I don’t use the word ‘hate’ often. But here’s something that I kind of hate (that I see a lot at this time of year): spring ‘must-have’ lists. Because the underlying message with these ‘must-have’ lists is that you need the exact same things as everyone else in spring. But you don’t.
If you don’t like floral prints, you don’t need floral prints for spring. If you prefer neutrals, you don’t need bright colors for spring. And you definitely don’t need the latest ‘must-have’ spring trends. Because if you don’t like cargo pants. Or dresses with cutouts. Or shirts with ruffles. Don’t even think about them. (I just Googled ‘spring must-haves’ to find those!)
So, instead of a spring ‘must-have’ list, I wanted to share a ‘most of my new clients need this in spring’ list. Because I’ve been a personal wardrobe stylist since 2013. And I’ve worked with 300+ clients. And in going through all those closets (and shopping for all those clients), I’ve discovered a handful of essentials that the majority of my new clients needed for spring. They knew they were missing something – but they didn’t know exactly what they were missing.
Check out the 4 things my new clients always need in spring. And then, before you go shopping, check your closet – because you might have some of these already.
LIGHTWEIGHT THIRD PIECES
If you’ve already heard me talk about third pieces, you can skip ahead a little. But if you haven’t – a third piece is a jacket or blazer or cardigan (or similar) that completes your outfit. (The first piece is your top, the second is your bottom - and your jacket is the third.) And this is super important in the spring.
You know what I mean, right? It’s chilly in the morning, so you definitely need a third piece. And depending on the weather, you might keep it on all day. Or you might take it off for a walk at lunch hour. And then you’ll put it back on by 5pm. So, your spring third piece isn’t the coat that doesn’t relate to what you’re wearing – it’s the lighter weight piece that enhances your outfit.
Your choice of lightweight third piece is up to you. It can be a sweater blazer. Or a cropped trench. Or a nice cardigan. Or a denim jacket. Click here for all the reasons why I love a denim jacket as a versatile third piece. And if you’re tired of your blue denim jacket – click here for 3 options that are just as wearable.
While a black blazer is a super useful third piece, I also show clients lighter colors as a way to ‘lighten up’ for spring. All third pieces by Gap.
LIGHT LAYERS
I love layers at any time of year, and they’re key in spring. Because it can feel winter frigid in the morning, but then springtime balmy in the afternoon. So, you need tops that you can wear under a third piece – but then stand on their own when you take off your jacket or blazer. It’s the category of tops that are nicer than a basic t-shirt, but not as dressy as a silky blouse. Essentially, tops that live somewhere in the middle. And many of my clients didn’t realize that these were missing from their wardrobes (until I pointed it out).
My favorite tops that live in the middle are lightweight sweaters, casual (non-silky) blouses and what I call ‘elevated t-shirts’. Read this to find out more about elevated t-shirts (plus a few outfit ideas).
The easiest place to add color & print into your wardrobe is in your tops. And it’s a great way to feel spring. All layers by J Crew.
PANTS THAT AREN’T JEANS
Jeans are the go-anywhere, work-with-anything staple in a modern wardrobe. But if you’ve spent the last 5+ months in jeans and booties, you might be tired of them. You might be bored with your outfits. You might be in a rut if every outfit you wear is based in blue jeans.
The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck. You can find casual pants (that aren’t blue jeans) that are perfect for spring – and just as versatile.
If you’re thinking, “what pants can I wear that aren’t blue jeans?” (that aren’t dress pants), here are 5 ideas.
When you move beyond jeans into khakis, cargo pants, etc. - you open up a whole new world of neutrals & color. Left 2 pants by AG. Right 2 pants by Gap.
CUTE FLATS
Do you basically go from bootie season to sandal season? If so, you’re not alone – lots of my clients do it, too. But there’s an entire season of shoes that are less covered up than booties, but not as toe-baring as sandals. They’re flats.
I know – that’s not ground-breaking news. But when I show a client cute flats to wear from now and all the way through early fall, it can inspire a ton of outfit possibilities. Especially if you don’t wear open toe shoes to the office. Or you’re looking for something a bit more stable than sandals. Or you want an option that doesn’t show most of your feet (like when you’re 5 weeks past your last pedicure).
And again, the flats you choose are up to you. You can grab a cute pair of sneakers (that aren’t the sneakers you workout in). Or a polished point-toe flat. Or a loafer. Or a slide (if you’re okay baring your heels). If you’re just starting to develop a flats wardrobe, stick with versatile neutrals. And if you already have the basics, play with color and print to add spice to your outfits.
I love metallic flats as a go-with-anything neutral, with something extra. Flats (left to right) by Birdies, Chloé, Marc Fisher, Sam Edelman, Vince.
Do you have these 4 spring essentials in your closet already? Or do you need to do some shopping? Drop a comment if you have any questions.
Are you looking to finish the year more stylish than you started? If you’ve tried to do it on your own (but you didn’t get the results you wanted), let me know. Contact me to ask any questions about working together or to set up a free no-obligation consultation. We’ll chat about your needs and how you can feel great in your clothes, every day.