Spring is finally here and it's time to get ready to show off your spring wardrobe. Thankfully, you don't need to buy a whole new slew of items to feel on-trend. Instead, focus on building a capsule wardrobe that can be mixed and matched with other items you already own by choosing new (or new to you) items that feel fresh and fun.
From brunch and weekend getaways to working lunches and everything in between, keep reading to explore what you should consider adding to your spring capsule wardrobe this year to feel confident and stylish.
According to Gina VanTimmeren, Owner of Gina's Boutique, trends to keep a look out for this spring include a variety of colors, textures, materials and washes. And while there's much to feast on visually when determining what trends suit you best, you might notice they all have one thing in common: We've seen them all before at one point or another.
"We're seeing a lot of colored denim (think pink, purple and teal), along with detailed and novelty denim (front pockets and seams)," VanTimmeren explained, noting the revival of an '80s neon color palette. "The Barbie movie that's being released in June is having a big impact on color and style for spring/summer '23. Acid green is one of the colors I keep seeing."
Sheer mesh fabric—a '90s throwback—is another trendy option. If you don't have one already, pick up a mesh top (long or short sleeved) to toss on over a dress or tank with a pair of wide leg jeans you already have. It's a comfortable way to inject some "cool" into an otherwise standard outfit.
VanTimmeren suggests having an item in your wardrobe that features some sort of flowing or draped fabric, such as a ruched midi skirt. An easy way to dress an outfit up or down, incorporating draped fabrics into your wardrobe can be as fun as they are timeless.
Simplicity is also having a huge moment, so don't shy away from classic silhouettes and tailored items that can elevate existing pieces. A little oversized? No problem. Find balance with a more streamlined item and you're good to go.
"A nice trench coat is always a good option and can elevate a simple outfit such as jeans and a t-shirt," VanTimmeren explained, adding that a basic maxi dress is also a great item for a capsule wardrobe this spring. "I like to add a cropped sweater and it completely changes it to a skirt and top. You could also add a denim jacket to go more casual with it."
When it comes to shoes, options abound. We're still reaching for our platform sandals and Birkenstocks. But there's one choice you may be familiar with that's also rising to prominence once again: The ballet flat. Yes, really. The aughts are calling!
"Ballet flats are making a big comeback and are easy to pair with everything from jeans to dresses," VanTimmeren said. What's more, this comfortable item can take you from shopping and a coffee date with your best friends to the office in a snap.
If you're planning on being in the sun, don't forget to have a go-to hat. A continued trend from last year, VanTimmeren says to plan on seeing bucket hats, but this time in a crochet texture. This is an item that truly evokes a nostalgic feeling of warm weather from years past. Pair it with the season's top accessories—rounded cat eye sunglasses and silver jewelry—and you're good to go.
As always, we recommend that you wear what makes you happy and confident, whether that fits trendy norms or not. By letting your individuality shine, you can't lose.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Apr/May '23 issue of West Michigan Woman.
Photos Courtesy of Gina's Boutique.
