Essential Clothing Items for a Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Fashion expert’s eight key pieces for building a transitional spring capsule wardrobe
The unpredictability of UK weather as we head into the warmer months can make getting dressed a challenge, as the majority of British women (68%) find spring and summer the hardest seasons to dress for. The biggest problem causing this stress appears to be a lack of cohesion between clothing items, as over half admit that most of their wardrobe only works with certain other pieces.
Curating a spring capsule wardrobe is the perfect way to remove stress in the morning and ensure an easy transition between the seasons. To help those struggling to bring their outfits together, Jo Collins, head of womenswear design at FatFace has compiled her eight best basics that can be effortlessly interchanged during spring.
Jo Collins explains the concept of a capsule wardrobe:
“A capsule wardrobe is a carefully curated collection of versatile, high-quality clothing items that complement each other and can be mixed and matched for any occasion. Spring is ideal for perfecting a capsule wardrobe, as layering creates a need for various garments to mesh together.
“Relying on a smaller amount of staple wardrobe pieces simplifies your getting ready routine and is a sustainable choice that emphasises quality over quantity, ensuring you get more wear from each garment.”
Adding pops of colour
“A capsule wardrobe with neutral colours like black, white, and grey ensures cohesion, but adding a few pieces in spring tones like soft pink, sky blues, or yellow brings a pop of colour. Go colourful with jumpers, cardigans, or t-shirts, keeping bottoms and footwear simple to maintain balance.”
Jo’s 8 essential clothing items for spring:
- A white shirt
“A white shirt is the ultimate transitional piece for spring, blurring the lines between laid-back everyday attire and formal evenings. A staple in any capsule wardrobe, it can be worn loose or tucked into jeans for a casual look, or paired with statement jewellery and trainers. For a more polished outfit, style it with a midi skirt, tailored trousers, or layer under a sweater for added warmth.”
- A blazer
“A spring capsule wardrobe is all about the ability to layer pieces that can be adapted to different occasions. A well-fitted blazer or suit jacket offers the perfect in-between to seamlessly transition between winter and summer.
“Dress up with a shirt and trousers for the office, or wear a light jacket with a sweatshirt and jeans when running errands. Transform any outfit by styling over a long skirt or dress.”
- A chunky knit jumper
“Consider the fit and fabric when choosing the perfect jumper to add to your capsule wardrobe. Think optimistic shades but still versatile shades like oatmeal, butter yellow and baby pink, and ensure enough room to layer.
“A chunky knit jumper with a long skirt and boots or trainers perfectly nails the brief of casual weekend attire, inject colour with a statement scarf and layer under an oversized longline coat.”
- Everyday t-shirts
“A few good quality t-shirts are essential for curating a capsule wardrobe. Opt for neutral colours that can work with the rest of your wardrobe, like white, black, or grey, and include a combination of long and short sleeves to mix up outfits and provide extra warmth when needed.
“The beauty of t-shirts is that you can wear them in many ways without getting bored. Dress one up with chunky accessories and a skirt, or style under a sweater vest or blazer for the perfect work outfit. Long-sleeved tops are ideal for transitioning out of winter, as they can be worn under a dress or dungarees.”
- A longline coat
“No capsule wardrobe is complete without the perfect coat. Choose a style that can be worn both with smarter attire over a shirt and trousers and when running errands – a long-line wool or trench coat would be ideal for chillier spring days. Going slightly bigger with the fit allows the option of a jumper underneath whilst changing the silhouette.”
- Smart boots
“The unpredictability of spring weather means it is crucial to leave the house prepared for all conditions. Investing in a comfortable pair of boots that can be worn in rain or dry weather means you’re always prepared.
“A good pair of boots can seamlessly transition your wardrobe from September through to the new year. Dress them up with a long skirt or keep it cool casual with wide-leg jeans and a jumper.”
- Denim jeans
“Having a couple of jeans options in your wardrobe provides a reliable base for any outfit. Opt for one statement piece like a wide-leg design to elevate an outfit, then keep it simple with the other – think skinny or straight leg.”
- A midi skirt or dress
“A midi dress or skirt is a surprisingly versatile addition to an autumn capsule wardrobe. A long denim skirt can be effortlessly styled with trainers during the spring, striking the perfect balance between casual and dressed-up. A flowy midi is great for office wear or weekend brunching. Pair with t-shirts, jumpers, or blouses for easy styling.”
For those looking to stock up on spring essentials, check out FatFace’s wide range of women’s tops, dresses, and jumpers.