"If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know how keen we are on the concept of a capsule wardrobe: a closet full of items that can be mixed and matched with one another for an infinite number of combinations and a permanent fix to your “I don’t know what to wear today” conundrum.
Another winter has come and gone, and we’re officially gearing up to face the first glorious days of spring; the ones where you walk outside and breathe a sigh of relief when you feel the warm breeze and sun shining. It also means that we’re digging our spring wardrobes out of storage to give our sandals room on our shoe shelves over our boots (and getting a pedicure on the cal ASAP). The bright colors, lightweight fabrics, and beautiful textures of spring fashion always feel like a reward after a long season of winter wear.
It’s officially time to put winter behind us and welcome spring with open arms. The best way to approach getting dressed this season? Your wardrobe, simplified.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
The simple definition is that it’s a curated wardrobe made up of versatile pieces that you love to wear. Creating your capsule wardrobe should be a testament to your personal style
A capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories that can be easily mixed and matched together to be dressed up, down, and anywhere in between. It means your closet has less trendy pieces that will only be worn for one season and more high-quality, classic pieces that stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come. The best part? While it might feel more expensive in the moment, you’ll actually save money in the long-run since you won’t be going through so many fast-fashion pieces.
Once you master a starter capsule wardrobe, it can be curated and swapped from season to season. It makes it easy to pack up and take out clothes for the appropriate season because every time you pull them out, they’re just as in style as they were at the time you bought them.
How to build a spring capsule wardrobe
The first step to building a capsule wardrobe is to take a good, hard look at what you already own, then purge the rest. We don’t mean opening it and flippantly going through the hangers; we mean that you should take every single piece out of your closet, then evaluate if it should go back in. Don’t forget to take a look at your shoes and accessories, too.
Then, sort each item into one of four piles:
- I love it and would wear it tomorrow: These pieces fit your body, your lifestyle, and you’re happy wearing them. Put these back first.
- Maybe: These pieces might not fit perfectly, have sentimental value, or you just can’t put your finger on why you don’t wear it more. (If you haven’t reached for it more than once, it belongs in this pile too). Put all of these items in a box and store it in a place that’s easily accessible. If you find yourself reaching for an item, put it back in your closet after; if you haven’t reached for it by the end of the season, keep it in the box to take to donate. This is noncommittal (for now) and allows you to change your mind later.
- Hard no: Whether it’s because it doesn’t fit or you just decided you don’t like it, pack these pieces up to donate them.
- Seasonal: There’s no need to keep a cashmere sweater next to your summer tank tops. Move all of your seasonal pieces into a storage location that will be easy for you to swap out once the time is right.
Now, look at what’s left in your closet and evaluate what your personal style is and what holes you have. Maybe you’re completely set on jeans but could use a new jacket for spring. Now that you have a clear vision of what you’ll be able to pair that jacket with, you’ll make a better selection for what fits your closet. This doesn’t mean you have to completely forego trend pieces and forever live wearing button-ups and jeans—it just means that when you do purchase trendier pieces, you know that they’ll have a place in your wardrobe and that they’ll get wear.
The Everygirl’s
Spring 2024 Capsule Wardrobe
How to style your spring capsule wardrobe
To the office
Ballet Flats | Trench Coat (Plus) | Sweater Tank (Plus) | Relaxed Jeans (Curve Option) | Raffia Bag
In a perfect world, spring would hit and we’d be able to wear T-shirts and jeans and not so much as glance at a jacket again until September; but the reality is that spring comes with temperatures that require a layer or two. The answer to our woes? A classic trench coat that can be worn on repeat. Paired with a striped tank, relaxed jeans, Mary Jane flats, and the perfect raffia bag, this is a Parisian-inspired look that’ll make you feel like a 10 on your morning commute. If your office dress code is more business casual, swap the jeans out for a pair of trousers instead.
For a day walking around the city
Vest (Plus) | Belt | Ballet Flats | Sunglasses | Relaxed Jeans (Curve Option) | Raffia Bag
One of the greatest joys in this life is when you wander out on a Saturday or Sunday morning to spend the day with your favorite overpriced coffee in hand enjoying your city. This longline blue vest will be the spring piece you wear on repeat given its versatility; it pairs just as well with jeans for a casual Saturday as it will with trousers for the office. Complete the look with a statement-making belt, ballet flats, and a raffia bag that’ll hold whatever necessities you take on the go. (I highly recommend a book that you can sit on a bench and read under cherry blossom trees while pretending you’re in a 2000s rom-com).
To dinner with friends
Linen Dress (Plus) | Heart Necklace | Shoulder Bag (Budget-Friendly Option) | Raffia Heels
All of us who endure a brutal winter know that the ability to wear a dress is a privilege that shouldn’t be passed up. This stunning smocked linen dress will be the gift that keeps giving all spring and summer long. It’ll feel elevated paired with walkable raffia heels on a night out with friends, but will look just as good with sneakers for a more casual day. The cherry on top? A butter yellow bag that’s the embodiment of a warm spring day.
On the weekend
Sneakers | Shoulder Bag (Budget-Friendly Option) | Belt | Denim Button-Up (Plus) | Relaxed Jeans (Curve Option) | Sunglasses
A look that’ll never do you wrong? A denim-on-denim combo. For a casual weekend day spent checking everything off your to-do list, this outfit will have you feeling put-together, cool, and prepared to bump into the acquaintance you’ll inevitably run into while running errands.
On a date
Raffia Heels | Two-Tone Earrings | Trench Coat (Plus) | Relaxed Jeans (Curve Option) | Knit Top (Plus)
Finding a date-night top is no easy feat, but this asymmetric number is the answer to your need-a-dinner-outfit-STAT problems. Regardless of if you’re going on a first date or out with someone you’ve been with for a decade, this top gives a sexy-but-not-trying-too-hard vibe that’s almost impossible to achieve. Cater the rest of your look to how fancy (or chilly) the night is. Breeze in the air? You already know your trusty trench won’t do you wrong.
Madeline Galassi, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Madeline has been covering fashion at The Everygirl since 2018. She edits all fashion content, writes in-depth trend reports, and curates the direction of the fashion and beauty sections. She’s worked with top brands like Nordstrom, & Other Stories, Sézane, and Everlane.