Spring has always been a tricky season for me when it comes to a concise sense of style and it feels really good to finally have a cohesive foundation to work from.
When it comes to curating an intentional and functional wardrobe versatility needs to be a priority. When I say something is “versatile” what I mean is:
- It can easily mix and match with most of the closet.
- It can be styled several different ways.
- It can work for a range of occasions from casual to elevated.
- It feels good to wear and move in, whether sitting, walking, driving or active.
This year I made a point of noting which items met all of these requirements and thought it would be worth sharing them. Essentially, these 12 items are the foundation of my spring closet and could easily serve as a an entire capsule.
Read on for the 12 most versatile pieces in my spring closet and over 30 outfits I’ve styled with them!
#1 / THE MAC COAT
The LONG MAC COAT (true to size and currently on sale) is similar to a trench in style and functionality but it’s been paired down for a slightly more minimal take. I really like that there’ i’s no belt and the fit is a-line, meaning it falls on an outward angle away from the body. This makes it easy to layer and very comfortable to wear.
I also think the colour of this coat has played a key role in it’s versatility because it’s a bit darker than the usual beige trench. This helps to hide marks and dirt that are unavoidable during the spring season.
#2 / RELAXED TROUSER
I have two pairs of dark wide leg trousers in my closet and I’ve been wearing them both a lot this spring. The first pair is The Way High Drape Pant from EVERLANE (true to size for roomy fit, I wear the 32″inseam), which I bought last fall.
The second option is The Plaza Trouser from KOTN (true to size chart, use LEEVOS for 10% Off), which I was gifted this spring. Both have a similar silhouette with the Way High pant having a slightly slimmer, straighter cut through the leg and a classic waistband with belt loops.
I’ve enjoyed this style in my closet even more than I’d originally expected. They’re a great alternative to jeans and can easily be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers. I also love how comfortable they are and cannot help but feel confident whenever I wear them.
#3 / WHITE SNEAKER
I’ve had the same pair of white sneakers on repeat for a couple of years now and they are such a staple in my spring style. I love that they work with literally any outfit and they’re both elevated and comfortable. I’ve found that the leather just keeps getting softer with time and they’re very easy to keep clean with a magic eraser.
#4 / WHITE TEE
I’ve been noticing that the first category to end up in the laundry each week is my collection of white tees. I just can’t seem to reach for anything else until I have no choice! I find that they’re the perfect way to add freshness to my colour palette and they look great with jeans, trousers or linen pants alike.
I have a few favourites, which include:
THE PINNACLE TEE
THE VINTAGE POCKET TEE
THE SUPIMA MICRO RIB TEE
This one is my favourite fitted option because its super soft and fitted but not tight. True to size.
#5 / LIGHTWEIGHT CARDIGAN
A lightweight cardigan has been another staple style within my spring closet for days when it’s still chilly enough to need an extra layer or insulation, or warm enough to skip the jacket altogether. I like a cropped length or one I can tuck in because it keeps the proportions of the look balanced and simple.
My favourites are:
THE BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN
GASPARD CARDIGAN
#6 / DARK JEANS
Dark denim snuck into heavy rotation this spring, which I didn’t even notice until I was more carefully assessing my style. I love a dark wash denim any time of year and spring is no exception.
I have a couple of favourites:
THE WAY HIGH JEAN
Fit runs true to size with some stretch.
THE JESSE KAMM SAILOR JEAN
#7 / RELAXED BLAZER
I love love LOVE a relaxed fitting blazer. Even though I no longer live in a city, I still find myself there often and a relaxed blazer is my go-to when I’m looking for a bit of structure and sophistication.
My favourites are:
THE OVERSIZED BLAZER
THE LINEN OVERSIZED BLAZER
THE TAYLOR 100% LINEN BLAZER
#8 / CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR VINTAGE 70’S HIGH TOPS
These are a great sneaker option for when I don’t need a boot (or I’m sick of wearing them) but I still need to keep my ankles warm. They’re so comfy and instantly add a bit of nostalgic cool girl vibes to any look.
There are a lot of Converse sneakers to choose from but I went with the CHUCK VINTAGE 70 HIGH TOPS in black. I like that the rubber is an off white (or Egret as the brand notes) and that the canvas and lines are all black. Even the iconic ankle patch and license plate (at the heel) are just black and cream too.
The brand suggests sizing down a half size. I went with my usual 7 as I’m sometimes a 7.5 and I have room for different sock thicknesses.
#9 / BELT BAG
I’ve tried out a few different belt bags over the years but hadn’t found one that I really loved until I was sent the MICRO BELT BAG by ela, a very cool Canadian accessories brand. I’ve found that I just keep reaching for it whenever I’m heading out the door because it lets me be hands free and I’m always hanging onto a leash or a water bottle or reusable bags or something!
It’s definitely small but it holds my wallet, lip balm, phone and sunglasses no problem. I love that the belt is adjustable so you can wear it cross body or around the waist. It’s made from a vegan leather but has a beautiful pebbled texture that feels really natural. If you want a bit more room, they also do a standard size BELT BAG .
#10 / WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT
I’ve found myself reaching for my white oxford shirts a lot this spring. They’re just such an effortless option to throw on open over a tank, pair with jeans and trousers or layer under a vest on chillier days.
I have two in my closet:
THE TAILOR PROPER FIT
THE WAY LONG OXFORD
#11 / SILK SLIP DRESS
As you’ve probably gathered, I don’t wear dresses all that much (at least not until summer arrives) but a silk slip dress is definitely an exception. I love that a silk slip dress can be dressed down with sneakers and a cardigan or up with a blazer and heels. It can also be made elegant with a long coat or toughened up with boots or a chunk slide. The options are endless and the comfort level is high!
My favourite is an old Ela Slip from Elizabeth Suzann but I also love the Square Neck Silk Slip from Eileen Fisher. I’ve also bookmarked this spaghetti strapped classic from Cuyana and this more modern option from Everlane.
#12 / 90’S CHEEKY JEANS
I almost forgot to include these jeans because they’re such a staple all year round for me. The fit is timeless and the leg shape falls between straight and tapered for easy pairing with any type of footwear. I think these are a great option if you’re ready to move on from skinnies for a bit but not quite ready for a proper wide leg.
I love Vintage Mid Wash most (they are so soft) but I also have the Washed Black .
THANKS FOR READING!
I hope this roundup of versatile pieces is helpful! I think it would make for a great packing list for travel or as the foundation of any minimal, casual, timeless capsule closet you might be curating.
