The CHICEST Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2023

You’ve been there, right? You get the chicest spring outfit on, head out the door feeling great, only to be freezing by the afternoon, or get caught in the rain quickly transitioning you from chic superstar to wet dog. Having the right pieces in your spring capsule wardrobe is the answer you need.

Keep things simple by investing in quality, versatile pieces that transition easily throughout all of life’s adventures! From stylish dresses to comfortable athleisure, creating an aesthetically pleasing yet utilitarian wardrobe has never been easier with help from my 2023 Spring Capsule Wardrobe guide.

And, if you want the free outfit guide based on this spring capsule- sign up below!

With a capsule wardrobe, you can select quality clothing items that mix and match to create various outfits. Rather than buying lots of low-cost, fast fashion pieces that won’t last long, invest in fewer high-quality staples instead – this will save money and make it easier for you each morning when getting dressed! And best of all, your individual style can be represented more effectively without the need to follow fleeting trends which don’t appeal to you. This isn’t about being boring, never trying a new trend or wearing a uniform, but instead building a closet you love that speaks to your inner essence.

Capsule wardrobes don’t have to be drab or outdated, they are simply more intentional in their design and prioritize timelessness and customizability over the constant turnover of trends.

No matter the season or aesthetic, capsule wardrobes can be crafted to fit any style. Today we’ll dive deep into how to create a spring wardrobe that’s sure to turn heads!

How to Start a Winter Capsule Wardrobe

Begin by examining your current wardrobe. Take a close look at each garment and determine what you’d like to keep and discard. If you’re stuck, ask yourself these crucial queries:

• Do I love this item?
• Does it fit well?
• Is it flattering?
• Is it comfortable?
• Does it fit my moral standards for fashion or my consumption goals? (optional, but encouraged)
• Does it fit my lifestyle needs? ( If you live in a rainy climate, you’re going to need a good raincoat and rain boots, not a linen coat and stilettos!)

If the answer to any of these questions was no, it’s time to put that item to the side and either sell, donate, re-home, or put it in storage. Ideally, we don’t want items cluttering up our closet or making our clothing inventory hard to keep track of.

Start with the Basics

Your capsule wardrobe should be anchored by the essential items that can flexibly transition between a multitude of ensembles. For spring, seek out items that can be layered or worn alone depending on the temperature, and that can easily be mixed and matched with one another. Think of the basics as your foundation, such as a white t-shirt or black blazer, that enable you to expand your wardrobe choices without building up too much clutter. For more on wardrobe strategies check out this video.

Stick to a Color Palette 

  Rather than building a wardrobe out of items in every color, focus on developing a cohesive palette. This will allow you to create beautiful outfits with ease! One option for spring is to incorporate some lighter shades like mint, lavender, or periwinkle to help lighten your wardrobe up and help transition it from winter. You also need your own set of neutrals.

I recommend exploring your seasonal color analysis, for a great place to start honing your own unique palette. Or creating a wardrobe color palette based on what you already have in your closet.

But the more cohesive and intentional your color palette is, the more flexible it will be when mixing and matching different pieces.

Vet a Trend Before You Buy

Small touches of the latest trends can add interest to your wardrobe without sacrificing its timelessness. I recommend researching a trend before you purchase so that it fits with your own personal style and is crafted from high-quality materials; this will help ensure that it stands the test of time both in terms of fashion and longevity.

A capsule wardrobe should not feel “cookie-cutter” and honestly, this guide and the pieces I’ve selected should just be a jumping-off point. You need to make sure you understand your own authentic style, and your style goals and imbue those elements into your capsule wardrobe.

Also, examine if the trend you want is more of a styling technique or if the actual item is a new or different silhouette from what you already own. Often times a piece doesn’t “go out of style” it is just styled differently. So keep an eye on how you see a classic item styled each season. Using these styling tweaks can make a capsule wardrobe staple feel fresh each season.

Choosing Versatile Pieces That Work for YOU

A huge benefit of the capsule wardrobe is being able to easily visualize what outfit you want, and what outfit looks good on you. Your closet won’t be stuffed to the brim and overwhelmed with items that get zero wear. But that means you really need to hone in on your day-to-day clothing needs and how you like to build your outfits.

I’m a big layering person when I build outfits. So for me, I prioritize having a lot of staple layering pieces that also work with my proportions. If you want to learn more about dressing proportions, I have a deep-dive video on it here.

So before you click buy on any of these spring capsule options, ask yourself a few questions.

1. How do I like to build my outfit each day? Is it functionality based? Feeling? Mood? Inspiration?
2. How many pieces do I typically use within an outfit? Do you like to throw on a dress and be done with it, or are you a jeans with a tee with a cardigan with a jacket type of person?
3. What does my style data already tell me?

So you may be curious about what I mean by “style data”?

Well, as a stylist who helps people find their own “strength through style,” I like to encourage people to snap daily outfit photos. These are not elaborate photoshoots or gorgeous photos you’ll treasure forever. They are quick mirror selfies, or the equivalent, to start collecting style data.

From there, you can begin to hone down your own unique “go-to” pieces, or what style elements you naturally gravitate towards. And you can also start to see when clothes really harmonize with your authentic style and your body, ie when you look and feel your best in an outfit. It can also help you pinpoint when you’re trying a style that maybe didn’t work for you and then you can decide whether it’s worth revisiting or putting to the side.

Here are some of my style data.

From this information, we see my style’s common threads. Now, this is a small sample, but it’s also some of the outfits I feel my best in. I like some relaxed qualities to my silhouettes, longer hems, and touches of drama or glamour. I don’t wear things that are dainty or overly fussy and I like pieces that highlight my shoulders.

And if we compare it to my personal style map, we can see the outfits I relate to have a (personal) but direct connection.

If you’d like to learn more about personal style mapping, which isn’t capsule wardrobe specific but can be instrumental in deciding what pieces have a final home in your closet and speak to your style authentically, I go over it in this video. (along with a free worksheet, here.)

What Do I Need in My Spring Capsule Wardrobe?

Building out a capsule wardrobe should consist of your own lifestyle staples, and then adding in any seasonally appropriate or preferred items to balance them out.

Assuming your goal is to build a strong foundational wardrobe, you should be carrying over base pieces from season to season. Items like a great pair of jeans, a blazer, a bodysuit, or a tee could easily transition into your spring wardrobe. So don’t feel like you need to buy a new version of the item, or check off every piece on this spring capsule checklist.

The checklist is here to get your style inspirations going, evaluate any potential wardrobe gaps, or examine any closet balance issues. I’d encourage you to look at where your style is already at, and then decide which pieces will help build your wardrobe up.

Spring capsule wardrobes don’t need to be entirely new items either! You can freshen up any winter staples with lighter-weight materials, subtle prints or details, different colors, and/or textures.

The point is, use this list as a guideline but feel free to make it your own! It’s all about finding pieces you already love and building a wardrobe that speaks to your authentic style and lifestyle needs.

 We may earn a commission from you clicking a link below. And as an amazon associate, we earn on qualifying purchases. Full affiliate policy, here.

Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2023

Here are some of my go-to items for spring.

• Straight-Leg Jeans ( or a go-to pair of jeans that transition from your winter wardrobe)
• Trouser
• Wide-leg Jean
• Trench Coat
• Coat (my pick is a utility coat this season)
• Blazer
• Cardigan
• Sweatshirt
• Knit Dress
• Dress option 2 (shirtdress or more glamorous)
• Decorative Blouse/Trendy Blouse
• Bodysuit
• Boyfriend Button-Up
• Tank Top
• Tee
• Skirt

Accessories

• Classic Sneakers
• Heeled Boots
• Sandals
• Strappy Heels
• Tote bag
• Handbag
• Everyday earring or jewelry item
• Sunglasses
• Belt
• Hat

Optional

• Raincoat
• Rainboots
• Silk Scarf
• Tights

Let’s examine some of the above suggestions and see if they would work for your wardrobe.

Jeans

I’ve found for my body type and style goals, that I prefer to have go-to straight-leg jeans and wide-leg jeans. Those are the silhouettes that I feel best in and they create the most flexibility for my outfit formulas.

These are the exact two straight-leg jeans I have in my capsule and have gotten a ton of wear per price out of them.

If you’re struggling to find your own go-to style of jeans then you should examine your style data (as mentioned above) and see which styles you naturally gravitate towards. Jeans are a foundational capsule item for most people and will be used over and over again, so it’s essential to find “your” pair.

I’m especially loving these 90’s style straight-leg jeans. With 90’s chic still having a big resurgence, we can take inspiration from the elevated cool girl outfits of that decade.

Here’s some outfit inspiration that might resonate:

Trench Coat

Every spring we see an interation of the trench pop up as a staple, and for good reason. It’s weather appropriate, and an easy layering piece. Plus, it’s fabulous.

The slightly oversized trench gives chic Parisian vibes and still remains polished. This is definitely the style that is trending right now. If that’s not your vibe, consider what style elements would harmonize better for you. Perhaps it’s a more classic fashion trench with a slim silhouette, or a shorter hemmed option.

Utility Jacket

Utility Jackets are having a moment right now and I love the clean lines and minimalist vibes of this one.

If you want a casual yet chic layering piece, I highly recommend a modern utility jacket.

If that’s not your vibe, you could try a leather jacket with a shearling collar, or a denim jacket. But I think minimalist utility jackets will be a hot item.

Cardigan

Generally, I think thin rib cardigans are perfect for spring as a layering or base piece. And with a lot of 90’s fashion trends having a resurgence, the lighter slim-fit cardigans are also very in-vogue.

Something like this has a lot of style longevity and can be applied to a variety of personal styles. It could be tweaked for a more classic fashion look or a cool ’90s it-girl outfit. ( I also love how many buttons it has, so you have a lot of closure options!)

Bodysuit

I love a great bodysuit for my capsule wardrobe, and this season is no different. They are so stylish and you can wear them underneath almost any ensemble. Perfect for a layered look.

I’ve found that a great staple bodysuit is an essential layering piece for my wardrobe, and could be a great addition to your spring wardrobe. As a busy mom, I love how clean and polished it looks throughout the day.

Knit Dress

I also think having a flexible knit dress in your wardrobe is essential. You can style it up or down, depending on the situation and occasion.

It can be layered with any of the top items in this spring capsule, and it could be dressed up for a date night or worn to a casual lunch with friends.

I love the simplicity of this option as it provides a lot of versatility in outfit building.

“The” Dress

Dresses are a huge part of my wardrobe. I love the ease of an “all-in-one” outfit and how easily you can dress it up or down while still looking polished.

And if dresses are a mainstay in your wardrobe, I recommend finding the dress. This should ultimately be a dress that speaks to your personal style preferences and makes you feel your best.

It is usually a bit more memorable than certain other staples in your wardrobe, but it ends up being a lot of “bang for your buck” because of how good it makes you feel.

In the past, my dress has been the Juliette dress from Reformation.

And believe me, my wear per cost for that dress was well worth it. So I decided to expand my wardrobe by finding an alternative to that dress, that still has the same vibe.

Which is when I landed on the Carmen Dress.

I personally got it in red, because my closet benefitted from a more evening-appropriate color. But the floral pattern is a great option for spring day-to-evening.

I will say- do not put a lot of stock in the size guide they give you. Especially in the upper torso area. I’d recommend sizing up more than you think you need to for this item.

Trendy Top/ Unique

So you’ve probably seen the list and realized you have most of what you need for a spring wardrobe already in your closet. But maybe you want to spice up your spring style a bit and decide to integrate a trendier top into the mix.

I personally opt for trendy items to be a dress or a top most frequently. Trendier pants usually have less longevity and are already harder to find the perfect fit.

A great spring trend you could try integrating is either the sheer trend or the off-the-shoulder trend. We are seeing both trends flourish in spring 2023.

I opted for the off-the-shoulder trend because I liked how it worked on my body and could see it working for future outfits even when it’s less of a “trend”.

The knit top is a bit better if your wardrobe needs to lean more casual, but I have to say the silk blouse is really a showstopper and could still be paired with jeans to be less formal.

Go-To Tank

I bought these exact tanks last summer and they have been a major wardrobe staple for me. They are super affordable, have a great fit, and also live up to their hype (they went viral on tiktok).

These can be an easy and chic base piece for your wardrobe. Highly recommend. I have them personally in white, gray, and navy and plan to pick up another color this season as well.

Sweatshirt

Investing in cute athleisure has made me feel so much better about my style on days when I just didn’t want to “try”.

I still love the sweatshirt I included in the winter capsule wardrobe and wear it very frequently. You can find that one above.

But if you want something new, I love the below option for spring (especially in gray!). It’s light and fresh, while still having a cool girl factor.

Spring Capsule Shoes

Shoes are a great way to add a fresher look to your spring capsule wardrobe. So let’s go over a few great options that might help you round out your shoe capsule.

Sandals

The “big” buckle Birkenstocks are definitely trending this season. And while I love the traditional two-strap option, they leaned a bit more casual than I wanted for most of my go-to outfits. I LOVE the one-strap option, though.

These can be easily paired with jeans and a tee or thrown on with a spring floral dress. Some reviewers complained that they were uncomfortable, but having worn mine regularly I did not find that to be the case. But, the fit of the straps is important to play with when breaking in Birkenstocks.

New Balance 327

Classic sneakers are always a wardrobe necessity for me and this season the New Balance 327 is going to be the “it” sneaker.

Their fun ’70s vibe, and cool array of color options make them an easy to addition to anyone’s spring capsule.

If you like this style of shoe, I’d jump on these because they seem to be selling out everywhere! Also as an FYI these are “noisy” shoes to break in.

Ballet Flat

We’ve seen a major resurgence in the ballet flat this year, but honestly, it’s a pretty classic shoe style. I find it a great way to add a bit of Parisian chic to a jeans look, and it fits seamlessly with a spring dress.

Spring Capsule Accessories

Tote

I stand by, for another capsule wardrobe, the LL Bean Boat tote. It’s affordable, chic, and very durable. Plus, you can customize it or monogram it. Stil love my “ironic” monogram, but you can also go more classic.

It’s my go-to airport bag and errand bag.

Handbag

A great handbag or crossbody bag is a mainstay in my wardrobe and most people’s capsule wardrobes. While day-to-day errands may require more space, it’s always nice to swap it out for a more dainty visual piece like a small shoulder bag or handabg. This still fits daily necessities but doesn’t overwhelm or drag down a more polished outfit.

Jewelry

Jewelry is great for adding a bit of sparkle and flair to an outfit. It can take an everyday look from basic to wow! Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune on the pieces you choose. Finding a few go-to jewelry pieces can really enhance even the most basic of outfits.

Don’t discount the impact a few staple pieces can make on your everyday style. When choosing your jewelry staples consider your seasonal color palette for whether gold or silver would be best. And also consider your lifestyle needs. I love great statement earring but working from home and chasing a toddler means they are not my everyday earringss. Instead, I opt for a simple gold hoop.

Shop the Spring Capsule

5 Key Benefits of Capsule Wardrobes

1. Quality Pieces – Investing in quality wardrobe pieces that last for seasons to come is a great way to save money over time. Capsule wardrobes provide an opportunity to buy fewer, better items.

2. Style Simplification – When you have fewer choices, it’s easier to get dressed in the morning and more efficient to purchase new pieces. And you find new outfit ideas become easier because you know what you have!

3. Time Efficiency – Capsule wardrobes help you save time as you don’t have to spend extra minutes picking out the perfect outfit each morning. You already have faith in the items you own.

4. Increased Creativity – With fewer items in your wardrobe, you can mix and match them in different ways and create unique looks. You never have to be overwhelmed with too many choices that don’t harmonize or forget your clothing inventory. Knowing what you have in your closet allows you to play more!

5. Sustainable Fashion – A capsule wardrobe encourages a more sustainable approach to fashion by buying fewer pieces and reusing them season after season. Plus, it helps reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills every year.

Creating your own capsule wardrobe can seem daunting at first, but with some time and research, you can create a wardrobe that is both practical and stylish.

Remember this is a tool to express your own personal style, not a “uniform” or a bland palette. So don’t be afraid to examine your own style inspirations, color preferences, and outfit formulas to build a unique capsule wardrobe!

Pin the below image for your spring style reference!