Mar
19
10 Updates to Your Spring Wardrobe
Filed Under Style Basics
Spring is almost here. If you’re like me, you’re more than ready to box away your winter coats and add a little color to your wardrobe. Forget the serious gloomy tones - a splash of pink, yellow, green, or another bright selection can really add a little pick-me-up to your look. (Your springtime outfits need not look like Rainbow Bright; a little color goes a long way).
The 10 spring updates in this list can be added to your 25 essentials to make any number of outfits. Unlike the spring must-have lists found in some magazines, the items I’ve selected can be worn by pretty much anyone and will last for years to come. They’re classic, airy pieces that work well in any closet. (I won’t try to convince you to invest in the 2008 “peep toe boot” trend…promise).
Without further ado, I present the top 10 wardrobe updates for spring:
1. A classic trench coat. Every woman needs a gorgeous trench. Works well in the rain or when the weather is cool but not quite cold enough for a wool coat. For the most versatility, look for a trench coat in a neutral khaki color. These look just as good with dresses as with jeans and a t-shirt. Most larger stores offer at least one trench during the spring and fall seasons. This is one item that you may need to pay full price for. I spent several seasons waiting until the coats made it to the clearance racks, only to find that they’d been sold out weeks before. My favorite place to find trenches: Banana Republic.
(Photo: BananaRepublic.com)
2. A pair of capris. These long-style shorts are great for warm weather. They let you cool off while still remaining conservative enough to attend a family bbq or a church pool party. When purchasing capris, stick to neutral colors such as black, jean, or khaki. Avoid wide-leg capris because they can add a lot of bulk. Capri shorts look best when somewhat fitted and worn with a slim, narrow blouse and feminine sandals (no chunky heels or running shoes).
(Photo: Gap.com)
3. A fitted short sleeve jacket. I didn’t realize how indispensable this piece was until I purchased one on a whim. My white short sleeve jacket is the perfect layering piece for spring. It can dress up a jeans-and-t-shirt combo or make a spaghetti strap dress appropriate for a church wedding. Choose one that has an open v-neck, fits close to your body, and falls just to your waistline. Remember, you don’t want to cover up too much of your dress / blouse. If you choose your jacket correctly, it should be extremely figure flattering and make you look like you’ve lost a few pounds.
(Photo: Forever21.com)
4. A flowing skirt. Spring is the best time to wear feminine, flowing skirts. I’d suggest an a-line style with a colorful pattern. If the skirt is a bit too “girly,” you can always add a bit of sophistication by including a fitted short-sleeve jacket and some woman-like shoes. Ideally, you should be able to wear your spring skirt with heels to a wedding shower or with casual sandals to a backyard get together.
(Photo: AnnTaylor.com)
5. A day dress. A casual day dress is a must have for vacations, beach trips, and warm-weather dinners on the town. Consider purchasing a simple, breezy cotton dress in off-white. Many stores (such as the Gap) carry these during the next few months. If white dresses don’t work for you (I admit, I’m not always careful enough to avoid dusty park benches and spaghetti sauce spills…) then go for a jersey knit wrap dress. The wrap dress is renown for being universally flattering and you can find casual versions at almost all department stores. Nordstrom and Dillards are smart places to start. Be wary of wrap dresses with super-low v-necks, as your day dress should be wearable without tugging and self-consciousness. I have a light tank top that I wear with some of my lower-neckline wrap dresses during the day.
(Photo: Gap.com)
6. A colorful blouse. Many people purchase shirts in neutrals such as black, white, and navy. But, you should have at least one colorful blouse that can be worn when you don’t want to disappear into a crowd. This season, I purchased a green button-up blouse from Banana Republic. It’s conservative enough to wear to the office, but is also fun to wear on the town (and on Saint Patrick’s Day, of course). Wear your colorful blouse with a neutral bottom such as common blue jeans or a black pencil skirt. Too much color can be overwhelming.
(Photo: BananaRepublic.com)
7. A bright cardigan. There are still a lot of cool days and chilly nights ahead. A bright cardigan can make almost any summer outfit wearable in the spring. You may want to choose a color such as pink, yellow, or purple to add a little “pizazz” to your look. However, if you don’t already have a neutral colored cardigan, it’s best to start with the basics.
(Photo: Jcrew.com)
8. A colorful clutch. Do a “spring cleaning” on your hobo bag and you’ll realize that you don’t need all that space after all. A small, colorful clutch is an extremely useful accessory this time of year. Plus, it conveys a much more polished look than an over-sized bag. Carry it when a big bag just doesn’t work (you don’t want your bag to overshadow the bride when you’re asked to stand in this season’s wedding pictures, for example). Because they doesn’t have long straps, clutches may not be a realistic fit for all on-the-go situations. However, you may be able to find one with a wrist bracelet.
(Photo: BananaRepublic.com)
9. Wedge shoes. Ahh, the wedge! It’s the perfect shoe to wear when you want to look polished but don’t want people asking “why are you so dressed up?” Choose a wedge shoe or sandal and you’ll have the perfect accompaniment to your summer day dress, your flowing skirt, your capris, and just about anything else you wear this season. In general, the heel on a wedge should be between 1/2 inch to 3 inches. Higher heels often look awkward and disproportionate. If you’re not a “heels girl,” you’ll be pleasantly surprised with a small wedge. These provide more comfort and support than flats, while looking more put-together.
(Photo: Amazon.com)
10. A to-die-for umbrella. Ok, so this isn’t a wardrobe item exactly. But, there’s something wonderful about a gorgeous umbrella. Choose one that will stand out from the piles of black and blue umbrellas in a lobby. It doesn’t need to match your clothes. It does need to make you look at the springtime sky and think: “I sure hope it’s going to rain today!”
(Photo: Amazon.com)
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My dresses are my favorite items in my wardrobe. There is nothing better than looking stunning in a dress.