This spring, our affordable capsule wardrobe strikes the perfect balance between the trending now and the tried-and-true basics. When it comes to the latter, what is more classic in a closet than a trench coat or a great pair of jeans? Styling-wise, we’re sporting ours with everything from notable knitwear, perfect for layering, to the season’s best ladylike jackets. Another lightweight outerwear option to rely on is the quilted shell liner. Our fashion favorites include those from Massimo Dutti to Uniqlo.
Similarly versatile to your transitional weather wardrobe are polished pairs of nine-to-nine trousers, which are as easily dressed up with a sleek kitten heel as they are down with a retro-inspired sneaker. For the more minimally-minded, there are shin-grazing midiskirts from La Ligne and J.Crew that transport you straight back to the 1990s. Accessory-wise, no transitional capsule wardrobe is complete without a piece of fabulous footwear—think festive pairs of embellished black flats from Mango and H&M to sophisticated suede loafers from M.Gemi and Sam Edelman. And finally, to finish off any look, carry a quietly luxurious handbag, from Staud to Cuyana that whisper ‘chic’ wherever you go. All for under $300, these affordable capsule wardrobe pieces are high-quality and elegant as ever. Shop our edit, below.
Ladylike Jackets
If you hadn’t heard: modern ladylike dressing is the new quiet luxury, starting and ending with the below prim and proper jackets. Mango’s outfit topper in classic black is French-girl approved; and same goes for &Other Stories’ tweed take. Fit for spring, J.Crew’s ivory option is charming as it is cheerful, while Cos’ collared-choice offers up a slightly different silhouette for the non-girly-girl.
Lightweight Knitwear
Lightweight layering essentials are best utilized during the transitional season–and this spring, we’re eyeing cozy, yet chic knitwear from Loulou Studio to By Malene Birger. Buttoned-up cardigans from La Ligne and Dôen are will get plenty of wear, while Alex Mill’s taupe-colored polo sweater epitomizes casual coolness. Then, there’s Everlane’s striped crewneck to end on a nautical note.
Timeless Khaki Trench Coats
A khaki trench is the prime example of a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style–and these classic styles from Mango, Everlane, Open Edit, and H&M are proof. For a slightly edgier update, find Cos’ scarf-adorned silhouette or Aritzia’s clean-lined design.
Great Jeans
While you may not need to hear us wax poetic about great pairs of jeans, the below under $300 finds are a non-negotiable in your transitional capsule wardrobe. Opt for a pair of elegant white jeans from Loulou Studio and Agolde or essential baby blues from Frame and Citizens of Humanity. Meanwhile, Zara’s deconstructed denim are in a league of their own.
Minimalist Midiskirts
Strike a subtle statement this spring with a simple, shin-grazing midiskirt from the likes of La Ligne and The Frankie Shop to Theory. Leather “luxuries” from Max Mara Leisure and J.Crew make a fabulous foundation for a sleek knee-high boot or polished loafer, while Zara’s pleated pick completes any ladylike look to perfection.
Luxe Loafers
For spring, quietly luxurious loafers are a fashion-girl favorite. Of all the chicest styles to shop, preppy penny loafers from Rag & Bone, Zara and G.H. Bass are especially elegant, while sumptuous suede styles from H&M and Sam Edelman are certified It items. And when in doubt, opt for the classically cool driving loafer, like this pair from M.Gemi.
Quilted Shell Jackets
Classic, with a twist! Quilted shell jackets are a lightweight outerwear option set to dominate our spring shopping carts. Add a pop of color to any spring outfit formula with a khaki green liner from The Frankie Shop and Artizia. Or, go the minimalist route and opt for black and white offerings from Uniqlo and Amazon’s The Drop. Meanwhile, Massimo Dutti’s beige beauty is the best of the best.
Tailored-to-Perfection Trousers
A pair of tailored-to-perfection trousers are the ultimate nine-to-nine style staple. Pinstripe picks from Zara and Aritzia are masterfully menswear-inspired, while Theory’s black pair is true-to-the-classics. A caramel-colored pleated pant from Banana Republic and Everlane’s ivory trouser brighten up any transitional capsule wardrobe to completion.
Anything-But-Basic Black Flats
Like the beloved LBD, anything-but-basic black flats have endless closet appeal, whether you choose a minimalist Mary Jane or a crystal-embellished ballet flat. Of all the fabulous footwear out there this spring, few are as sought-after as the below fashion flats from Everlane and H&M to Aeyde and Mango. And the best part? They all check out under the $300 mark.
Everyday Handbags
For spring, we’re trading in our trendy It bags in favor of masterfully minimal handbags, like the below from Staud, Cuyana, St. Agni, and more. Here’s to raising the bar on stylish essentials this season, without ever having to break the bank!