Spring Capsule Wardrobe
With the weather warming up, it’s time to swap those cozy sweaters out for light and playful layers!
Spring 2025 trend forecasts predict lots of pastels and textures featuring all the usual favorites of pinks, florals, trench coats, and nautical nods.
So if you're ready to make getting dressed a breeze, here's everything you should include in your spring capsule wardrobe!
Looking for other seasonal staples? See them here:
Summer Capsule | Fall Capsule | Travel Capsule
Spring Capsule Wardrobe Checklist
3 Basic tees
2 Breathable tank tops
2 Dressy tops
2 Classic button-downs
2 Wide leg pants
2 Long skirt
1 Pair of lounge pants
2 Midi dresses
1 Breezy outer shell
1 Long jacket (trench or cape)
1 Short jacket (blazer, fleece, denim jacket, or leather jacket)
1 Pair of sneakers
1 Pair of sandals
Accessories
What Is A Capsule Wardrobe And How Do I Create One?
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of 20-40 garments that mix and match cohesively to form an entire closet of outfits.
It’s a useful tool commonly used in the minimalism and sustainable fashion spaces to help get you get dressed more easily and more mindfully.
A capsule closet should be adapted to fit your personal style and your existing wardrobe, so this article is going to run through some suggestions of what to include, but you can use the basic principles outlined in the section to create a capsule wardrobe that works specifically for you.
Tips To Create A Spring Capsule Wardrobe:
Plan for the weather accordingly. I grew up in NYC and every March, my teachers would reiterate that spring comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. Your capsule should accommodate all the fluctuations of spring weather in your region. Realistically, this means plenty of layers and some water resistant options too.
Use a consistent color palette. Having all of your garments centered around one color palette makes getting dressed significantly easier. It doesn’t have to be one specific color, but you should at least work with the same hues or tones. Here's a breakdown of the color theory behind mismatched outfits and how you can use it to create a cohesive but fun wardrobe.
Mix textures, makeup, and accessories for novelty. The downside to wearing the same garments for an entire season is that it can get kind of boring. So add some fun back into getting dressed by playing with textures make up and accessories. If you wanna keep things simple you can always go with a basic look, but you can also amp things up by getting more creative with your face.
Analyze and index your closet beforehand. While you're doing your spring cleaning, go through your closet and index everything. A lot of my friends use an outfit planner like Stylebook Closet App to organize and pre-plan their outfits but I don’t because I prefer the spontaneity. (Heads up, it's not free though.)
In the next section, I'll talk through some essentials include in your spring capsule wardrobe but as a reminder, you should definitely adapt it to your specific closet!
What to Include:
Layerable Natural Fiber (Eg. Linen or Cotton) Tops
Despite the fact that all of our clothes (and fast fashion in particular) are basically plastic now, do your best to include natural fiber garments like organic cotton, linen, or help tops.
These clothes are a lot more breathable and will do a good job of keeping you warm when you need to stay warm, and keeping you cool and dry as it starts to warm up.
1. Three Basic Tees
You can't go wrong with a basic tee. From everyday wear, to casual work Fridays, to a sweaty workout, a tee shirt works for all situations. I’ve included a wide variety with different colors and silhouettes so feel free to mix and match as you see fit.
2. Two Breathable Tank Tops
A breathable tank top is essential for spring layering. The slouchy white tank is having a moment this season so if you already have one in your closet, this is your cue to add it to your capsule!
3. Two Dressy Tops
Dressy tops cover your bases for all occasions. Going out? Dressy top. Grocery shopping? Dressy top. Zoom meeting? Dressy top.
Maybe it's because I'm a millennial, but this wardrobe staple should always be included!
4. Two Classic Button-Downs
Nothing says spring like a loose white button-down.
However, the deep v-neck alternatives are all the rage this season so if you feel comfortable with it, swap out your typical silhouette for something a little more edgy.
Versatile Bottoms
Fun bottoms are the gen z alternative to dressy tops. I've included three styles that make up the essentials for a perfect spring capsule wardrobe.
5. Two Wide Leg Pants
Tapered pant styles are making an appearance here and there on the runways, but in general, I think we've all accepted that wide leg pants are infinitely more comfortable. Make sure to include at least one classic denim pair in your spring capsule but you can also switch some varieties in fun colors and interesting textures.
6. Two Long Skirts
The white boho skirt had major moment last summer and I'm sure it's still good to wear! Dig it out of your closet for this season and add one more floral (or denim) maxi skirt to really channel spring!
7. One Pair of Lounge Pants
Sportswear and athleisure always come back around during spring so keep it comfy and cute with a pair of lounge pants (maybe of the bellbottom variety) that function for both casual events and nights out.
Essential Statement Pieces
A statement piece is where your personal style shines. Even if you keep the rest of your capsule wardrobe basic, a handful of fun and interesting garments can make your looks that much more memorable.
8. Two Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are by far the most versatile garment that you can choose from. Mix different fabrics, prints, textures, and silhouettes to add interest in your wardrobe.
Flapper fringe was really popular on the runways but if that's not for you, why not go with a classic pastel floral dress?
9. One Breezy Outer Shell
Throw it back with bright windbreakers that are both functional and stylish. They're a great way to add urban feel and color to your wardrobe!
9. One Long Jacket (Trench Coat or Cape)
Trench coats are a classic every spring because they're chic and go with just about everything. If you want an updated version for 2025, swap it out for a more dramatic cape instead!
10. One Short Jacket (Blazer, Fleece, Denim Jacket, or Leather Jacket)
It's essential to have two outerwear garments for your spring capsule just in case one gets dirty or you're simply not feeling it. I would choose a blazer, fleece, denim jacket, or leather jacket... Honestly, it's entirely your personal preference!
Sensible Shoes
Honestly, if someone working with a fairly minimal closet, I personally don’t swap my shoes out. However, if you have 10+ shoes in your general wardrobe, then maybe it’s a good idea to choose two or three that you rotate through for the season. I’ve included two types for this list, but you can add a boot depending on where you live.
11. One Pair of Sneakers
You’re always going to need a pair of sneakers; I don’t care what time of year, it is you’re always going to need one. I usually go with a neutral color like white or black, but if you capsule is a little more neutral, then maybe you can add a pop of color with your sneakers.
12. One Pair of Sandals
Spring is time for lighter footwear!
You can go with espadrilles, clogs, or sandals. I'm going to put the general category of "sandals" up there but the ideas is to pick something a little more dressy so that you can balance out your casual sneakers.
Accessories + Swimwear
Unique accessories are truly the best way to make your capsule wardrobe pop. Swapping out a pair of statement earrings for a colorful beanie changes the entire outfit and it only takes a minute or two!
13. Jewelry, Bags, Swimwear, + More
It's spring so that means it's time to bust out the sunnies! Try interesting shapes or oversized silhouettes for something a little different.
Jewelry and bags will always stay consistent from season to season but you can consider adding a new secondhand piece or two to spice things up.
Belts have been really trendy and I think colorful hair accessories always make a fun statement.
If you're taking a holiday this spring break, make sure to pack a sustainable swimsuit and a sun-protecting wide brimmed hat!
Example Travel Capsule Wardrobes
Contrary to popular belief, capsule wardrobes do not have to be boring. They can be in any aesthetic with any color palette that you feel comfortable with.
So here is some unique spring capsule wardrobe inspo!
Everyday Basics
Sweet & Sensible
Grungy Cool
Sporty Chill
Now that you have an idea of what to include in your spring capsule wardrobe, let’s get to sorting!
Remember that the first step in creating a seasonal capsule wardrobe is to take stock of what you already have. Do a closet mass index and take the opportunity to declutter and donate some of your old clothes. (Always give quality items to a local store or swap with a friend to negate some of the downsides of donating clothes.)
Friendly reminder that just because you want to update your spring wardrobe, doesn’t mean that you have to buy new! Do your best to shop secondhand or swap with a friend because the last thing we need is for more clothes to end up in the landfill.
So who's ready for sunny weather and brighter days? I am!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
