I’m all about having a capsule wardrobe, and today I’ll be sharing pieces in my spring capsule wardrobe.
I tend to navigate towards darker colours during the winter, so spring is the time to start adding colour into my wardrobe.
Since it’s also pretty cold even during the spring here in Toronto (that’s life in Toronto for ya), I’m also all about the layers.
Here are essentials in my spring capsule wardrobe for 2023!
Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!
More capsule wardrobe tips
Planning out your capsule wardrobe? You might find these posts helpful:
- New to capsule wardrobes? Here’s how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe.
- Planning out your seasonal capsule wardrobes? Check out my capsule wardrobes for summer, fall, and winter.
- Searching for specific capsule pieces? Here are sweaters and summer shoes to add to your wardrobe.
What is a spring capsule wardrobe?
A spring capsule wardrobe is basically a collection of versatile and staple clothing pieces that you can mix and match with each other.
They include timeless pieces that won’t go out of style even 10 years from now!
Instead of buying an entire new wardrobe every season, why not invest in a capsule wardrobe that’ll last you for years, if not forever?
It’ll save you money in the long run, and it’ll cause less harm to the planet.
We all gotta do our part in helping fashion become more sustainable, my friends.
What items should be included in your spring capsule wardrobe?
Basic tops, bottoms, dresses, and shoes should be included in your capsule wardrobe.
These should be staple items in your wardrobe that can be mixed and matched together.
You can put together your ultimate capsule wardrobe essentials for the whole year, or split it up by the seasons to make it easier.
One of the things I love most about spring is layering, so you’ll want to include light jackets as part of your spring capsule wardrobe!
How do you build a spring capsule wardrobe on a budget?
A lot of sustainable fashion brands tend to be on the pricier side, but you don’t have to shop at expensive stores in order to build a capsule wardrobe.
The key is to invest in high-quality and well-made pieces, and there are plenty of affordable brands that you can shop for your capsule wardrobe.
What are the benefits of having a spring capsule wardrobe?
Having a capsule wardrobe for spring is beneficial for many reasons, including:
- Making it quicker to get dressed in the morning
- Saving you money in the long run
- Better for the planet
It’s just so much easier to rely on a capsule wardrobe, rather than rummaging through your closet each morning and not knowing what to wear!
Plus, with a capsule wardrobe, you can occasionally add trendy pieces that will still go with everything you have in your closet.
How to build a spring capsule wardrobe for 2023
So, how do you actually build the perfect spring capsule wardrobe?
I’ve separated this spring capsule wardrobe guide into a few different sections to make it easier:
- Tops
- Outerwear
- Bottoms
- Footwear
Keep on reading to see my spring capsule essentials!
Spring capsule tops
Simple white tank
A simple white tank or camisole goes with pretty much any outfit, and it’s great for layering under cardigans, shirts, and jackets.
It’s best to invest in a higher quality material like silk rather than a cheaper cotton one!
Not only will it last a lot longer, but the material looks a lot nicer.
This Banana Republic solid camisole ($75) and Banana Republic 100% silk camisole ($140) are both great options.
I’m wearing the Babaton Everly camisole in the photo above, which is such an amazing quality tank and closet staple.
It’s no longer available on the Aritzia website, but you can find it second-hand on places like Poshmark – feel free to use my code “JESSICAILAM” to save $15 on your first order!
Plain white tee
A plain white tee and some simple blue jeans = the perfect spring look.
Of course you’ll have to layer a jacket over if you live somewhere cold like Canada, and you can pretty much throw on any jacket – denim, moto, trench, you name it!
Kotn makes the best sustainable (and affordable) white t-shirt for just $35, and they’re a Toronto-based sustainable brand.
This thinner Madewell cotton t-shirt ($25) is another great option, and they also have a v-neck cotton t-shirt ($25).
Grey and black tees are also a nice staple to have, but just a white one is enough for the spring and summer seasons.
Graphic tee
Layer up a cool band tee with a moto jacket and jeans for that cool girl look for spring!
You can go casual with a pair of high waisted jeans, or dress it up a bit with a high waisted skirt.
UNIQLO makes some of the best quality graphic tees, and they frequently collaborate with pop culture icons for their fun t-shirt designs.
You don’t need a whole collection of graphic tees in your wardrobe – a classic vintage band tee will do the trick and go with any item in your spring capsule wardrobe.
I honestly prefer the look of vintage tees over new tees, but you can find vintage-inspired tees out there!
Check out my post on Toronto vintage clothing stores if you’re lookin’ to shop vintage tees and other cool vintage pieces.
Button-up shirt
A classic white blouse is perfect for work, school, and even going out for brunch on the weekend.
You can pair it with so many different spring outfits, and it’ll never go out of style!
One of my go-to spring outfits is a button-up shirt with a pair of ripped denim.
This Gap 100% linen boyfriend shirt ($69.95) and this Gap 100% organic cotton shirt ($74.95) are both great options.
Another classic button-up shirt I love is the striped blouse, but a white button-up is definitely enough for your spring capsule wardrobe!
Knit sweater
Knit sweaters aren’t just for fall and winter – they’re a great spring essential as well!
Layer them under denim jackets on chillier days or wear them on their own on warmer spring days.
This Everlane alpaca crew ($152) is one of my all-time fave sweaters, and it comes in a few different colourways.
Aritzia also makes some of my fave knit sweaters, and I’ve had most of mine for many years – the quality is amazing.
Spring capsule outerwear
There are three essential outerwear pieces everyone needs in their spring capsule wardrobe: the denim jacket, moto jacket, and trench coat.
Denim jacket
There are so many different styles and shades of denim jackets you can wear, but if you’re just looking for that one staple, go for an oversized blue denim trucker jacket.
One of my go-to spring outfits is denim on denim because it’s so easy to throw on!
I adore Levi’s denim jackets, and you can always find older styles at vintage clothing stores as well.
The Levi’s trucker jacket is my all-time fave, and I have it in both light ($118) and dark denim ($99.95).
If I were to choose just one colourway for my spring capsule wardrobe, I’d go with the light denim!
Moto jacket
Whether you like it suede, leather, or vegan, a moto jacket is a classic piece that never goes out of style.
Throw it on over a simple white tee and blue jeans, and that’s a chic spring look!
I think black is always a classic colour for a moto jacket, but if you love beige or pink and know it’ll forever be a closet staple, go for it.
I used to have a bunch of moto jackets in different colours, but I’ve managed to declutter them all and only have my black ones now.
This BLANKNYC faux leather moto jacket ($108) is a great option – BLANKNYC makes great-quality outerwear at affordable prices!
Mackage is one of the best outerwear brands in Canada, and they make amazing quality leather jackets that are in the pricier range of $800 to $1200.
While I do prefer to shop more budget-friendly and mid-range brands for clothing, I’m willing to spend a bit more for quality outerwear as it will truly last you a lifetime.
Trench coat
For spring days where you just need a light layer, trench coats are perfect.
You can’t go wrong with a classic tan trench coat, but white or pink also pair with many different spring outfits!
This Banana Republic soft trench coat ($299) and this Banana Republic 100% cotton trench coat ($399) are both great options.
Spring capsule bottoms
Blue denim
A good pair of blue jeans are an essential in everyone’s spring capsule wardrobe.
Invest in a high-quality pair of denim that’ll last you forever, from denim brands like Levi’s or Citizens of Humanity!
The Levi’s 501 Original cropped jeans ($118) are my all-time favourites, and they literally go with any and every outfit.
The Levi’s Ribcage straight ankle ($118) are another great option if you love a super-high waist.
White denim
A nice pair of white jeans are another essential in my spring capsule wardrobe, especially because I’m all about the lighter colours as the weather warms up.
Wearing white pants with simple outfits like a plain tee can completely elevate it and make it look a lot more chic!
Skinny white denim, mom jeans, wide leg jeans – go with whatever style floats your boat.
While they tend to look a bit dressier, you can totally wear white jeans with pretty much anything in your capsule wardrobe.
The Levi’s 501s ($118) and Ribcage jeans ($108) both come in white!
Trousers
While I don’t work in a professional setting, I still love wearing trousers.
Whether it’s for an important event or just a coffee date, trousers elevate any look.
Aritzia makes some of my fave trousers, though I may or may not have had one pair rip right in the booty crack without noticing while I was at my old job all day.
These Banana Republic TENCEL linen pants ($130) and these high-waisted Everlane Drape pants ($180) are both great and timeless options.
Midi skirt
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been more into midi skirts than mini skirts.
Pleated midi skirts are such a closet staple year-round – you can wear it with a simple crop top for summer or a knit sweater for fall!
Slip skirts are also gorgeous and pair with pretty much anything, from band tees to crop tops.
Spring capsule dresses
Slip dress
For me, summer’s all about bouncy floral dresses, while spring’s all about sleek slip dresses with layers.
I love wearing them with leather jackets or even bombers – it makes for a simple yet chic look.
Throw on sneakers like the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 sneakers to make them more casual!
Spring capsule footwear
White sneakers
Any nice sneaker works for your spring capsule wardrobe, as long as it’s a timeless and versatile piece that works with any outfit.
I’m all about white sneakers, because they literally pair with anything and everything.
In fact, I probably wear white sneakers more than I wear any other shoes.
Go for a classic pair of white Chucks ($70), or a comfy pair of Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 sneakers ($260).
Mules
On days where I have to dress up a little more, I love wearing mules or flats.
They look more elegant than sneakers, so they’re great for even more professional settings.
These Steve Madden mules ($110) are a great and affordable option.
Combat boots
No need to put your boots away for spring – they’re perfect for transitional outfits!
The Dr. Martens Jadon boots ($280) are the perfect combat boot if you love a good platform.
If you like something a little more classic, the Dr. Martens 1460 boots ($200) are timeless.
Essentials for your spring capsule wardrobe:
- Simple white tank
- Plain white tee
- Graphic tee
- Button-up shirt
- Knit sweater
- Denim jacket
- Moto jacket
- Trench coat
- Blue Denim
- White denim
- Trousers
- Midi skirt
- Slip dress
- White sneakers
- Mules
- Combat boots
These were some of my essentials in my spring capsule wardrobe for 2023!
Hopefully you found some inspo for putting together your own spring capsule wardrobe.
What are some essentials in your spring capsule wardrobe? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More capsule wardrobe tips
Planning out your capsule wardrobe? You might find these posts helpful:
- New to capsule wardrobes? Here’s how to build the perfect capsule wardrobe.
- Planning out your seasonal capsule wardrobes? Check out my capsule wardrobes for summer, fall, and winter.
- Searching for specific capsule pieces? Here are sweaters and summer shoes to add to your wardrobe.
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest if you aren’t already!
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