15 Closet Basics You Need For Spring

The long-awaited arrival of a warmer season offers so much variety in terms of everyday fashion. Pastel colors and floral patterns are spring wardrobe necessities, but how do you translate that into functional style? Sometimes a simple tank or pop of color can make the perfect outfit with pieces you already have in your closet. 

Almost every item on this list goes with another piece of clothing on the list, helping you create a cohesive and functional spring wardrobe you’ll love! Here, 15 closet basics you need for spring! 

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1. Light-Wash Denim

If your denim drawer doesn’t include a lighter wash, you’re missing out on so many cute outfit combinations for the spring (and the summer!). Light-wash denim instantly softens a look, while still providing that effortless structure you love to your daily outfits. Abercrombie is a one-stop shop for denim (and other spring essentials!), and the Ultra High Rise ‘90s Straight Jeans ($89) are the perfect pair of light-wash denim. 

2. Slingback Sandals

This style of sandal will be everywhere this spring, so grab your pair now! These Seychelles sandals ($119) look adorable with denim, dresses, and skirts, and are super comfortable to wear all day long. Every woman needs a classic pair of sandals that completes every outfit, and the slingback sandal is that perfect shoe! 

3. Updated White Sneaker

A year-round classic, the white sneaker is a favorite option for almost any outfit. But if your white sneakers need a refresh, spring is the perfect time to pick out a new pair. Opt for a classic white sneaker with a pop of springtime color, like a lavender, soft pink, or baby blue. The Veja V-10s sneakers in Rose Fluo ($195) will coordinate well with the rest of your spring outfits. 

4. Feminine T-Shirt

Basic tees are the foundation of every wardrobe, as they’re perfect for layering. But as you begin to shed those winter sweaters for springtime clothes, you need a T-shirt that doesn’t need to be covered by a heavier jacket. This feminine ruffle sleeve tee ($44) is the perfect spring basic that does everything you need it to, without the boring silhouette. 

5. Pastel Midi Skirt

Say hello to your new favorite spring piece: the midi skirt, and it's one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe. A satin midi skirt in a fun spring color ($48) is a closet must-have. You can create easy outfits with just the skirt and a basic tank, or dress it up a bit with a lightweight sweater and heels. Either way, it's the perfect transitional piece for daytime fashion and date night! 

6. Linen Button-Down Shirt

Light layers are the epitome of spring, especially in bright colors. Layer a button-down over a tank top, tee, sundress, or even your bathing suit! This is a closet piece you will wear again and again all season long. The Abercrombie Oversized linen-blend shirt ($60) has the best oversized fit for a relaxed yet put-together look, and it comes in a variety of colors! 

7. Flowy Pants

Ditch your typical denim and fleece-lined leggings for a pair of lightweight, flowy pants! A beachy, coastal aesthetic that's also comfy is a win-win for spring. These Anthropologie pants ($120) are a perfect choice, and these linen pants ($80) will add a great pop of color to your outfit. Linen flowy pants will pair beautifully with tanks, sweaters, and your oversized linen top as well! 

8. Floral Dresses

Nothing says spring more than a closet full of floral dresses. Keep it interesting by including different lengths and colors — mini, midi, and maxi length. Floral dresses are easy to find during the spring, so opt for a classic style in a fun, colorful print. LoveShackFancy has many great prints and colors to choose from, like the Posh Mini Floral Dress ($445), or look to Free People for more budget-friendly options, like this Forget Me Not midi dress ($128). 

9. Pastel Sweaters

Soft, feminine sweaters are the perfect spring wardrobe essential. All you need to look for is a lightweight sweater in a pretty pastel hue, and you will wear it all season long. You can layer it over a dress, tuck it into a floral skirt, or wear it with jeans. The Free People Moon Daisy sweater ($78) is a great option available, as it comes in a ton of spring colors. 

10. Puff Sleeve Blouses

Dainty and beautiful, a puff sleeve blouse is the answer to your most-asked question: What should I wear? Perfect for brunch, day dates, shopping, and trips to the winery, the puff sleeve blouse is a spring must-have. Look for one with fun and flirty sleeves, like this one from Anthropologie ($68), to upgrade any outfit.  

11. Feminine Cardigans

If you don’t have at least one feminine cardigan in your closet, your spring wardrobe is seriously lacking. Cardigans can be worn with jeans, layered over spring dresses, and are the perfect spring alternative to your chunky winter sweaters. This pink cardigan ($69) is a great way to add color to your look, and this open knit cardigan ($59) is the dainty layering piece you didn’t know you needed! Patterned cardigans are on trend for this season, but a solid color cardigan in a spring hue will be worn for years to come! 

12. Beige Blazer

Teachers, businesswomen, and, frankly, everyone else needs a beige blazer in their spring wardrobe. A beige blazer is an easy way to soften your office attire for the spring season. For everyday casual wear, a beige blazer can be worn with straight-leg jeans and a white tank. This one from Free People ($98) has an adorable oversized fit that will work for both office and casual wear. 

13. Matching Workout Sets

Your exercise routine will likely move outside during the spring months, so you’ll need a cute matching set for your walks, runs, and yoga sessions. Biker shorts are a welcome addition to your workout wardrobe after a long winter of sweats and leggings, and they look super cute as a matching set. These biker shorts from Athleta ($69) are stretch-proof! Neutral tones or a pop of spring color will be the encouragement you need to hit your exercise goals. 

And if you need a new pair of gym shoes, check out our list of cute sneakers that will make you want to work out! 

14. Cream Denim 

If you’re looking for another way to soften your spring looks, a pair of cream denim is the perfect option. The nautical aesthetic has already taken over social media, and a pair of white or cream denim is the essential piece you need to take part in the trend. This pair of mid-rise boyfriend jeans ($88) is not only perfect for your spring looks, but will carry you through summer. 

Or add a pair of white linen pants with a brightly colored tank for an instant outfit upgrade for any of your spring plans. Add sandals or sneakers to finish the look. 

15. Colorful Tank Tops

White, black, and beige tanks should already be staples in your wardrobe, as layering pieces or summer tops. But the spring season needs color! Wear colorful tank tops with skirts, shorts, linen pants, light-wash denim — the possibilities are endless and oh so comfy! A soft green tank top ($25) is something you will wear all season long. 

Closing Thoughts

As the spring season approaches, our collective seasonal depression ends. Yay for new spring clothes! 

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