10 Stylist-Approved Spring Wardrobe Must-Haves

With spring just a couple of weeks away, we’re antsy to whip out fresh tops, bottoms, and pretty sandals we can show off. You can have a lot more fun with your spring outfits, especially since you likely won’t be hiding them under thick, long winter coats.

We spoke with fashion experts on the essentials you can restyle again and again throughout the season so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed while pondering all the new fashion arrivals and trends. Whether you’re building out an entire capsule wardrobe for the season or just want to shop a couple of versatile staples, you’ll get plenty of wear out of the stylist-approved pieces below.

Best Stylist-Approved Spring Wardrobe Essentials

• Gap Factory Modern Trench Coat, $72 (was $120); gapfactory.com.
• Minidora Lightweight Scarf, $9; amazon.com.
• Old Navy Jean Shirt Dress, $24 (was $40); oldnavy.com.
• Old Navy Classic Jean Jacket, $28 (was $40); oldnavy.com.
• Quince Distressed Denim Oversized Shirt, $40; quince.com.
• A New Day Midi Slip Dress, $25; target.com.
• L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Zip-Top Bag, $45; llbean.com.
• Quince Bella Patch Pocket Wide-Leg Jeans, $50; quince.com.
• Gap Cropped Vest, $28 with code GREAT (was $80); gap.com.
• Old Navy High-Waisted Super Wide-Leg Drapey Jeans, $25 (was $50); oldnavy.com.

Trench Coat

“You can’t head into spring without a trench coat,” Dianne Boyer, founder of Dianne In Style, playfully warns. “What’s perfect about the trench coat is that it is always chic and appropriate for all occasions. But what I like best about the trench coat is that there are now so many different styles and colors so that you can pick one that aligns with your personal style. It’s a classic that you can easily personalize to make it a must for your closet.”

Lightweight Scarf

According to Boyer, one accessory you’ll get plenty of use from is a lightweight scar. “Its purpose is twofold; the first is that it can keep you warm on those still chilly spring days. But second, and the best thing about a lightweight scarf is that it’s an easy way to bring a piece of spring to your wardrobe early in the season. Picture a bright floral scarf with jeans and a white tee. It immediately turns a neutral season look into a spring look. It’s an easy and affordable way to introduce prints or spring colors to your wardrobe before it’s time to go ‘all in’ when the warmer weather finally arrives.”

Denim Dress

Boyer also says you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a little denim dress, which is “a great transitional piece to add to your wardrobe.” She continues, “It’s the perfect dress to have after you put away your sweater dresses and before you bring out the floral styles. You can style a denim dress in early spring with boots and tights or layer a sleeveless denim dress with a tee underneath. As the weather gets warmer, you can lose the T-shirt and swap out those boots for sandals or sneakers.”

Jean Jacket

Now is a good time to “dust off that jean jacket for the spring and summer,” suggests Jennifer Johnson, founder of the True Fashionistas consignment shop. “It is the most versatile item you could have in your wardrobe. You can throw it over a sun dress, trousers, or even wear it with a pair of white pants. Denim jackets, especially lighter-colored ones, look great with just about everything. If you are feeling daring, you could even throw it over a cocktail dress!”

Denim Button-Down Shirt

“A denim button-up shirt is essential for a capsule wardrobe,” notes stylist Daisy Tinsley Barnett. “And for spring 2025, we’re seeing so many options to choose from. Whether you opt for a classic version, a Western-style, or something with a little visual interest, like a puffed sleeve or denim tie-neck, a denim shirt is incredibly versatile. Layer it under a neutral sweater or over a white tee to add some color and dimension. My favorite combination for spring is a denim shirt with jeans—denim-on-denim for the win—a designer belt, and slingback shoes. Add a sweater over your shoulders, and you’ll look cool and polished.”

Slip Dress

“The slip dress is one of the original fashion staples in a capsule wardrobe and can be worn throughout every season,” says Leah Wise, founder of CrashGal Couture. “It’s so versatile and can be styled a million different ways. You can keep it casual with sneakers and a jean jacket, or you can put a blazer over it with heels to look more put together. Pairing the dress with T-shirts, button-downs, and sweaters is another great way to give it a different look. It serves as the perfect base for outfit inspiration.”

Canvas Tote Bag

It’s time to put away the mini and micro bags and grab a sturdy tote instead, according to Wise. “Investing in a fashionable yet functional tote is key so it can accompany you anywhere and everywhere, especially for spring farmers markets or sporting events. Not only should it be large enough to hold all your belongings, but it should also be strong enough to hold all your belongings without fear of a strap snapping.”

Sailor Jeans

“While there are many ways to execute spring’s nautical trend, sailor jeans are one of my personal favorites,” Shana Draugelis, founder of the lifestyle blog The Mom Edit, tells us. “Think: jaunty, wide-legs (cropped or full-length—you choose), with extra points for patch pockets. These jeans tend to be easy to wear and are perfectly on trend this spring. I’ll be wearing mine with colorful suede sneakers, a tee, and a straw bag.”

Tailored Button-Front Vest

Draugelis shares that she’s also “jumping on the tailored vest trend. I’ll wear them now over T-shirts or layering pieces like turtlenecks and long-sleeve tees, but I’m especially excited to wear these tailored pieces alone with a pair of loose, easy denim. Look for vests with a button-front done in everything from blazer-ish twill to denim. And don’t be afraid to pair your vest with trousers for a sophisticated twist on a matching set.”

Drawstring-Waist Jeans

Another sneaky style Draugelis can’t get enough of is the drawstring-waist jeans. “These pieces are comfy, cute, and especially great for anyone who’s ever struggled with belts,” she explains. “Because the drawstring adds a casual element, these jeans usually look best with casual shoes like sneakers, flat sandals, and flip-flops, but could be elevated by a pair of ballet flats, too. And stick to tops that show off the drawstring; boxy and cropped or tucked-in tops work best.”