This spring, our capsule wardrobe strikes the delicate balance between the trending now and the tried-and-true basic. When it comes to the latter, what is more classic in a closet fit for warm weather than an easy, breezy dress? Whether you choose Favorite Daughter’s drop-waist LWD or Dôen’s floaty, floral frock, either make for effortless yet elegant spring dressing. Like these best in dresses, go-with-everything tops are similarly essential in any spring-to-summer rotation. Opt for sweet tanks from LoveShackFancy, Simkhai, and By Malene Birger for maximum versatility.
When it comes to trousers, might we suggest a plain, but perfect white jean or a cool-girl approved cargo pant? There are also sleek pairs of shorts, from pleated Bermudas to long-line denim delights. Styling-wise, we’re sporting all of the above with structured suit vests, like those from Posse and Massimo Dutti, and multi-use button-up shirts. The latter especially comes in handy as we inch closer to summer, pulling double duty as a seaside cover-up over a little black bikini.
For those keen to channel their inner bohemian spirit, slip into a shin-grazing, white poplin midiskirt from Aritizia or Staud. Accessory-wise, no warm-weather lineup is complete without a piece of fabulous footwear. Our eyes, hearts, and shopping carts are mostly set on minimalist styles, like A.Emery’s barely-there thong sandals. And finally, to finish off any look with a festive touch, carry a raffia-adorned handbag; Mango and Hereu have wonderful options.
All for under $300, these capsule wardrobe essentials are as high-quality and elegant as they get—shop the full edit, below.
During the warm weather months, nothing streamlines your style quite like a dress. All you need is a fabulous piece of footwear, a chic handbag and voilà! Drop-waist dresses from By Malene Birger and Favorite Daughter are totally trending now, while J.Crew’s LBD is as timeless as it gets. Floral numbers from Mango and Dôen embody that springtime feeling, while Reformation’s off-the-shoulder red dress goes from day to night with minimal styling tweaks.
Strong separates, wear-with-everything styles, whatever you call them, these tees and camis work as hard as you do during the warmer months. Some of our go-tos in the category are LoveShackFancy and By Malene Birger for sweet, lace-adorned tanks, while Dôen and Merlette always deliver charming puff-sleeve picks. Turn to Suzie Kondi’s blue-and-white striped blouse to end on a nautical note.
Easy spring dressing begins and ends with a white poplin skirt; just look the runways and the street style scene for proof. Whether you choose a romantic, prairie style from Aritzia, J.Crew, and Dôen or sleeker, clean-lined silhouette from Alex Mill or Reformation, sartorial success is ensured. Style yours now with a billowy blouse and structured loafer; with a bikini top and barely-there sandal for peak summer.
Strike a subtle statement with a simple, strappy sandal from the likes of Amanu Studio, A.Emery, and St. Agni. Slightly more classic options from Kyma and K Jacques are just as cool, while Reformation’s thong sandals hark back to the minimalist era of the ’90s.
Whether denim or silk, cut-to-perfection shorts are another nine-to-nine staple you can rely on this summer. For work-friendly styles, look to pleated picks from Staud, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Theory. Loulou Studio’s relaxed, striped style transitions from the city streets to the seaside seamlessly; the same goes for jean shorts from Cos and Re/Done, which come in darker washes and have a more structured fit—ideal for a more sophisticated look.
For spring, casually cool cargo pants are a fashion-girl favorite. Khaki pairs from ME+EM and Paige lean into the trend, while & Other Stories’ burgundy pair takes a more daring approach to traditional colors and prints. When in doubt, opt for a more affordable entry by way of Cos, Mango, or H&M.
For spring and summer, we’re trading in our minimal handbags in favor of something a bit more festive. Enter: the raffia handbag. Slouchy styles from Cos and A.L.C. are ideal for everyday; ditto those French-girl approved basket bags from Ulla Johnson and Hereu. Raffia-adorned clutches from Mango and J.Crew add a sweet, au natural touch to evening looks.
Classic, with a twist! Sculptured suit vests, like the below from Whistles, Posse, and Massimo Dutti, marry a ladylike sensibility with menswear twist. Add a subtle pop of color to any spring outfit formula with Staud’s linen navy vest or & Other Stories’ sleek gray gilet. Whether you pair these with linen trousers or a clean-lined maxiskirt, you can’t go wrong either way.
While you may not need to hear us wax poetic about great pairs of white jeans, the below under-$300 finds are a nonnegotiable if you’re looking to embrace lighter denim. Opt for elegant, straight-leg styles from Everlane, L’Agence, and Re/Done or Frame’s viral barrel-leg jeans. Meanwhile, Ganni’s belted style comes straight off the spring 2024 runway.
Worn buttoned-up with a sleek jean or undone layered atop a plain white tee, a button-up shirt is the ultimate summer style staple. Each capsule wardrobe, regardless of the season, requires a simple white one—and the below from Anine Bing and By Malene Birger are timeless for a reason. Blue versions from Remain Birger Christensen and Alex Mill add a subtle amount of color, while red hot shirts from J.Crew and Rag & Bone steal the show.
Like any beloved accessory, elegant belts have endless closet mileage, completing any outfit with interesting detail. Whether you choose a black leather style from Favorite Daughter or Staud or a suede stunner from Aureum, these under $300 all-stars deserve a spot in your everyday repertoire. We can’t forget about off-white options from Jacquemus or The Frankie Shop, either—both embody that fresh summer feeling!