Spring Capsule Wardrobe: Easy Spring Wardrobe Essentials Checklist For 2023

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Bring out the light layers and short sleeves, please!

Even though it’s technically spring, it sure doesn’t feel like it for me. Temperatures are still cold and my space heater runs almost everyday. We even had a random snow squall the other day. Make up your mind, weather! đŸ˜”â€đŸ’«

Despite the constant fluctuation in temps, we do have a few rare days when it’s sunny and warm. It’s those days that remind me that it’s actually spring. 

I have a sneaky feeling that it’s going to be warm and sunny soon, so I’m looking forward to curating my spring capsule wardrobe. Maybe this will help bring in the warm spring weather soon? Fingers crossed! đŸ€ž

Need a refresher? A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits. All the pieces in the collection complement each other, which makes outfit coordination a breeze!

It’s a great way to minimize your closet to only the key pieces you’ll need. You’ll save tons of time dressing in the morning! Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly too.

Disclosure: Vain Affair is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.

In This Post ➜
  1. What Should Be In A Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2022?
  2. Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
  3. Spring Capsule Wardrobe FAQs

What Should Be In A Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2022?

A spring capsule wardrobe should contain lighter layers and some warmer weather clothes, such as short sleeve tops and dresses. You’ll want a mixture of both to stay comfortable in chillier temperatures and slightly warmer days.

The beauty of spring is that it’s warmer, but not scorching hot like summer or freezing like winter. It’s that in-between weather that’s perfect for dressing up.

If you didn’t know, I started doing this every season, so I currently have a fall capsule wardrobe and winter capsule wardrobe out. Now, it’s time to lighten up the layers and introduce some new pieces into the spring capsule wardrobe.

Keep on reading for an easy and effortless spring capsule wardrobe inspiration that you can immediately copy, even with pieces you might already have.

If you don’t have a certain piece, I have some great shopping recommendations for you too!

Spring Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

The spring capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of items that you can wear every spring. It’s incredibly flexible and customizable, so you won’t get bored with it over time.

I put together a winter capsule wardrobe list that’s filled with pieces that I personally recommend. Below, you will find the essential pieces that you need in a spring capsule wardrobe.

I know that it may be hard to curate a spring capsule wardrobe for the first time, so if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

Style Tip: Keep a consistent color theme in your wardrobe. I highly recommend neutral colors, such as white, beige, brown, gray, and black. These colors never go out of style! I recommend it for all capsule wardrobes.

In any case, feel free to tweak it to your needs. If you live somewhere where it’s warmer or colder, you may want to include fewer or more layers respectively. 

I can’t wait to share my spring capsule wardrobe and style tips with you. Let’s dive right in!

Tops 👚

  1. White Short Sleeve Shirt

It’s time for the classic white short sleeve shirt to make its comeback! ​​This is an essential foundation piece for any casual outfit.

A white t-shirt is seasonless and is almost guaranteed to work with any pair of bottoms. Make sure you invest in a good quality t-shirt because you will find yourself wearing it all year round.

đŸŒŒ Shop White Short Sleeve Shirts đŸŒŒ

  1. Bodysuit

If you’re constantly tucking in your tops, then a bodysuit is the perfect for you! Bodysuits are secured in place all-day and virtually free of any lumps from tucking in a top. It’s a seamless tucked-in top that stays in place.

These one-piece, skin-tight tops cover the torso and crotch area. I recommended bodysuits as layering pieces in the winter, but it’s perfect to wear on its own in the spring capsule wardrobe!

Plus, there are so many fun styles to play with, such as short sleeves, asymmetric necklines, and knitted bodysuits.

đŸŒș Shop Bodysuits đŸŒș

  1. White Button Up Shirt

Clean, crisp, and classic–there’s a reason why I recommended this in my previous capsule collections. A white button down is versatile, timeless, and seasonless.

I don’t think it will ever go out of style. It works great in casual outfits and makes you look professional in an instant too. 

In the spring, they can be worn on their own. If it gets hot out, you can roll up your sleeves too. It’s great for polished looks or business casual outfits.

🌾 Shop White Button Up Shirts 🌾

Sweaters đŸ§¶

  1. Short Sleeve & Sleeveless Sweaters

Just because winter is over, doesn’t mean you can’t sport cozy sweaters in your outfits. For the spring capsule wardrobe, I recommend thin knits, particularly short sleeve sweaters.

Short sleeve and sleeveless sweaters provide just the right amount of warmth and are perfect for those chilly office or outdoor temperatures. Think of them as an elevated t-shirt.

They look great with denim jeans or trousers and layer well under a blazer or jacket.

đŸŒ· Shop Short Sleeve & Sleeveless Sweaters đŸŒ·

  1. Long Sleeve Sweater

Again, the key here is to get thin knits. Unlike in the winter, long sleeve sweaters are no longer just layering pieces. They look incredibly good on their own during springtime.

Play around with getting a variety of different necklines and neutral colors. For instance, get a white crew neck sweater, black v-neck sweater, brown mock turtleneck sweater or gray half zip sweater.

Varying the styles of your sweaters will help you create a wider range of different outfits!

💐 Shop Long Sleeve Sweaters 💐

Dresses & Jumpsuits 👗

  1. Midi Dress

I can’t wait to bring out the midi dress for my spring capsule wardrobe. Their length makes it classy and has just enough coverage for warmth on slightly chillier days.

Plus, there are so many cute styles out there that are currently trending this spring like puff sleeves!

Moreover, you don’t need to agonize over outfit coordination. It’s a lazy girl’s dream because you literally just step in and go. 

🍀 Shop Midi Dresses 🍀 

  1. Shirt Dress

Another must-have spring capsule wardrobe essential is the shirt dress. This versatile, everyday dress is equally stylish and comfortable.

Plus, since it’s a dress, you don’t need to worry about coordinating bottoms! 😉

đŸŒ» Shop Shirt Dresses đŸŒ» 

  1. Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are great because they give the illusion of a two-piece outfit. This is great for those days when you don’t want to wear a dress, but still want an all-in-one outfit.

I especially love the clean look of utility jumpsuits and the minimal styling effort. Also, they actually have lots of functional pockets, so it’s practical too. 

đŸŒč Shop Jumpsuits đŸŒč 

Outerwear đŸ§„

  1. Trench Coat

A trench coat is an essential outerwear for a spring capsule wardrobe. It’s the perfect transitional spring outerwear.

It’s not as thick as a wool coat, but it provides just enough warmth for chilly weather. Make sure you get a long beige trench coat for that classy, timeless look. 

🌾 Shop Trench Coats 🌾 

  1. Denim Jacket

The denim jacket is a classic staple in my spring capsule wardrobe. I recommend boxy and loose fitting denim jackets for that cool, laid back vibe.

These jackets look great over a simple white tee or dress. They even look amazing with high-waisted trousers or jeans. It’s the perfect layer for chilly spring days.

đŸŒș Shop Denim Jackets đŸŒș 

  1. Blazer

Get a blazer if you don’t own one yet! They instantly make an outfit look smart and can be dressed down for casual looks. It also makes a great layering piece for the changing seasons, such as winter to spring.

For instance, you can style a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans. In addition, slouchy blazers look great with a dress. Blazers are seasonless and timeless, so you’ll find yourself wearing them year-round. 

đŸŒ· Shop Blazers đŸŒ· 

  1. Cropped Cardigan

Cardigans add a lightweight layer, which are great for chilly indoor temperatures. For the spring capsule wardrobe, I recommend a cropped cardigan too because they look great with high waisted pants or dresses. No tucking in necessary!

Make sure you get neutral colors, such white, gray, beige, or black for super easy outfit coordination.

💐 Shop Cropped Cardigans 💐 

Related: First Date Winter Date Night Outfits: 14 Outfits To Cuddle In

Bottoms 👖

  1. Wide Leg Pants Or Trousers

Pants or trousers are super versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. They’re a year-round staple for me and I highly recommend it for the spring capsule wardrobe.

Remember to purchase black or tan trousers for easy outfit coordination. I also love high-waisted and wide leg styles for their leg elongating effect. 

Also, try to add a mix of different fabrics to the spring capsule wardrobe. I particularly love linen pants. They’re airy and breathable, which is perfect for warm spring days.

🍀 Shop Wide Leg Pants Or Trousers 🍀 

  1. White & Light Wash Jeans

Denim jeans are also a year-round staple and go-to for casual looks. I like to keep timeless silhouettes in my wardrobe, so that it always stays fresh.

Loose jeans and straight blue jeans have modern silhouettes that don’t seem to go out of style. I also recommend high-waisted jeans and experimenting with hems, such as cropped, wide leg, or flare jeans.

In terms of color, I recommend light blue or cream jeans for maximum versatility. They’re also perfect for spring. You really can’t go wrong with these colors.

đŸŒŒ Shop White & Light Wash Jeans đŸŒŒ

  1. Joggers

These athleisure pants are trendy right now and for a good reason! They’re stylish, but just as comfortable as sweatpants. 

Unlike sweatpants, jogger pants have a flattering leg shape. Plus, their cuffed ankles help highlight your cute shoes too.

Plus, they can be dressed up or down easily, which makes going from the gym to brunch a lot easier too.

đŸŒč Shop Joggers đŸŒč

  • Blair: Skechers Ultra Go Jogger – Designed for exercising and comfortable enough for lounging. Constructed of Skechknitsℱ Ultra Goℱ fabric, a flexible 4-way stretch brushed jersey wicks away moisture, to keep you feeling your best.
  • Belk: Skechers SkechLuxe Restful Jogger Pants – Redefine relaxed style and comfort with the Skechers Apparel Restful Jogger Pant. Soft, silky knit french terry SKECHLUXEℱ fabric in a pull-on casual fashion jogger sweatpant with comfort features.
  • Talbots: WASHED LINEN JOGGERS – Of-the-moment jogger style with a tapered leg and elastic back. Made from soft, breathable linen. Dress them up. Or dress them down.
  1. Black Leggings

Black leggings are an essential foundation piece for easy comfort and style. They’re super easy to pair with shoes and tops too. 

Look for interesting textures, such as quilted or faux leather textures for a unique twist to the typical black leggings.

🌾 Shop Black Leggings 🌾

  1. Slip Skirt

A slip skirt is a lovely spring wardrobe essential. I am particularly fond of satin or silk skirts. A slip skirt will instantly elevate the entire outfit and make it look classy.

I recommend a midi length slip skirt with a slit on the side for a classy yet sexy look.

Not to mention, I love the feeling of the silky fabric against my skin on a warm spring day. 😉

đŸŒș Shop Slip Skirts đŸŒș

Related: 7 Cute Long Skirt Outfits & Style Tips You Need To Know Now!

Shoes 👡

  1. White Sneakers

Sneakers are a year-round staple that also work great in the spring when your feet need a break from wearing sandals all day. If you love taking long strolls or you’ll be on your feet all day, sneakers are the way to go!

Just because it’s comfortable, doesn’t mean that it’s unstylish. Check out chunky dad sneakers or classic converses for style and comfort.

đŸŒ· Shop White Sneakers đŸŒ·

  1. Block Heeled Sandals

Spring is all about sandals, so a spring capsule wardrobe is definitely not complete without this classic staple. I highly recommend sandals with a chunky heel for everyday looks.

The chunky heel gives you a boost in height and makes it more comfortable to walk in. Play around with pointed or square toe shapes for a stylish detail.

💐 Shop Block Heeled Sandals 💐

  1. Mule Flats

If you’re looking for a stylish pair of flats, consider the mule flats. These flats provide coverage up front and come in stylish toe shapes, such as pointed or square toes. They’re even great for business casual outfits.

I love the fact that they are super comfortable to walk in. Plus, they’re hassle free–slip them on and off in just a few seconds.

🍀 Shop Mule Flats 🍀

  1. Chunky Platforms

I just love a great platform moment. Chunky platforms give you a boost in height and are more comfortable to walk in than heeled sandals.

There’s plenty of great spring platforms to choose from. They also look great in pretty much every casual outfit I can think of.

đŸŒ» Shop Chunky Platforms đŸŒ»

  • Keds: Trio Platform – Step straight back into the ‘90s with the Trio Platform sandal. An instant way to transform all your go-to summer looks.
  • Soft Surroundings: Cecelia NY Frisbe Jute Platform Wedge – A modern update to the classic espadrille finds a jute-wrapped platform paired with a woven leather upper.
  • Keds: Jump Kick Duo Leather – We’re all about the chunky sneaker trend (especially as an unexpected pairing with floaty dresses), but we’re not into all the bulk and heaviness that often comes with the look.

Accessories 👜

  1. Shoulder Bag

A chic and quality shoulder bag is an essential bag that you’ll need for your spring capsule wardrobe. These chic bags have been trending lately and I can see why!

Just before you head out, make sure to throw on a sleek shoulder bag to complete your look. Trust me, it’ll coordinate with just about any outfit.

đŸŒč Shop Shoulder Bags đŸŒč

  1. Tote Bag

A light and roomy tote bag is the perfect companion for a stroll through an open-air market. It’s perfect for those days when you are planning to shop for more things than usual. It’s a chic way to store your hauls. 😉

These easy to carry bags look great with casual, laidback outfits. Plus, they’re super portable too!

🌾 Shop Tote Bags 🌾

  1. Small Gold Jewelry

Small gold jewelry is timeless and chic. They will always outlast trends and coordinate well with any outfit.

Adding a pair of small hoops, minimal rings, and delicate necklaces will instantly add a touch of elegance and sophistication, without being too overwhelming. 

đŸŒș Shop Small Gold Jewelry đŸŒș

  1. Sunglasses

Sunglasses serve two purposes–to protect your eyes and to accessorize! For a spring capsule wardrobe, choose classic shapes that never go out of style.

Avoid any trendy shapes, such as tiny sunglasses and vibrant colors or prints. You’ll want to get a pair of minimal sunglasses that’ll serve you for years to come.

đŸŒ· Shop Sunglasses đŸŒ·

  1. Silk Scarf

How can I forget about this elegant accessory? When I see a silk scarf, I immediately think of spring. 

Tie a silk scarf around your neck to add a pop of color and elegance to your outfit. It immediately elevates the outfit and makes you look more expensive.

💐 Shop Silk Scarves 💐

Spring Capsule Wardrobe FAQs

What Is A Capsule Wardrobe?

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of clothing that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits. All the pieces in the collection complement each other, which makes outfit coordination a breeze.

Capsule wardrobes help minimize your closet to only the key pieces you’ll need. You’ll save tons of time dressing in the morning!

Capsule wardrobes help minimize your closet to only the key pieces you’ll need.

It’s a great way to add some style to your wardrobe and make it more accessible. A good spring capsule wardrobe can help you transition from a casual to formal outfit too. It can even help you discover new ways to wear your favorite pieces.

If you are looking for a wardrobe that’s easy to wear and pull off, this is the wardrobe for you. 

How Many Clothes And Shoes Should Be In My Spring Capsule Wardrobe? 

The key to building a good spring capsule wardrobe is to invest in quality pieces. It’s better to have fewer quality clothing than a lot of cheap, low-quality clothes. 

There isn’t a hard rule on exactly how many clothes should be in a capsule wardrobe. The general rule of thumb is between 25 to 50 pieces, but it really depends on your personal preference and lifestyle.

Remember, it’s quality over quantity. Your wardrobe should have quality basics in neutral colors and classic prints. 

Related: 7 Ways To Perfect A Timeless Style | Style For A Lifetime

How Does A Capsule Wardrobe Benefit Me?

Any capsule wardrobe, including the spring capsule wardrobe above, comes with a ton of benefits. Here’s some of the benefits you can reap from a spring capsule wardrobe:

  1. More Money In Your Pocket

Clothes curated for a capsule wardrobe are purchased with meaning and intent. They’re not impulse buys of the latest cute trend. Therefore, you’re less likely to purchase items that just end up collecting dust at the back of your closet. 

Also, a capsule wardrobe is planned in advance, so it leaves less room for unintended purchases. The key to curating a good spring capsule wardrobe is to shop for all the necessary pieces at the beginning of the season, so you’re not tempted to purchase more later.

  1. Effortless & Quick Outfits

A good capsule wardrobe also means that all your items will match each other well. Therefore, it should have a cohesive theme. If you only had 2 minutes to get dressed, would you be able to pull an outfit together? A capsule wardrobe can help you get dressed in a moment’s notice. 

  1. Timeless & Classic Styles

A versatile and long-lasting capsule wardrobe is filled with timeless and classic styles. Whether it’s for work, meetings, first dates, or a drink with friends, your capsule wardrobe has you covered. You will find yourself wearing these pieces for many years to come!

However, I do have to warn you, it can take time to perfect. If you’re not used to styling a small wardrobe, it can be challenging. It will take effort and perseverance, but the end result is well worth it!

Do I Need To Buy New Clothes Every Season?

Nope, the goal of a capsule wardrobe is to help you reuse old pieces and reduce the need to purchase new pieces every season.

If you do buy something new, just remember the one-in-and-one-out rule.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t occasionally buy new pieces for your spring capsule wardrobe or other seasonal capsule wardrobes. You want to keep a minimal selection of clothes, though.

If you do buy something new, just remember the one-in-and-one-out rule. Basically, every time you purchase something new, an older piece comes out of your closet. Clothes that you don’t need can be donated or sold, if they’re in good condition.

Can I Include Trendy Clothes In My Capsule Wardrobe? 

Trendy clothes can make a capsule wardrobe tricky to work with. The point of a spring capsule wardrobe or any capsule wardrobe is for easy outfit coordination and trends tend to make it difficult.

A lot of trends like vivid colors, such as neon green, or striking patterns, tend to make outfit coordination difficult. That’s why I highly recommend keeping a consistent neutral color theme, which includes white, beige, brown, gray, and black. As for patterns, I recommend classic patterns, such as thin stripes.

Trends tend to make outfit coordination difficult.

If you would like to include trends, make sure the majority of your capsule wardrobe is made of neutral basics. Then, sprinkle in some subtle trends, such as puff sleeves or unique asymmetrical clothing cuts. That way you would have the best of both worlds!

How Often Do You Do Laundry With A Capsule Wardrobe?

It surprises a lot of people when I say that most clothing can be worn more than once. They’re even more surprised when I tell them how long certain pieces can be worn unwashed.

Did you know that your clothing lifespan decreases every time you wash them? Yup, it’s true! Since we’re all here to create a spring capsule wardrobe that’ll last us a long time, it’s important to know when to wash your clothes.

There’s no set rule on exactly when to wash certain pieces. Obviously, if they smell bad or are stained, you should wash them immediately.

Super Tip: Remember to check the clothing tags for specific washing instructions too. Some delicate materials require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. Also, avoid using the dryer and hang dry your clothes, if you can. This will prolong its life!

Here’s some general rules on when some of the most common clothing should be washed:

  1. Cotton Tees: Since they sit directly over your upper body, you need to wash them every two to three wears.
  2. Shirts: Shirts should be washed every three or four wears. Try not to tumble dry them if you can too.
  3. Sweaters & Coats: Don’t wash these unless you absolutely have too–think visible stains or smells. Sweaters made of wool or delicate fabrics should be hand washed, so double-check the clothing tags for washing instructions. Look for dry wash sprays to keep them fresh too.
  4. Jeans: These can be worn for two weeks before you throw them in a wash. However, if they are stained, you should wash them sooner. I have some useful tips to keep jeans fresh without washing them at the bottom of this article.
  5. Dresses, Skirts, & Trousers: Wash these every five wears and possibly more frequently for trousers when it’s warmer.

I hope this inspires you to curate your own fabulous spring capsule wardrobe that you’ll love for years to come. Let me know what you have in your capsule wardrobe!

Disclosure: Vain Affair is reader-supported. When you buy through affiliate links on our website, we’ll make a small commission, without impacting your price. Thank you. Learn more.

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I'm Monica, and I'm so glad that you found me. I'm just a girl with a guilty pleasure of all things fashion.

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