Spring staples
And how to incorporate them into your existing wardrobe
Okay, so… say you’re in the market for a new couch. Before pulling the trigger on a brand new sofa which will sit in your living room surrounded by all of your furniture and art for the next 5 to 10 years, you’ll think long and hard about the shape, material and color of it. Surely, you’ll consider how it fits in with the rest of your things, so that you don’t also have to replace all of your furnishings.
Ok now let’s change the word “sofa” for “sweater” or “skirt” or “jeans”. Do you see where I’m going with this? That is how I shop for clothes. If I’ve seen a garment on an influencer and have felt compelled to buy it, I first try to imagine three pieces that are currently in my closet I think I could wear it with. If there are less than three, I take it as a sign from the divine that *this* piece is not for me. I give myself a three day cart rule when I’m really pining for it and always try to find a second hand option before buying new.
I borrow search terms from item descriptions listed on fashion retailer’s websites.
Building a wardrobe full of “staples” isn’t done through impulse buying. It happens through thoughtful and intentional purchases — ones you don’t regret. With that said, here are some of the staples I shared in my reel today: six pieces to make multiple outfits from and alternative options at different price points. Accessorizing can really transform an outfit (think flowers on a dining table). For my paid subscribers, I’ll be putting up a post of vinted links next week with lots of staples for your wardrobes!
1. The whimsical top
I’m not a very “girly” girl per-say… but I like having a handful pieces in my wardrobe that are feminine. A whimsical top paired with a pair of jeans is such an easy outfit to leave the house in for any occasion. When I say whimsical, I’m talking about flowy, cotton, embroidered, smocked, balloon sleeved, and floral prints.
My favorite this season is this Skall Studio fairy blouse.
I’m also loving these options:
2. The perfect jeans
Denim is probably one of my favorite fabrics in the world. It’s durable, classic, and comfortable. It’s also historically been dyed with indigo which is a plant I use in all of my work so yeah… jeans are kind of my thing. At some point I will do a denim guide as I feel it really requires it’s own post but for now, I will share my favorite spring styles and washes. Starting with my B-sides Lasso jeans which I bought on vinted two years ago for 180 euro (they retail for around 400), I wear these ALL THE TIME! I managed to find this exact pair on shopbop on sale in a size 28 so if this is for you, you’re welcome!
3. Cotton knits
My favorite part about the arrival of spring is switching my wooly knits to lighter, softer cotton knits! I love this Nikki Chasin vest because I feel like I can wear it over almost anything and I can also wear it as a top. Finding clothes that are versatile is such a great hack for making new outfits from what you already have.
4. The tiered skirt
I love a good poplin skirt, there’s something really nostalgic about wrapping yourself in a giant piece of fabric… I used to make princess dresses out of flat sheets when I was little. This is my grown up version of that, except I’m not interested in being a princess anymore… I just want something which can be feminine and masculine, which is comfortable and chic and this skirt is IT. Seriously this Something to Hold teacake skirt is maybe the best one I’ve ever owned.
Here are some other options!
5. Classic button down shirt
I have to admit I don’t love the way button downs look on me. But I also have to admit they’re a great staple to have in your closet and if you have the right one, you’ll reach for it often. You can style it over a white tee or under a sweater or vest. All in all, shirts are versatile and appropriate for almost every occasion so get one or two! The one I wore it today’s reel is a vintage Pierre Cardin piece I got on vinted for 5 euro. I searched for “vintage shirt” to find it and then pestered the seller to send me dimensions so I could measure it against another shirt I love in my wardrobe. Measuring clothes against clothes that you know fit you well is another great hack!
Here are some favorite button shirts.
6. SHORTS!
I both love and hate letting my legs out after a long winter. Honestly, if you’re like me (about to turn 38), every year around this time you are confronted with how much your knees have aged since the last time you were in shorts and it’s hard to reconcile. So I think finding shorts which are kind to your physique is key, and maybe tanning your legs for a day if you can find the time or some sun! My favorites right now are these Soeur shorts. They are so chic, very luxurious feeling, and so well cut.
I’ve also really been enjoying these toast shorts!
and have been eyeing these up
