As the days lengthen and the sun warms, it's time to shed the layers of winter and embrace the fresh energy of spring. But with a new season comes the inevitable wardrobe question: what to wear? Building a spring capsule wardrobe can be the answer to your sartorial woes. This curated collection of interchangeable pieces allows you to create endless outfit combinations, streamlining your mornings and maximising your style potential.
Adding transitional edits into your capsule wardrobe is a great way to make sure your wardrobe is fully functional throughout the year. Whether you’re curating a spring or winter capsule wardrobe, it will also help keep your wardrobe feel fresh, making your wardrobe work even harder for you.
Your spring capsule wardrobe might be larger than other seasons, as spring, like autumn requires a certain level of layering to adapt to changing temperatures. As the weather heats up, some of your lighter items can be carried through to the summer, and even used for layering in the cooler months, making a spring capsule wardrobe great from a cost-per-wear point of view.
Shop our spring capsule wardrobe edit
Before we jump in with our suggestions, we just want to preface that your spring capsule wardrobe should be tailored to your personal style. That means that while many fashion experts will tell you a capsule wardrobe should include jeans and a black dress, if this isn't something you'd wear, it has no home in your capsule closet. So use this list as a guide and reinterpret it to suit you.
Think more broadly about your lifestyle needs than anything else, this is particularly true of an over 50s capsule wardrobe.
RRP: £79 | A Breton top is a great investment as it can be worn all year through. While there are numerous colour combos available, classic white and navy, or white and black is the most versatile, teaming with jeans or skirts equally well.
RRP: £35 | Underpinning your wardrobe, many of us are guilty of skipping out on buying basics as they're seen as 'boring'. But these layering items can make or break a look. This classic round neck tee is slim fitting, ideal for spring and comes in six colours.
RRP: £39 | Having a selection of sleeve lengths available, as well as sleeveless camis, can help you tackle changeable spring weather. This brown vest is ideal for moving into warmer months, teaming with all neutrals and pastel hues, while the square neck makes it look oh so modern.
RRP: £11 | Cotton is a breathable fabric, making it a strong choice for t-shirts that will keep your body temperature regulated. A lighter alternative to black, marl grey hues can easily team with neutrals and is a good switch out for black.
RRP: £100 | Swap androgynous button-downs for pretty ruffled blouses for a lighters and softer feel. A floaty blouse can be dressed up for a night out, or slipped under a blazer or a cashmere sweater for a chic spring office outfit.
RRP: £32.99 | Cotton shirts are a spring capsule wardrobe hero - invest in good quality styles and you can wear them all year. This blue shirt will layer with knits and blazers and the pleated collar adds interest. A relaxed and elegant piece for a capsule wardrobe for women over 60 too.
RRP: £70 | Wondering how to wear a denim shirt? This classic style is a must have for a spring capsule wardrobe. Wear with other jean styles for a double denim ensemble, or wear like a cardigan, layering over basic tees and cosy knits.
RRP: £75 | If you're a jeans wearer, then your spring capsule wardrobe won't be complete without a pair of dark blue, straight leg jeans. Among the best petite jeans, these come in a variety of leg lengths from extra short to extra long.
RRP: £35 | The opportunities are endless when it comes to denim skirt outfit ideas. A major trend this season, light washes tend to be more casual, while dark blue and black denim skirts can be worked into dressier outfits or office looks.
RRP: £70 | The best denim jackets can be loved for years, so invest wisely to reap the benefits. While the classic trucker style will never go out of date, this belted version gives a flattering silhouette and will look great thrown over floral dresses or paired with tailored trousers.
RRP: £319 | One of the many types of coats you should own. Slipped over pretty floral frocks it adds an extra edge to your look, while when paired with jeans it delivers a laid back feel. Good quality leather improves with age so don't be afraid to wear it in.
RRP: £1,790 | Trench coats are a spring capsule wardrobe must, with waterproof versions ideal for April showers. The Burberry trench coat is the most famous iteration of this design, but there are great straight-to-market versions around too.
RRP: £99 | We've said it before, but layering pieces are integral to a spring capsule closet. Swap out dark wintery hues for light pastel and neutral shades to help transition towards warmer weather. Try buttoning up cardigans and wearing over camis.
RRP: £195 | A cashmere sweater is perfect for spring - the cropped length of this one will go perfectly with high waisted trousers or jeans. This pastel pistachio hue taps nicely into this season's fashion colour trends for a trend-worthy feel.
RRP: £35.99 | Nautical knits always deliver a spring-ready feel and this chunky, preppy, slouchy knit is ideal for slinky softly into the new season. Wear it oversized with your best skinny jeans, or half tuck in a waistband of a skirt or trousers.
RRP: £85 | These slim fit pants come in several shades and offer a tailored finish for any of your spring outfits. Made with 7% elastane, which gives them a bit of stretch, they will take you from the office to the bar in a change of tops and accessories.
RPP: £19.99 | A fashionable look thanks to the return of '90s fashion trends, cargo pants are a great spring buy. And nailing how to style cargo pants is easier than you think. For wide pocket styles, keep your top half fitted and waist highlighted.
RRP: £79 | Knowing what to wear with wide leg pants can put some people off this style, but it's all in balancing your shape. Pair wide leg pants with fitted or tailored tops, and tuck or half tuck at the waist to create an hourglass shape. Choose a lighter shade to add a spring-time feel to your outfits. There are some beautiful wide-leg linen trousers around now, to help keep you extra cool.
RRP: £135 | This spring-ready skirt will team with so many basics thanks to the myriad of colours in the print. Team with simple tees or add a blazer for extra polish. Remember spring capsule wardrobes can be colourful too.
RRP: £69 | Slip skirts are a great option for spring as they tend to be slightly lighter weight. Perfect for parties, with the right accessories, such as a blazer or loafers, a slip skirt can also be worn to work. This navy style is a great alternative to black.
RRP: £44 | Leather skirts continue to be a front runner both on and off the runway. This pleather skirt can be worn all year through. Wondering how to style a leather skirt for spring? Team with silky blouses, bright t-shirts or cosy knits to soften your look.
RRP: £298 | Available in both petite and regular size, this blazer will add instant polish to any look. When it comes to how to style a blazer for spring, throw over a floral dress or team with cargo pants for a smart casual outfit idea.
RRP: £95 | The best shirt dresses never fail, ensuring you'll always feel put together. This pale pink design with a tie belt feels ready for brighter months - wear it over your swimsuit on holiday - but can be layered with knitwear or jackets as well.
RRP: £110 | The best midi dresses can work all year round and neutral prints and patterns can be layered over roll necks, tights and boots for winter, before being paired with lightweight cardigans or leather jackets for those early spring days.
RRP: £20 | The best white trainers give a cool and casual feel to any ensemble. A budget-friendly buy, these slightly platformed pair are by Kate Middleton's favourite trainer brand, Superga. The platform gives you a height boost, while feeling directional. Wear with literally everything this spring.
RRP: £55 | The best ballet pumps this season are minimalist, with a square toe to give a modern edge. Gigi says they're perfect for dressing down more formal pieces meaning more wear out of your capsule pieces. Tan is the most versatile spring hue.
RRP: £261 | A carry-everything tote is a great idea for your daily commute. If you want a smart bag but don't want to invest in a designer tote bag, try this luxe leather design from Everlane. A timeless silhouette it will work for the office or the weekend.
How to build a spring capsule wardrobe
A spring capsule wardrobe is all about pulling together great basics that can be worn from one year to the next. The building blocks of a wardrobe, when we talk about capsule wardrobe items, we're largely referring to styles that live on past the latest spring/summer fashion trends.
“Invest in some good quality essential pieces such as a white tee, stripe tee, crisp white cotton shirt, oversized sweatshirt, a great fitting blazer, wide leg masculine trouser and a killer pair of jeans,” advises Jane Haigh, Head of Design on Fashion and Home at Freemans.
“This will allow multiple styling options with items that you will already own in your wardrobe. Have fun with high low styling – mixing formal and casual pieces together for an ultra-modern look.”
These pieces are then peppered with more trend-led items to bring them up to date for the months ahead. For example, the best straight leg jeans make for a versatile staple, always in fashion, they team with almost anything and everything and can help you carry off new season tops. To refresh your spring capsule wardrobe, you may want to look to the denim trends 2024 and select a couple of key new cuts, such as a denim maxi skirt , or barrel leg jeans as a nod to the new season. These can then be paired with more classic items in your closet, such as a timeless Breton top.
How many items should be in a spring capsule wardrobe?
There's no set number of items for a spring capsule wardrobe, as this comes down to personal aesthetic and lifestyle. If you're very much a stylish top to wear with jeans person, you may have more tops and a selection of the best jeans to bolster the foundations of your new minimalist capsule wardrobe, but it does mean you might have fewer dresses, saving these for special occasion wear only.
"A spring capsule wardrobe emphasises having a minimal number of items that create a maximum number of outfits," says personal stylist Gigi Vakilzadeh. "Focus on versatility and select fewer pieces that effortlessly complement your existing wardrobe."
Prefer skirts and dresses? You may have only one pair of jeans in your closet if you don't really wear them - and that's ok. Instead, try styling neutral, basic skirts with directional tops and blouses, or add a refreshing twist via new-in jacket cuts and colours. If you love dresses, you can update classic designs with the latest spring/summer jewellery trends for a new-season feel.
WHAT SHOULD BE IN A SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE?
A spring capsule wardrobe is filled with items that underpin your look. These are items that you'll pack away before fall, but can be brought back out come March the following year. Clothes that never go out of style, they're often block color, in classic prints and neutrals are likely to play a key role. Some items in your wardrobe may stay with you the whole year. From basic denim silhouettes to plain black tees - these items always come in handy.
Less about what's on the runway, and more about helping to make those trending items work, spring capsule wardrobe pieces can be peppered with 'new-in' styles for a directional feel and to refresh your look.
Once you've worked out what colour suits me, you will also be able to decipher the colours best suited to your spring capsule wardrobe. While neutrals such as beige, white and black are important, spring is a great time to add pops of colour, which will also keep your capsule collection feeling fresh.
“This spring we will be trading the brights like hot magenta, cherry red and neon for more muted hues - think about burgundy, blush or olive for example,” advises Amanda Vargus, founder and lead stylist at Wave + Woven Style House.
Once the colours are sorted, then you can take a look at your wardrobe and see what’s missing from this list – the foundations of your spring capsule wardrobe:
- Tops: “Now is a great time to update or replace your basic white tanks, tees and button-down shirts,” says Amanda. “Make sure your t-shirts offer structure and look for a more relaxed fit in your shirts.” Long, short, and three-quarter-length sleeve t-shirts underpin a spring capsule wardrobe, as this is a season all about layering for the changeable weather. Stock up on a range of different hues, taking note of the fashion colour trends 2024 to give a trend-worthy feel to your look.
- Knitwear: When it comes to the best jumpers for spring, lightweight knits should be top of your list. Again, these are great for layering, with cotton cardigans in particular ideal for slipping over dresses and tees. The best cashmere sweaters also work well here as they help to regulate your body temperature, ideal when chilly mornings transform into warm afternoons.
- Jeans: A selection of classic jean styles underpin many a capsule wardrobe (whatever the season) and a spring capsule wardrobe is no different. “Denim is so versatile with the ability to dress up or down and wear from work to weekend, so it’s definitely an essential part of a spring wardrobe,” says Jane. “This season I’d say M&S and Other Stories are killing it on denim. I particularly love the straight leg cut, which remains an important key shape for spring/summer 24.”
- Skirts: For a 2024 spring capsule wardrobe, look to '90s fashion trends that show no sign of abating. Long, slim-fit skirts are ideal for heading towards sunnier climes, teaming well with lightweight knits and tees. Slip skirts also make for a great foundation piece, teaming well with both smart and casual looks. Of course, the denim maxi skirt is making a comeback this season, making a great alternative to jeans.
- Dresses: The best midi dresses are a spring capsule wardrobe hero piece and of course, while florals for spring might not be ground-breaking, floral midi dresses are always 'in' for the months ahead. Gigi says a shirt dress is her go to for spring. "A shirt dress is a must-have, offering year-round versatility," she says. "In early spring, layer with a turtle neck and tights for warmth, or pair with a colourful jumper, pulling out the collar. Wear it solo in warmer months with ballet pumps or unbuttoned over your jeans."
- Coats and Jackets: It's time to pack away your best winter coat and embrace warmer weather days. The best parkas are ideal for spring weather, particularly as many double up as the best waterproof jackets, which you know you’re going to need for those spring showers. For Jane, a trench coat is also a spring must-have. “A super modern neutral mac is perfect,” she says. “I bring mine out every season as it the perfect lightweight piece for transitional seasons and works well worn smart or casual.” There’s still also a place in your wardrobe for leather and denim jackets for a more casual look. For a spring-ready feel, try adding a gilet, printed or textured trophy jackets, or directional blazers to add a current feel to classics. These can be layered over dresses or jeans to bring outfits up-to-date.
- Bags: Jane says her must-have accessory for spring is a crossbody bag: “I would always opt for a cross body bag for its versatility and comfort factor.” Another good choice is a leather tote bag for every day – and holiday time as well. Choose a lighter tan or navy hue to see you spring and summer in style. Check out the latest handbag trends if you're looking for a directional purchase to dress up classic basics.
- Shoes: Your best winter boots can be put away for another season. Instead, look to versatile white trainers (as these will go with everything) and a pair of ankle boots for early spring. Amanda says classic footwear is a must. “A ballet flat is great option for every day, but try swapping a black pair for a silver metallic version and treat it as a neutral,” she says. “A low heeled slingback is also very versatile across your capsule and can be worn with jeans or a dress.”
- Sunglasses: Not just for the summer months. Update your spring style with a pair of the best quiet luxury sunglasses or perhaps splash out on a pair of the best designer sunglasses – after all, they can take you through to summer.
Our experts:
Jane has worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years for various high-street brands such as Monsoon and Phase Eight. Her areas of expertise are womenswear design and styling.
Leveraging her fashion and business background, Amanda (founder of Wave + Woven) helps clients build strong personal brands through style, impacting success. Her expertise is featured in USA Today, GLAM Weekly, and Marika Magazine.
Gigi offers a unique and personalised touch and is committed to helping clients rediscover their true style identity and embrace a sustainable "buy less, buy better, and wear more" philosophy, all while simplifying their daily dressing routine. Gigi's mission is to celebrate individuality and find a personal style that suits each client's unique lifestyle, making the world of fashion less stressful for all.
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