How to Build a Spring Capsule Wardrobe With 11 Wardrobe Essentials
Can you tell I’m really ready for winter to be over? I’ve been mad at that damn groundhog for weeks. But for now, I think a better way to channel my energy is to focus on what lies ahead: sweet, sweet spring. If we forget for a moment that allergies exist, we really couldn’t ask for a better season. And because I know you’re just as eager as I am, what do you say we get a head start on shopping?
Ahead, I’m breaking down 11 categories that comprise the perfect spring capsule wardrobe. I am an expert on capsules, after all, plus I consulted ELLE’s seasonal trend reports on fashion and shoes to really cover my bases. Scroll on to shop my essential pieces.
An Anorak
We’re talking about a season that’s known for its fickle climate and rainy weather, so you obviously need the appropriate outerwear. Although I would recommend a water-repellent fabric and perhaps a hood, I certainly can’t be mad at Prada’s camel hair anorak.
COS Technical Hooded Jacket
ME + EM Shower-Proof Swing Mac
The Row Althena Windbreaker
Max Mara Twill Trench Coat
The Legging
I can vividly recall the moment when I overheard a fellow fashion editor declare the return of leggings. What a delight for those of us who prioritize comfort. Of course, that doesn’t mean your athletic spandex are suddenly high fashion. There’s a right way to do it, and according to Tommy Hilfiger and Carolina Herrera, that means capris.
Norma Kamali Spat Legging
Tibi Compact Ultra Stretch Knit Stirrup Leggings
Magda Butrym Crochet High-Rise Flared Leggings
Ciao Lucia Valentine Jersey Capris
Everywhere Ponte Capri Pant
A Pop of Spring Plaid
There’s red-and-black plaid around the holidays and autumnal flannels for fall, but spring plaids are the best kind, if you ask me. How else can you incorporate so many colors on one piece of fabric? This season, skip the floral and try one of these accent items instead.
Marni Checked Knitted Sweater
Now 60% Off
Burberry Giant Check Cashmere Scarf
Bottega Veneta Checked Cotton Dress
The Row Morpheus Plaid Cotton Voile Shirt
Thom Browne Mrs. Thom Tweed Box Top Handle Bag
Miu Miu Plaid-Check Midi Skirt
Now 9% Off
The Mules
It’s not open-toe season just yet, but almost. Closed-toe mules are my ideal shoe, to be honest, and I love the versatility that these offer. When the weather warms up, if you choose to show some toe, hey, that’s your prerogative. Just watch out for puddles.
Vince Electra Leather Mule
Jil Sander Studded Leather Mules
Bottega Veneta Cha-Cha Slipper
Dries Van Noten Snakeskin Printed Leather Wedge Mules
A Henley
Layering is important in the fall, but it’s absolutely crucial for spring. The whole crux of your capsule is to be able to mix-and-match, and that requires solid foundation layers. It doesn’t hurt that designers like Brandon Maxwell, Chloé, and Gucci featured henley shirts in their spring collections.
Bottega Veneta Long Sleeve Top
Chloé Knit Wool Henley Top
Simkhai Giorgia Silk and Cashmere Henley Top
Tom Ford Long Sleeve Henley Top
Gucci Slim-Fit Striped Ribbed Silk Henley T-Shirt
Veronica Beard Jocelyn Henley Shirt
The Flouncy Skirt
This one is all about movement. Voluminous silhouettes were all over the spring/summer runways, and I’m sure you’ve heard that the bubble skirt is back. (If not, news flash!) While it’s still chilly out, I’ll be masking my fleece-lined tights with flowy maxis, but come May, bring on the minis.
Zimmermann Acacia Ruffled Cotton Maxi Skirt
DÔEN Sebastiane Striped Cotton Tiered Midi Skirt
Alaïa Deesser Bow-Detail Mini Skirt
Ulla Johnson Winnie Tiered Cotton Midi Skirt
ME + EM Textured Cotton-Blend Skirt
Now 60% Off
Patou Cotton-Poplin Mini Skirt
A Spring Dress
In all my years of closet clean-outs, I’ve noticed something. There are certain pieces that were just made for spring, plain and simple. Pull it out, and try it on at any other time of the year, and you’ll find yourself saying, “it’s too springy.” Well, my dears, the season is upon us, so get out your pastel dresses and wear ’em while you can.
Veronica Beard Gemma Maxi Dress
Frame The Nipped Poplin Dress
Aje Pandorea Layered Mini Dress
Sea Emmet Bubble Midi Dress
De La Vali Gracia Polka-Dot Silk Chiffon Mini Dress
The Sneaker
I don’t have kids or pets, and yet I’m busy as hell. I can’t even imagine how some of you do it. You’re on the go, and I get it. Making smart footwear choices is paramount—sciatica hive, rise!—so you need some tennis shoes. Luckily, it’s a great time to be sneakerhead, as there are more fashionable choices than ever.
New Balance 1906 Unisex Sneakers
Dries Van Noten Suede Sneakers
A Bomber Jacket
It’s been quite some time since I felt enthusiasm about jean jackets, but I’m certifiably obsessed with this denim bomber, which brings us to the next category. Bomber silhouettes are popping up everywhere this year, and spring is the perfect season to take one for a spin. As far as unisex styles go, the best gems might just be in the men’s section.
EB Denim Domenico Denim Bomber Jacket
Madewell Relaxed Leather Bomber Jacket
Carhartt Work In Progress Olten Bomber Jacket
Now 10% Off
Max Mara Short Bomber Jacket
Helmut Lang Zip Bomber Jacket
Reiss Wool Funnel-Neck Bomber Jacket
Something Lace
The romantic and boho qualities of lace make it the ultimate accent feature at this time of year. Plus, it’s absolutely ideal for layering, which is key for spring. Wear a lace skirt over slacks, let a sexy camisole peek out from under a sweater, or wrap a vintage doily around the handle of your purse.
Sea Addy Stripe Long-Sleeve Top
Zimmermann Illuminate Lace Short
Fleur Du Mal Silk and Chantilly Lace Skirt
Chloé Cropped Tiered Lace Top
Françoise Carine Asymmetric Ruffled Lace Midi Dress
The Jeans
To be honest with you, a capsule wardrobe round-up—no matter the season!—should always include jeans. They are the epitome of a capsule item, so this list just isn’t complete without them. And what can I say, Kendrick Lamar really set the tone for 2025’s denim forecast. Translation: I’m all about kick flares right now.
Nili Lotan Celia Jeans
Now 35% Off
Frame Le High Flare
Now 40% Off
Toteme High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
Veronica Beard Carson Ankle-Flare Jean
Balenciaga Flared Denim Pants
Madewell The Petite Darted Barrel-Leg Jean
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