Spring is in full swing, and while it’s exciting to see all the blooming flowers and the sun finally make an appearance, it can be a fickle season. In a flash, it can become frigid, cloudy, and gloomy, making your spring outfit not so practical. Transitional pieces are very important here, and I’ve accumulated quite a collection over the years since living in both New York City and Los Angeles. Chore coats and denim jackets are ideal for layering when there’s still a chill in the air, but so are Birkenstocks and bold-colored tops when there isn’t a cloud in the sky.
Over the years, I’ve noticed what kinds of pieces I tend to grab most often during spring, so I rounded up my 13 most-worn items that I don’t plan on getting rid of anytime soon. These styles are tried and true staples, and if you want to shop similar pieces to the ones in my closet, go ahead and scroll down. There, you’ll find all my editor-approved picks. You might just be surprised at your cost per wear when you recycle these season after season.
Chore Coat + Red Bag + Skort
I bought this French workwear jacket at Golden Age in Los Angeles, and it’s one of my most-worn pieces every spring (and beyond). It’s got that soft lived-in feel, and it’s the perfect thickness for days when it’s not too warm and not too cold. I often wear skorts in case a rogue breeze comes my way, and there are so many cute options on the market nowadays that won’t make you look like a toddler. For accessories, I gravitate toward bold accessories like a bright-red handbag and chunky Dr. Martens.
We The Free
Denim Barn Coat
Alex Mill
Britt Cotton Work Jacket
Madewell
x MN Dye Studio Denim Chore Coat
Lisa Says Gah
Darcy Skort
Reformation
Mini Rosetta Shoulder Bag
Kimchi Blue
Mae Retro Baguette Bag
Dr. Martens
1461 Bex 3 Eye Shoes
Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens Adrian T-Bar Mary Jane Shoe
Striped Shirt + Medium-Wash Jeans
If there’s anything you need to know about me, it’s that stripes are my weakness. A classic navy-and-white combo works with so many outfits, especially in T-shirt form. Coupled with the soft “Everyday” jeans from Still Here, this pairing will never do you wrong. Though this particular style of jeans is currently sold out, other silhouettes from the brand make a good substitute.
J.Crew
Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt
& Other Stories
Breton Stripe Top
Abercrombie
High Rise ’90s Relaxed Jean
Bold Top
Bold colors for spring? Groundbreaking. I copped this tee from Made Some Souvenirs last year, and it always brings me joy when the weather starts to warm up again. Whether it’s a fun graphic, bright color, or designed with a cute print, these types of shirts are ones you can easily pair with denim shorts and sandals before running out the door.
Made Some Souvenirs
Acropolis Tourist Tee
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt
mango
Ribbed Cotton-Blend Top – Women
Tibi
Super Fine Gauge Perfect Short Sleeve Pullover
Denim Jacket + Gold Hoops
This shearling-lined denim jacket has been with me for more than five years, and it has a lot more wear left in it. When the temperature dips at sunset, a dependable but not too heavy jacket is a requirement, and a denim one does just the trick. Whether you prefer it lined is up to you. Either way, it’s a classic style. I like to dress mine up with a pair of gold hoop earrings.
Sezane
Will Jacket Indigo Faux Sheepskin Collar
We the Free
Madison City Denim Jacket
Reformation
Brooks Oversized Denim Jacket
Eloquii
Oversized Denim Jacket
Open Edit
Polished Teardrop Stud Earrings
Jenny Bird
Tome Medium Hoop Earrings
Monica Vinader
Essential Tube Huggie Hoop Earrings
Ecru Jeans + Crossbody
I love a pair of ecru jeans for all seasons but especially spring. You’ll find that this color is super versatile in your closet; it looks sophisticated with dark colors and airy when paired with lighter ones. I got this pair from Rachel Comey way back in 2016, and I’ve truly styled so many spring outfits with them. Another must for me is a crossbody bag. I scored this vintage Dooney & Bourke one at a thrift store, but I lined up some others below. Consider this my prediction that crossbody styles might overtake shoulder bags in the near future. The fashion pendulum always swings back around!
Madewell
The ’90s Straight Jean
Rails
Getty Ankle Utility Pants
TOTEME
Pleated High-Rise Wide-Leg Organic Jeans
Mango
Crossbody Bag With Flap
Dragon Diffusion
Mini City Bag
Madewell
The Sling Crossbody Bag in Leather
Gingham Top + Denim Shorts + Birkenstocks
A lightweight gingham top might be on the nose for spring, but if you like it, wear it! This Dôen one is a favorite of mine, along with these cutoffs from Levi’s and Birkenstock slides, for those particularly sunny days.
Still Here
Amelia Top in Pecan Gingham
DÔEN
June Gingham Cotton Top
Levi’s
501 Mid Thigh Shorts
Birkenstock
Arizona Soft Sandals
Birkenstock
Arizona Big Buckle High Shine Sandals