Spring Wardrobe Essentials for 2021

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Spring wardrobe essentials lists are going to look different this year and my list is no exception. I still don’t know when (or if) I will be returning to an office full time so my wardrobe will continue to be casual and comfortable. I have a very small work from home wardrobe but I like to have a few pieces that I can wear when running errands or meeting up with a friend. (I’m hoping to be able to meet with people outside as the weather gets warmer.)

This is not an all encompassing spring wardrobe essentials list but it’s a great foundation if you don’t know where to start. Don’t feel like you need everything.

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The Spring Wardrobe Essentials You Need

For most people spring brings to mind light, pastel colors and floral patterns. We’re tired of the long, dark winter and we’re ready to see the sun again. Naturally, our wardrobe reflects that feeling. When looking for spring wardrobe essentials, make sure they work with the rest of your clothes. I, personally, don’t love pastel colors, nor do I look good in them, so you won’t find me buying clothes with pastels. I do like bright colors, though, so I try to add in a little color with patterns or accessories.

T-shirts for layering

Layering is not only great for staying warm but it’s a tried and true styling tip to look chic and put together. Layering a t-shirt under a jacket or cardigan instantly elevates a basic tee. See 8 ways to style a basic white t-shirt.

Choose a few t-shirts in colors and prints that you like. It’s always good to have a couple of solid neutral colors and also some prints or graphics. My favorites are black, white, striped black and white, graphic t-shirt, and at least one solid color. I may look to add one or two more printed or “interesting” tops at some point.

Examples with shopping links: Old Navy luxe v-neck t-shirt (I have this in white, burgundy, and b&w stripes) || Old Navy luxe crew neck t-shirt || Old Navy graphic tees || Amazon Essentials || Amazon flowy t-shirt || Caslon v-neck t-shirt || Madewell whisper cotton t-shirt

Lightweight jackets

I have a soft spot for jackets. I’m better now but I used to buy jackets like they were going out of style (hint, jackets won’t go out of style). The ones that are essential for me are a denim jacket, utility jacket, moto jacket, and rain jacket. One day, I would like to have a waterproof utility jacket to replace my rain coat.

Examples with shopping links:

• Denim jackets: Old Navy denim jacket || Wrangler denim jacket on Amazon || Kut from the Kloth denim jacket
• Moto jackets: Amazon faux-leather jacket || Kut from the Kloth faux-suede moto jacket || BlankNYC faux-leather jacket
• Utility jackets: Utility jacket on Amazon || Old Navy water-resistant utility jacket || Caslon utility jacket || Kohl’s utility jacket (this is the one I have)
• Rain jackets: Columbia rain coat || Waterproof breathable jacket
• Lightweight blazers: Old Navy ponte-knit blazer || Caslon linen blend blazer

Lightweight sweaters, sweatshirts, and cardigans

You can start thinking about packing away the bulky sweaters but you may want to keep out a few lightweight ones. I’m thinking of the ones made with cotton or merino wool or the ones that are just not warm enough for winter but are perfect when the temperature inches above freezing.

Cardigans are also great for layering and are more comfortable than a jacket. I have 4 long cardigans that I rotate through when I’m working from home. Black, burgundy, gray, and heathered gray. They go with pretty much everything and are super easy to layer over a t-shirt or blouse. I prefer the long cardigans because they are more casual and they cover my bum when I wear leggings.

Examples with shopping links:

• Lightweight sweaters and sweatshirts: Old Navy crewneck sweatshirt || Old Navy graphic sweatshirt || Amazon Daily Ritual sweater || Hanes zip-up sweatshirt || Lucky Brand graphic sweatshirt || Halogen merino wool sweater
• Long cardigans: Old Navy long-line cardigan || Amazon long cardigan || Amazon slouchy cardigan || Barefoot dreams cozy cardigan || Caslon open front cardigan

Light-colored pants and jeans

The old rule of no white after Labor Day doesn’t hold anymore, but you may be hesitant to wear your white denim in the winter, what with all the snow and ice, but now is a great time to pull them out. Choose a style that you prefer but I think skinny jeans are still on trend and they are the most versatile leg style. I also like light-wash denim and olive green pants in the spring. Last fall I styled my olive green pants 4 ways.

Examples with shopping links: Old Navy jeans || Amazon Goodthreads jeans || Levi’s cropped jeans on Amazon || Wit & Wisdom jeans || Kut from the Kloth jeans || Old Navy linen-blend pants || Wit & Wisdom ankle pants (lots of cute spring colors)

Leggings and Joggers

This one is pretty obvious, right? I’m not ready to pack away my leggings just yet! I will, however, swap out my fleece-lined leggings for a regular pair. Leggings also work great under most dresses if you’re still experiencing cool weather.

Joggers have been my go-to bottoms for working from home this winter because they’re warm and comfortable. I don’t see this changing much going in to spring until it starts to get hot.

Examples with shopping links:

• Leggings: Old Navy sculpt leggings || Old Navy 7/8 length leggings (fun spring colors) || 90 degree leggings on Amazon || Core 10 leggings on Amazon || Zella leggings || Zella 7/8 length leggings
• Joggers: Old Navy joggers || Amazon Essentials joggers || Zella joggers

Spring wardrobe essentials – Sneakers and comfortable sandals

Even if you’re not wearing shoes at home it’s always nice to have a cute pair of sneakers or sandals to slip on when you head outside. Maybe you like to take a walk on your lunch break or meet up with a friend for coffee outside. It’s easier to look put together if you have your sneakers and sandals at the ready. We get a lot of April showers where I live so I’ll keep my black rain boots handy as well. I’m all about comfort when it comes to shoes, so I’ll be linking some comfortable options for you at different price points.

Examples with shopping links:

• Sneakers: Dr. Scholl’s slip-on shoes || Nordstrom comfort sneakers || Zappos comfort sneakers || DSW comfort sneakers
• Sandals: Skechers comfort sandals || Rockport comfort sandals || Nordstrom comfort sandals || Zappos comfort sandals || DSW comfort sandals

Lightweight scarf

Spring can be a little chilly in some places, especially in the morning and evening, so a lightweight scarf comes in handy. Look for materials like satin, silk, or polyester. I think it looks super cute to pair a t-shirt and denim jacket with a bright scarf. You can also wear it as a headband, a wrap, around your neck, tie it on your handbag, or use it as a belt. A scarf is a super versatile accessory that adds a fun twist to any outfit.

Examples with shopping links: Super cute satin scarf in tons of colors/patterns || Satin scarf in solid colors || Mulberry silk scarf

An optional spring wardrobe essential: a comfortable dress

You probably didn’t think I would add a dress to this super casual list but I actually found myself wearing a dress occasionally while working from home last summer. I have a few really comfortable cotton dresses and they are so easy to wear. They look great under a jacket, cardigan, or sweater and you don’t have to worry about which bottoms to wear with them. If you’re not ready to see your legs yet (I know mine are quite pale and maybe a bit hairy right now), then don’t bother with this category. 😊

Examples with shopping links: Old Navy t-shirt dress || Another Old Navy t-shirt dress || Amazon Daily Ritual t-shirt dress || Caslon t-shirt dress

Spring Wardrobe Essentials for a Capsule Wardrobe

You can use these items to build a spring capsule wardrobe or they can be the building blocks for a larger closet. Either way you can’t go wrong with these spring essentials. Let me know in the comments which ones you’re adding to your shopping list. And don’t forget to follow my tips in this post to make sure you’re not wasting money on clothes you won’t wear.

While you’re here, check out some of my other posts

• Striped Shirt Styled 4 Ways
• Fall Wardrobe Essentials for An Everyday Style
• Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021
• Dress For Your Lifestyle – Wardrobe Revamp Part 2
• Summer Wedding Guest Outfit for Outdoor Wedding

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