06 Mar The Spring Wardrobe Essentials That Make Spring Outfits Easy

March has landed. Meaning it’s now less than 3 weeks until the official start of the season in which we fully release ourselves from hibernation! Spring means socialising, casual wandering, and our first forays into al fresco dining are back on the cards once more. It’s been a long winter and the prospect of gaily sauntering out of the house swathed in merely a fine knit and a jacket seems positively joyous. One thing we can always count on (if nothing else), is that the seasons will change. And right now the change we are about to embark on is, in my humble option, one of the best.

Spring, despite her beauty, can be a complex creature. Your weather app tells you one thing, and the wind chill another. How many times have you been lulled into a false sense of security by sunshine through your window, only to suffer something of a shock when stepping out woefully under-dressed? Well, spring is all about light layers. Think of yourself like a Mille-Feuille, topped with some fruity spring fun. The key to simplifying the formula is having the right spring essentials on hand. Luckily many of those transitional staples are classics we lean on time and again and can shop from our very own wardrobes. If however, some of your staples are looking tired, take a look at our round-up of the top spring wardrobe essentials to have on hand this season. These spring-ready pieces will make seamless work of putting together your transitional spring outfits.

A Staple Spring Jacket

Spring means it’s time to ditch your heavy wool coat or thick puffer, in favour of something a little lighter. Whether you’re a pulled-together blazer type, love a beaten-up biker, or always reach for a classic trench, a spring jacket to transition you through the chillier days is always worth the wardrobe space.

A perfect trenchcoat is a spring staple you will never regret investing in. Aligne’s influencer-favorite maxi trench coat is currently in stock in beige and black, but don’t hang around too long if you want to get your hands on this beauty before it sells out again.

This easy peasy Arket short pea coat will keep you warm on chillier days and looks great with wide jeans. It also comes in black.

Arket is always a good high street bet for affordable but good-quality wardrobe staples, and this oversized wool-blend twill blazer is no exception.

H&M’s elevated beige trench coat is also a great option. It comes in a windproof fabric and can be buttoned up at the neck and belted for extra protection from the elements.

Frankie Shop can always be relied on for cool wardrobe staples, such as the single-breasted Bea blazer which is designed for an ultra-oversized fit. It will earn its place in your forever wardrobe in no time.

Bombers are trending hard again, but you can bet this classic Sacai number will never go out of style.

Face the transitional season in this classic COS camel wool Overshirt that will get so much wear.

Me + Em’s luxe-looking 2-in-1 leather bomber jacket can be worn with or without the cosy collar to switch it up between seasons.

Utility jackets are making a splash this season and this & Other Stories classic cargo option now also comes in light beige. Both are so versatile and will look equally as great with jeans as they will with a slip dress.

Love this beaten up looking oversized leather jacket from Aligne in a warm brown/black shade.

Sleek leather trench coats are always a chic choice.

Second-Skin Tops for Layering

Between you and your fancy new-season outfits, there should always be a second-skin top providing that extra layer of insulation. And when the weather calls for it, this non-trend trend top looks just as good worn alone with this season’s wide pants. Whether a trusty turtleneck layered under a slip or a slightly sheer and subtly sexy number with your long and loose tailored trousers, a second-skin top should never be far from reach.

The sheer Merino wool tops from Arket are an insider secret whether in roll-neck or crew neck form. The roll-neck comes in 10 different colours, including this chic white.

Go for a little pizazz with gorgeous spring-appropriate botanical print.

You can never go wrong with a black mock neck top for easy layering.

Ninety Percent has great sustainable options, such as this semi-sheer micro modal blend top.

This check print KNWLS top will add that little something to your transitional looks.

& Other Stories fitted fine knit transparent top is pared back and just a little bit sexy.

Marine Serre’s signature crescent moon motifs will add a fashion edge to your layering.

Arket’s long-sleeved Merino top comes in 11 shades, including a spring green, juicy orange, and black of course.

Loose Cargo Pants or Tailored Trousers

Aside from your trusty denim, you can start lightening up the load on your legs too during those warmer spring days. A pair of perfectly tailored trousers are a wardrobe staple no matter the season, but they certainly come into their own during the transitional months. And if you want to try something new, look no further than the cargo trend that has made cargo pants a spring essential trouser all over again.

Reformation’s Mason Pants are a cult classic for a reason. they come in 11 different colors so there is a pair for every wardrobe.

These Me + Em wide-leg pinstripe trousers are so luxe looking.

Frankie Shop’s staple tailoring is always a good bet.

Why not try their tailored cargo pants with the matching waistcoat for a chic take on the cargo trend?

H&M’s straight cargo trousers are a great budget option.

This colour also looks so fresh for spring.

These COS wide-leg tailored wool trousers are back in stock, for now…

Have you branched into the parachute pant trend yet? These minimal new arrivals at Mango make it a tempting prospect.

H&M’s affordable tailored trousers get rave reviews, go see for yourself.

Slip Dresses for all Seasons

A simple slip dress caters to a multitude of occasions and seasons. Layer with a long-sleeved top, oversized shirt, or fluffy knit and add knee-high boots, loafers, or trainers for every day. And when things start heating up, just de-layer and add sandals. Was there ever a more versatile dress?

Zara has some great options right now, like this wide strap, high neck beauty in blue.

Give your slip dress a new season twist with an on-trend asymmetric hem.

Shades of lime are trending and this subtle light green Zara option is a wearable way to try it out.

The devil is in the detail with this elegant Jil Sander slip dress in off-white.

Note the styling of this relaxed fit Raey slip dress.

A monochromatic print adds a little interest to this staple silhouette.

Be ready for those summer nights with a golden hue.

Mix things up for the new season with a very chic maxi length.

Lace detailing is very on point for SS23.

This forest green shade looks so lustrous in satin.

Everyday Essential Trainers

Now the snow has (mostly) melted it’s time to ditch your chunky boots and brave the mean streets in your favourite trainers again.

Retro styles are having a major moment in the sun. get the look with New Balance classic 550 sneakers.

Alternatively, if you can get your hands on a pair of Adidas Sambas these will make all your outfits work this season.

The Gazelle comes in a close second to the Samba. If you’re already covered for neutrals, why not try a tasty spring bright?

2022’s hiker sneaker trend is only set to get bigger in 2023. Grab a pair of these Saloman XT-6 trainers while you still can. Emily Ratajkowski, Rhianna, and Bella Hadid are all firm fans. A sleek black pair is also a great option.

Is there a new favourite New Balance style for 2023? Elsa Hosk and Hailey Bieber think so. Get your 00s vibes on with this running style.

These Navy and red Velosambas are classic enough to go with almost everything, but add a little pop of colour.

This sustainable pair from Saye are made from bio-based vegan napa, have a recycled insole, and organic cotton laces. Plus they look so good in this green and white combo.

Veja V-10 sneakers are another classic and more sustainable option.

New Season Denim

Denim is a failsafe no matter the season but come spring it’s time to relinquish the layers and really show it off. This season denim is a major focus in every category, so it’s not just your jeans that will be getting an airing. Try a maxi denim skirt to transition into spring, one of the many delightful denim dresses on offer, or dabble in double denim once again. It’s also prime time for your lighter washes, cropped silhouettes, and this season’s baggier styles to take centre stage.

Cropped wide-leg jeans are perfect for spring and classic enough to work every time.

Go for a fresh off-white pair for ultimate spring feels.

This Agolde pair are so versatile in a classic mid-blue wash.

A grey wash is a great alternative to black for the warmer months.

Top-to-toe denim is back in a big way. This oversized denim shirt is a cool way to get the look and so versatile.

Love a high-rise and wide-leg combo.

Reformation has quite the selection of denim skirts. For more trending skirt inspiration, check out our round-up of the best styles to try now. This criss-cross waistband adds a little extra shape to the waist for extra curve.

If you’re not a fan of wide or straight jeans, a tapered fit is a good option and these come in sizes 4-26.

The details really elevate this dreamy COS denim dress. You will pull this out of the wardrobe forever.

You can’t escape the cargo trend this season and why would you want to when it looks this good? Mango’s circular denim collection is very much worth a look.

I love these full-length wide-leg Zara jeans. Get spring-ready with this oyster white pair, or try this light grey colour if you can’t trust yourself with white.

Isn’t spring just the time for a relaxed denim dungaree to have its moment?

Fashion Flats

Not a trainer’s person? A classic loafer never goes out of style and adds polish to even your most casual of outfits. The resurgent ballet flat is also a good option for those wanting to take on the trend again. Just pair them with slouchy socks for those chillier days, as per Miu Miu.

Bottega Veneta’s shiny new season loafers will elevate all your outfits.

The Row’s sought-after ballet flats would make a great investment this season.

Prada’s signature triangle logo adds a fashion twist to this classic black pair. The strap variation is also newly arrived at Mytheresa.

If your budget doesn’t quite include The Row, this Mango pair could fill the shoe-shaped hole in your heart for now. Extra points for the on-trend shiny silver finish.

Prada’s classic loafers will never age. This patent pair have extra new-season polish too.

Miu Miu’s lusted-after ballet flats are so tempting in this sparkling variation that will put a spring in your step every day.

& Other Stories shoe department is always a good place to shop for staple styles on the high street. See these classic penny loafers for proof.

If you’re looking to branch out of your usual black loafers, then this premium white pair from H&M looks so fresh for spring. They also come in black, but they are selling out quickly so move fast.

Simple black ballerina flats will work with all your outfits.

Zara’s velvet-buckled beauties also come in a burgundy shade and both are delightful.

Oversized Cotton Shirts

Like a perfect white t-shirt or essential tank top, an oversized shirt will always be a well-worn staple in your wardrobe. Layer over a roll neck now and then switch in a tank top come summer. Or, of course, throw it on alone with jeans for a look that will never get old.

COS gives the staple white shirt a whole new look layered over this zesty roll neck. The orange is coming soon, but this bright green option is very 2023.

Make a statement via bold stripes in classic navy and white.

Classic.

Frankie Shop’s oversized cotton poplin shirt looks great paired with the matching shorts for summer.

A high-low curved shirttail hem adds a little something extra to this Totême cotton poplin shirt.

H&M is a great option for more budget-friendly wardrobe essentials.

Branch out with this H&M crinkled style.

Pink embroidery on the patch pockets add a feminine touch to this striped Kitri shirt.

Cropped cotton poplin shirts are having a major moment and feel are a great change up for spring. Of course, Arket also has you covered on the classics with this oversized cotton poplin shirt

Zara’s long striped shirt with tie-side detail is coming soon, so keep yourself notified.

Scene-Stealing Knitted Sets

A knitted set is a quick and easy way to look pulled together, whilst keeping you just cosy enough to protect against the spring chill. There are so many good options out there right now, not to mention they can be mixed and matched with the rest of your wardrobe for multiple looks.

No doubt, you have seen this COS knitted set doing the rounds on Instagram.

It might not be quite warm enough to brave a knit crop top yet, but that’s what the cardigan is for right?

This chic textured knit skirt and matching oversized knit are currently out of stock, but keep yourself notified for more sizes.

The Reformation Fantino Cashmere collared cardigan was an Instagram hit this winter, and we reckon this new Frida cashmere collared cardigan and tank set might just be another spring-ready favourite.

Sheer fabrications are big news for spring/summer 2023. This Zara semi-sheer knit skirt and matching collared knit sweater set is a wearable way to try the trend.

Stella McCartney’s vibrant cropped cardigan and matching ribbed knit midi skirt are a joyful option that will add a pop of colour to your wardrobe.

The texture and raw edging on this Acne Studios sweater and matching knit skirt provide a contemporary spin on classic wardrobe staples.

Get your spring greens with this vibrant fine knit set from Mango. The sweater and matching ribbed knit midi skirt look equally at home with trainers as they would with chic knee-high boots

For more spring wardrobe inspiration, take a look at these amazing affordable wardrobe staples you can snap up now at COS…

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.