A couple weeks back, we had Spring Trends Week here on the the blog, where we discussed the biggest and most wearable trends for spring 2024, and today I’m updating my Spring Wardrobe Essentials.
I republish this post every year around this time, and while it doesn’t change a lot from year to year, I like to update it with current links and fresh thoughts.
links
First, let’s define our terms. Trends are basically new interpretations of styles we’ve seen before. They develop slowly over a period of years and fade away as new trends come on the scene. They usually come back around again, but not for 5–10 years, and usually in a somewhat altered version.
Fads, on the other hand, pop up suddenly and disappear just as quickly. They are usually embraced by the younger generation and tend to be exaggerated and impractical.
I think it’s helpful to differentiate between trends and fads because women often get them confused. As I get older, I keep an eye on the trends in order to keep my style current, but I tread lightly when it comes to fads.
Wardrobe Essentials are different. These are the pieces that provide a foundation for your wardrobe, and that’s what we’re talking about today!
2024 Spring Wardrobe Essentials
Wardrobe essentials vary from person to person, so I like to discuss them in terms of categories, rather than specific pieces. The items and styles you chose may change a bit from year to year, as they’re influenced by the current trends, your personal style preferences, body type, and lifestyle; but the wardrobe categories remain the same.
SIZING NOTES: I’m 5’5″ and I usually wear a small or medium in tops and dresses, a 29 in jeans and pants, and a size 8 shoe. Gifted items are indicated by c/o; everything else I purchased myself.
#1. White Jeans or Pants
MOTHER The Hustler Ankle Fray (29) // Tommy Bahama jacket (S) // Halogen tank (S) // Vince mules (8)
You can wear white jeans year-round these days, but I find myself reaching for mine most during the spring and summer months. They’re crisp and clean, and they pair perfectly with bright colors as well as other neutrals. This spring, ecru and other shades of off-white are trending as well.
If you don’t wear jeans, white pants work just as well. And I realize some ladies don’t like white pants or jeans at all, and that’s fine. You can skip this wardrobe category if it doesn’t work for you, but many women rely on white bottoms as an integral part of their spring/summer wardrobes. I am one of those women, and this is my list, so here we are!
Shop My Favorite White Denim:
2. Cropped Jeans & Pants
PAIGE Anessa wide leg crops (29) // KUT from the Kloth jacket (S) // Madewell tee (S) // Sam Edelman slides (8)
I wear jeans all year-round, but I prefer cropped or ankle length styles in the spring and summer because they’re cooler and they just look more seasonal. They’re also very on-trend at the moment, although full-length pants and jeans are making a comeback, so pretty much anything goes right now.
Speaking of anything goes, all styles are available as well, so wear what you like best. The wide leg crop is having a moment, so this is a great time to lean into this style, if it appeals to you. Cropped straight leg jeans and crop flares (a.k.a. kick crops or kick flares) are also big right now, and if you prefer skinnies, you can find them too. I like to have some of each.
And if you’re confused about pant styles, you may like this post: Women’s Pant Styles and Hem Lengths Demystified.
Shop Crop Jeans & Pants:
3. Layering Tees & Tanks
ATM Schoolboy V-Neck T-Shirt (M)
Layering tees provide the foundation for most of my spring outfits. They pair well with all types of pants, and skirts. I like to layer my t-shirts under utility jackets or moto jackets when I wear jeans, and under denim jackets when I wear khakis or cargo pants. It’s nice to have a variety of prints and solids, and graphic tees are fun to have as well.
Shop Tees & Tanks:
4. Lightweight Tops & Blouses
Faherty Desmond Organic Cotton Top (S)
Lightweight tops and blouses are the perfect replacement for your cozy sweaters when the weather starts to warm up. They can stand alone with your favorite denim, pants, and skirts; and many can be layered under blazers and denim jackets.
Shop lightweight tops & blouses:
5. Denim & Lightweight Jackets
Gap Relaxed Utility Jacket (S) // Clare V. crossbody
Denim jackets, blazers, and utility jackets make the perfect lightweight toppers for your t-shirts and blouses in the springtime. Having a variety of jackets in your closet is key to having complete outfits at the ready when you’re getting dressed for your day.
A structured denim jacket has long been a staple in my spring/summer wardrobe, but I’m seeing more varieties of denim jackets this year than I have in along time. Oversized styles are trending, but I’m also seeing a lot of crop styles, which work well with high rise pants and jeans.
Shop denim and lightweight jackets:
6. Cotton & Lightweight Sweaters
Caslon Stripe Cardigan
When March rolls around, even if it’s still cold, I start putting away my wool and cashmere sweaters and wearing more lightweight knits.
I also find myself wearing more cardigans this time of year. They can often be a substitute for a lightweight jacket, and I don’t have the outerwear issue to deal with when the weather gets warmer.
Shop cotton & lightweight sweaters:
7. Transition Shoes: Loafers, Mules, Ballet Flats
Steve Madden Becka Block Heel Slingback Pump (8)
When it’s not warm enough for open sandals but you’re tired of wearing boots, loafers and ballet flats are a great footwear option for spring. As pant styles evolve, so does footwear, and this year we are seeing pointed toe mules, slingback pumps, ballet flats and Mary Janes.
If you live in a warmer climate, and you’re ready to start breaking out your sandals, slides, platform heels, kitten heels, and strappy sandals are all on trend right now. See more Spring Shoe Trends for 2024!
Shop transition shoes:
8. Fashion Sneakers
J.Crew Field Sneakers (8H)
Sneakers continue to be a huge trend in footwear this season, and you can wear them with everything from dresses to jeans. Popular styles run the gamut from retro runners and trainers to court sneakers, and soccer sneakers to the clean white kicks.
High tops are also having a moment this season. Believe it or not, even athletic styles are on trend right now, as well as chunky tube socks. It’s all about making it look intentional and not like you injured your foot and have to wear orthopedic shoes for 6 weeks, haha!
9. Spring Dresses
Tommy Bahama Clara Wrap (S) // Open Edit Tawney Sandal (8)
A lot of women say they live in dresses in the spring in summer. I don’t wear a lot of dresses, but I like to have a few options on hand for events that may crop up.
This spring, we’re seeing everything from feminine and boho-inspired Farm Rio dresses to streamlined silhouettes and ribbed knit styles. Also, white dresses are having a moment this season.
Personally, I still love a sheath or faux wrap dress that hugs my curves without being too body-conscious. At the end of the day, you have to wear what works for you.
Shop spring dresses:
10. Rain Jacket or Trench
Open Edit Belted Trench Coat
Having proper outerwear for the various events in your life is an important part of having a workable wardrobe and looking polished and put together, but it’s easy to overlook.
My go-to piece of outerwear in the springtime is a trench coat like the one above, and I also like to have a few more casual rain-resistant jackets. Neutrals are always a safe choice, but I’m also loving all the bright colors out there this spring.
Shop trench coats & rain jackets:
11. Everyday Handbag
Dragon DIffusion Woven Leather Basket Bag (similar for less)
Straw totes and woven bags are so summery and fun, and they’re still going strong this season. If you add one bag to your spring/summer wardrobe, make it a structured straw or woven style.
Style Tip: Make sure you have a good shoe pairing or two to go with any new new handbag purchase!
Shop straw toes and woven bags:
From here, you can fill in with some trendier styles and statement pieces, but these wardrobe staples should provide a good foundation for your spring wardrobe.
For more spring 2024 fashion inspiration, check out these posts:
- What’s In and What’s Out for Spring 2024
- Denim Trends for Spring 2024
- Shoe Trends for Spring 2024
- Accessory Trends for Spring 2024
- Jacket Trends for Spring 2024
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