How to Build a Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Spring sure is taking it's funky sweet time getting here, especially in Cleveland where it is slightly snowing as I type this! That's ok, because spring is all about light layers and transitioning pieces- most of which you already have in your closet.  I have broken down clothing categories and labeled them as classic, modern or wild card. Classics are basic items that you more than likely already have deep in your drawers or in the back of your closet, modern pieces are updated versions of the classics- still easy to wear and adds an update to your look, and the wildcard pieces are what you would need to take your style game to level 10. Use this guide to build your spring capsule wardrobe and you will have an endless number of outfit ideas to take you through summer and well into fall!

Tops
Classic- A graphic tee is more versatile than you think- try it with a pair of trousers or a cute skirt for a fresh spin.
Wildcard- Try a blouse in a fresh spring pastel color that you normally would not wear.  Pair it with jeans or ankle pants and flats for a casual but polished look.
Modern- A sleeveless blouse with a small print is perfect for layering under light sweaters, dresses, and crop tops. It's also a great starting point for mixing prints.

Dresses:
Modern- A striped day dress is an awesome one piece outfit that you can dress up or down by switching out your accessories. You can also experiment with a circle skirt on top of the dress for more options.
Classic- A little black dress is something you should own for impromptu get-togethers and other VIP events where you need to dress to impress. Add color with shoes and accessories and wear it with gold, silver and bronze shoes and accessories at night.
Wildcard- A bold printed dress throws an extra jolt of color into your wardrobe and brightens up your whole look. Wear it at night with ultra feminine accessories and high heels, or make it a super casual day time look with a jean jacket and a pair of flats.

Jackets:
Modern-  A kimono is perfect for those chill days when you need a lil something extra on your arms and one more voila' piece to complete your basic tee and jeans combo. Don't be afraid to try it over skirts and dresses too!
Wildcard- A black blazer is a must have for sure, but update your look with a blazer in a bold, bright color! You will be surprised at how new your wardrobe looks when you throw a colorful blazer into the mix.
Classic- A denim jacket- light or dark- is a timeless classic for a reason. It's like the LBD of jackets and looks good with everything from dresses to skirts to- well- jeans!

Pants
Classic- Find yourself a pair of white or light denim, straight or skinny leg jeans and give a perfect spring look with a white t- shirt, sandals and silver accessories.
Modern- Cropped black pants will look great with any type of shirt and gives you to the chance to show off a killer pair of shoes and ankle jewelry!
Wildcard- You will see more flared and wide leg pants in stores this fall, so get a head start and find a pair in a dark wash/color and try them with everything you own for a cool '70s rock star vibe.

Skirts:
Classic- If you don't own a dark floral skirt already, then this is the perfect opportunity to thrift shop because they have racks (on racks on racks on racks) of them! Make the moody florals Instagram worthy by pairing the skirt with a crop top and sneakers- add a jean jacket and push the sleeves up. Now get somebody to take a full body pic!
Modern- A denim skirt will take you from coffee to cocktails and back again.  As versatile as your fave pair of jeans and just as easy to wear- try it with your printed blouse, a basic tee shirt and even over a dress to really stretch your options.
Wildcard- A skirt with a bold in your face print is a great stand alone statement piece for when you need to Give A Look without much effort. Get more wear out of it by trying it out with different tops, jackets and shoes.

Shoes
Black flat sandals- They can be any length or style- knee high, gladiator, strappy, but black flat sandals will tone down your most colorful outfits and chic'en up the most basic ones...
Colorful flats- Add a pop of color with a pointy toe flat shoe in a bright color or pattern. Even the most boring jeans and tee combo can benefit from a dose of color.
Mid heel block sandal- Comfortable, stylish and gives you a little height, the block sandal is perfect when you want to do a little, but not too much...
Show stopper heels- Splurge on the most outrageous pair of high heeled sandals that you can walk comfortably in and wear them unexpectedly. Try them with a cute blouse and jean shorts, or a solid colored sheath dress and a handbag...
Metallic sandals- Doesn't matter if they are gold, silver, bronze or a mix of all three, but you need these to act as a neutral for an outfit that is hard to pair shoes with. You know the ones i'm talking about-  black looks too heavy, and colors never tend to match up just right- get them in different styles and never have that problem again!
Colorful tennis shoes- Find a cute pair of tennis shoes that will keep you looking stylish for those days when you can't even... Throw them on with jeans of course, but also try it with your dresses and skirts for a cool street style combination...

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What classic, modern or wildcard pieces do you already own? Shop your closet and see for yourself how easy it is to create a spring capsule wardrobe of ready to wear outfits that will take the guess work out of getting dressed and will fill in the blanks for when you are ready to shop. Still having trouble pieces outfits together? I got you! Email me and let's set something up!