10 Closet Essentials That You Can Wear Now Into Spring – You’ll LOVE These Finds!

Spring Closet Essentials

If you’re a regular subscriber on YouTube, you’ve probably heard me talk about the importance of wardrobe basics. I have an entire course called Style Made Simple that talks about the wardrobe basics…I looooove wardrobe basics! But just because they’re called wardrobe basics, doesn’t mean they need to be basic. They should have an interesting style detail that elevates them a bit. When something has an elevated detail (like puff shoulder, ruffle collar, etc), it’s more exciting to wear and feels fresh. Below I’m sharing 10 elevated closet essentials (or wardrobe basics) that you can wear into spring and summer. These are pieces that are next-level chic, versatile, and will be heavy hitters in your wardrobe this year. All of these pieces are also kind of like a mini capsule wardrobe because they pair beautifully together and are in the same color family.

If you want to see these pieces in motion and hear me talk about them, you can watch the corresponding video here.

Elevated Spring Closet Essentials White Sweater Spring Closet Essentials

SWEATER | SIMILAR JEANS | FOR LESS | BOOTS | RING | SHORTS | FOR LESS | SANDALS | EARRINGS

#1) White Sweater

What I love about a white sweater for spring is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can choose what shade of white you prefer…it can be bright white, off-white, or a pretty cream. I love this sweater for a few reasons. The geometric design gives it a little more interest, texture, and depth. It’s cropped so it’s wonderful for petite women or anyone with a shorter torso. It’s also great to wear with high-waisted pants, jeans, skirts, or shorts without having to deal with any tucking.

First, I styled the sweater with some Moussy Vintage jeans and tall beige suede boots (more on the boots below 😉 ). It’s a great, classic look but because of the design details on the sweater, it takes it up a notch. You could also wear the sweater with jeans shorts…which is one of my favorite way to wear shorts in the spring and into summer. These denim shorts are a favorite pair by Moussy Vintage. I share more about these shorts and tips to find age-appropriate denim shorts here.

You’ll see one more way to wear this sweater below…

 

spring capsule wardrobe

spring wardrobe essentials

SHIRT | SIMILAR JEANS | FOR LESS | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | RING | BELT | EARRINGS

#2) White Shirt

A white button-down shirt is on my wardrobe basics checklists you get when you subscribe to our email list. You should definitely have a versatile, basic button-down. But the shirt I’m wearing above is an example of an elevated white button-down. I love the neckline of this shirt…it adds some drama, it’s so feminine, and it has a sort of Victorian and western spin to it. It has puffed shoulders and ruffles at the cuffs. It’s just a really beautiful shirt you’ll wear over and over again.

I styled this shirt a few ways so you can see how versatile it is in more of the looks below. But for this look, I styled it with the same Moussy Vintage jeans and some white booties. This is a very chic, basic, accessible look but it feels very fresh and unexpected…because of the details!

basic wardrobe essentials

classic spring wardrobe essentials

boucle cargo jacket boucle cargo jacket with jeans

Bouclé Jacket spring outfit

JACKET | SHIRT | SIMILAR JEANS | FOR LESS | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | RING | BELT | EARRINGS

#3) Bouclé Jacket

Another way to style the white shirt from #2 is with the same jeans I shared in #1, some white booties, and a really cool bouclé jacket…which is actually the next essential I want to talk about! For spring, you need a really versatile, wearable, beautiful jacket or coat. This jacket should fit seamlessly into your wardrobe but also be a little bit different, unexpected, and unique. The cargo jacket I’m wearing can be belted, which gives a very Out of Africa or 1923 vibe if you’ve ever watched either of those. The fabrication of this jacket is also what makes it so special…it’s not your typical cargo jacket. It’s bouclé, really warm, and in a gorgeous cream color. I love wearing it open with the belt just tied in the back for spring.

white ruffle shirt and wide leg jeans

white ruffle shirt spring outfit

Wide-Leg Jeans spring style

PANTS | SHIRT | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | RING | BELT | EARRINGS

#4) Wide-Leg Jeans

If you’ve already got your basics covered, you probably have a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans and straight-leg jeans. So, a great addition to your wardrobe this season would be a pair of unique wide-leg jeans. The jeans I’m wearing actually look more like trousers. They’re pleated in a way that doesn’t add volume to your tummy. They’re so flattering and sophisticated. These are the perfect denim trousers for the office because they really do look like trousers instead of jeans. I styled them with the white shirt, some cream booties, and a cream waistbelt.

If you’re interested in seeing any of these outfits in motion, make sure you check out this video!

 

Cargo Pants Spring Closet Essentials

PANTS | SWEATER | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | RING | EARRINGS

#5) Cargo Pants

These cargo pants are a great alternative to wearing joggers or skinny jeans. They feel really fresh and modern but are super versatile and wearable. They come in Tall, Regular, Short, and Petite sizing options which is SO great! Banana Republic sizing options are wonderful. I ordered my regular size in the Short length and they’re the perfect length for me (I’m 5’4”). With the pants, I’m wearing the same white sweater from #1 and I love the look of the tan trousers with the white sweater. But you could go with whatever color of trousers you prefer. You could wear this outfit to the office, to dinner, etc. so it’s very versatile!

Sizing Info: By the way, everything I’m wearing in this post runs true to size and I’m wearing either a size Small or a 4.

little black dress for spring Spring Closet Essentials

Little Black Dress over 40 style

DRESS | BOOTS | RING | SIMILAR SUNGLASSES | EARRINGS

#6) Little Black Dress

This chic little black dress is the perfect black dress for spring and summer! It’s 100% cotton poplin so it’s super lightweight and breathable, silky on the skin, and it doesn’t wrinkle as easily as regular cotton (so it’s great to travel with!). I love the popped ruffle collar, puff shoulders, and the little ruffle on the sleeve that add some interest. It’s very forgiving through the tummy. You can wear it loose or belt it to add some shape.

denim dress Spring Closet Essentials denim dress spring outfit

thick denim dress

DRESS | BOOTS | EARRINGS

#7) Denim Dress

In contrast to the black dress, this denim dress is much heavier and thicker. So if you run hot or live in a hot climate, this dress might not be the best option for you. BUT…the structure and thicker fabric are great for covering any lumps and bumps and will make you feel very secure. Since we’re in Colorado, I’ll be able to wear it all the time. I love the flattering belted waist and long sleeves. You’ll be able to wear this to run errands, lunch, dinner, or work depending on your work environment.

Knee-High Boots spring outfit

BOOTS | SWEATER | SIMILAR JEANS | FOR LESS | RING | EARRINGS

#8) Knee-High Boots

These knee-high boots are SO good for spring. The color is gorgeous and so versatile so they can seamlessly work with the rest of your wardrobe. You’ve seen them in multiple looks throughout this post…there are so many ways to style them. I love the classic almond shape toe, small manageable heel, that they’re easy to get on and off, and they’re comfortable!

White Booties with jeans

BOOTIES | FOR LESS | SHIRT | SIMILAR JEANS | FOR LESS | RING | BELT | EARRINGS

#9) White Booties

These chic ivory booties have a cool wedge heel and flattering pointed toe. I love the ivory tone and, sock bootie shape which means they’re more fitted to the leg. I love sock booties because you can wear them with skirts and dresses more easily than a bootie that’s less fitted around the ankle and calf. The fitted bootie makes them more sophisticated and sleeker. I also have a pair of black sock booties I wear all. the. time. So I know I’ll wear these white ones a ton too. They’re neutral, versatile, and super comfortable. They have a side zip so they’re easy to get on and off. And they just feel very fresh, modern, and unexpected…which is a must for spring fashion!

Neutral Belt spring wardrobe

BELT | PANTS | SHIRT | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | RING | EARRINGS

#10) Neutral Belt

The one belt I talk about when discussing wardrobe basics that you should have in your closet is a black and brown reversible belt. If you have that covered, this belt is a great next piece you can add to your wardrobe. It’s a neutral beige tone with some fun stud details. I love the western feel of the buckle that’s very subtle and chic. The western trend has been around for a while and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere so if you like the trend, this is a really nice piece to add to your outfits for that western touch.

Which piece was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

If you liked this post, please share it using the buttons below! Pin it, tweet it, share it, email it…however you want to share, we appreciate it! And don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for even more incredible style resources. If you need some additional help with finding your wardrobe basics and what you really need, you should check out my new course, Style Made Simple. Thank you so much for stopping by!

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