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When it comes to clothes, I prefer quality over quantity. Invest in key pieces you can carry from season to season. This year, I am investing in a new pair of white jeans and sneakers I know will be worn repeatedly. Below, you will find inspiration for your spring capsule wardrobe. I recommend adding classic pieces to your closet or upgrading them.
Chicago is finally starting to take a break from the cold weather, and we have been having occasional warm weather days that excite me for spring. My closet is slowly transitioning from my winter sweaters to spring clothes.
Having a capsule wardrobe with versatile pieces in neutral colors makes it easy to mix and match to create different outfits throughout the season. I buy a few pieces I know I will own for a long time each year. I like a few bright colors mixed in with a simple color palette. Prints are very in right now, and the style doesn’t suit me. It is best to do what works best for your style and not always follow the current trends.
We have heard that skinny jeans aren’t as popular as they used to be, and straight jeans and wide-legged styles are in. It all depends on personal style. In Paris, all styles are still trending. I recently picked up a pair of kick-out and wide-leg jeans and love them both. It is a fun style change for me; you can create different looks. I needed a new pair of white pants in my wardrobe and had success at Madewell.
T-shirts are a main category in my capsule wardrobe. I throw them with a pair of jeans and ballet flats, and I am a happy girl. My favorite white tee shirts in my drawer include Velvet, Splendid, and Sézane. The fun part about the Sézane shirts is that you can monogram them for free. I recently added amour and a heart to one of them. You can also do your initials. A few clean white T-shirts are always ready to go in my drawer.
A good classic white button-up shirt is a favorite piece for all seasons. I love pairing one with a skirt to dress up a look, high-waisted pants, and jeans. Accessorize with a fun piece of jewelry to make it pop against the white. A white shirt also makes a great layering piece under a blazer with cute sneakers or flats. Denim shirts are a favorite of mine.
Frank & Eileen makes great quality button-ups in different colors.
I have fallen in love with sneakers lately and style them with everything from skirts to dresses to shorts and jeans. With all of my travels, they are essential for long walks and comfort.
Once the warm weather breaks, I will reach for my espadrilles. I pair them with a cute dress and a leather jacket. I bought mine in Paris last year, and they are more comfortable than I anticipated.
A trench coat is a key spring capsule wardrobe essential. I wear mine all the time and love the one from Sézane. It comes in multiple colors, and I am wearing a size 4/36 here. I instantly pulled together, throwing a trench over a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. On cooler days, layer in a cardigan sweater and pair it with jeans or flats. There are so many different ways to style a trench coat.
You can find other trench coat options in this blog post, including petite sizing and plus sizes.
A blazer is a great layering piece over a t-shirt or button-down shirt. I styled it with a pair of jeans and sneakers below.
Saint James is the classic striped Breton shirt. You can also purchase one at J. Crew or Madewell. I love stripes, and I always have a few in my closet. Sézane also has a great option. I wear this red one on repeat.
The Gaspard cardigan is my favorite year-round. It is great with jeans in the fall or winter, but in the spring, you can wear it over a dress to keep warm. The pearl buttons can be worn on the front or back. The sweater runs a bit bigger than other Sézane pieces, but I still wear my normal size S. I have it in pink and black and just added the blue.
The Demi flat from Margaux is very similar to the French Repetto brand, which I own, but it has much more support and a more substantial sole for walking. Now that I have Henri, having a shoe that is easy to get on and off is a must. The ballet flat has also gotten a style upgrade this season, mixing with a Mary Jane. Madewell offers the Greta flat in many colors. I own them in black and want the silver.
The midi skirt has been trending in Paris for a few years now. I love the pleated versions and anything with pockets.
I have been getting lighter regarding bags, and my back feels so much better. I take Henri for regular walks, so I need pockets in a jacket or a crossbody bag to keep a few essentials with me. Keys, hand sanitizer, a treat bag, and my phone are necessary. The cross-body bags from Cuyana are my favorite. There are different styles and sizes, but they all have a classic design, and you will have them for years. All of my Cuyana bags have held up well.
I also love the Polène bag I purchased in Paris in October. I have the Nano in black.
I love a good leather jacket and have had them as part of my spring wardrobe for years. Every once in a while, I will change up the style slightly. Since I have a spring birthday, this usually becomes a birthday present I look forward to every couple of years. Quince makes one at a great price, as does Madewell. Madewell occasionally has sales; you can snag it for 25% off. I size up to a medium in both brands.
My two favorite denim jacket options are from Madewell, and I just ordered one from Sézane. Pair them over a blouse for date nights or a dress for brunch.
I hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to know your favorite capsule spring wardrobe pieces. Comment below and share with the EDP community.
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