Spring has this sneaky way of fighting for our lives in a wardrobe tug-of-war. Torn between wanting to wear less and still needing to bundle up, we often find ourselves shivering in cold spell we should have seen coming.
As soon as the sun starts to shine, we become eager to shed all our winter layers, only to realise we’ve been caught out by the awkward transition between the seasons. It’s a tricky time to dress for—but I've figured it out.
Dressing for spring is all about having the right clothes that can handle the unpredictable weather. You need to embrace layers that you can easily shed when the sun warms things up and throw back on when the chill creeps in.
Instead of scrambling for a whole new spring wardrobe when the weather surprises you, get ahead with a capsule that provides the perfect foundation for transitioning between seasons. This way, your outfits will be as adaptable as the unpredictable weather.
How to Start a Capsule Wardrobe for Beginners
If you want to create your own capsule wardrobe for 2025, I’ve got you! Over the years, I’ve written a bunch of style guides to help you build a wardrobe that’s effortlessly versatile, using what you already have. My capsule wardrobe guides break it all down, so no matter your style, you’ll know exactly what to wear, and when.
A Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
If you think a minimalist wardrobe is dull and colourless, think again. My spring capsule might lean into a black-and-white palette, but I’ve added playful touches—like delicate embroidery and gingham prints—that keep things interesting.
But this is still a minimalist capsule wardrobe through and through. I will be putting together an edgier alternative using some of the bolder pieces from my wardrobe for those of you who love a bit more colour and drama.
- Longline Coat
- Draped Jacket
- Cropped Jacket
- Embroidered Cardigan
- Cream Cardigan
- Sweater Vest
- Gingham Pinafore Top
- Collared Blouse
- Embroidered Shirt
- High-waist Trousers
- Cotton Jumpsuit
- Midi Skirt
- Shirred Dress
- Sleeveless Dress
- Gingham Midi Dress
- Chunky Loafers
- Lace-up Shoes
- Smart Handbag
- Sunburst Necklace
- Knitted Hood
- Signature Perfume
When it comes to creating a capsule, the "rule of three" is a useful guide to follow. This simple rule helps you create a solid foundation. Pick three items from each category—three outerwear options, three tops, three bottoms, three dresses, three pairs of shoes… you get the idea. This will keep your capsule well-balanced without overcomplicating things.
I find that 18 clothing items plus three accessories is more than enough for a seasonal capsule wardrobe. But if you want more options, go ahead and tweak it. Your wardrobe should work for you, not the other way around.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right pieces—from the colour palette to choosing accessories—I’ve broken it all down in this year’s guide to creating a capsule wardrobe. It’ll help you build a wardrobe that fits your style and actually works for your daily life!
To see how I style my capsule wardrobe, follow me on TikTok for daily outfit inspiration or check out my Substack for monthly outfit round-ups.
Spring 2025 Wardrobe Staples
- Longline Coat: A classic black coat that’s the perfect outer layer for those in-between days. Belt it up for warmth or leave it open when the weather permits.
- Draped Jacket: A lighter option for when spring finally starts acting like spring. The soft drape will add movement to your outfit.
- Cropped Jacket: Structured but not too serious. The easiest way to add polish without feeling overdressed.
- Embroidered Cardigan: A black knit with delicate floral embroidery that gives a subtle nod to spring without the pastel overload.
- Cream Knit Cardigan: Soft, cosy, and perfect for layering through spring’s unpredictable weather.
- Sweater Vest: The ultimate layering piece. Wear it over shirts, dresses, or even on its own when the sun finally decides to show up.
- Gingham Pinafore Top: Cute, playful, and perfect for layering. Works with a cardigan now, a shirt later, or wear it solo when it warms up.
- Collared Blouse: A refined staple with a Peter Pan collar and slight balloon sleeves—easy to wear with anything.
- Embroidered Shirt: A classic but with a twist—black floral embroidery adds a little charm to an otherwise staple piece.
- High-Waist Trousers: A year-round essential. Wear them with trainers for casual days or loafers when you want to look put together.
- Cotton Jumpsuit: The one-and-done outfit for what do I wear? mornings. Comfortable, easy, and effortlessly wearable.
- Midi Skirt: Flowy, elegant, and versatile. Pair it with loafers now and sandals later.
- Shirred Dress: A little colour to break up the monochrome. The shirred bodice adds shape without sacrificing comfort.
- Sleeveless Dress: Simple, timeless, and easy to style. Works with knitwear, shirts, or nothing at all.
- Gingham Midi Dress: A spring staple that feels classic yet fresh. The long sleeves make it a great transitional piece.
- Chunky Loafers: The perfect mix of polished and practical. The kind of shoe you’ll reach for daily.
- Lace-Up Shoes: A little more refined but just as comfortable as loafers. These timeless shoes works with everything.
- Black Handbag: Small but mighty. A structured bag that fits all your essentials without adding bulk.
- Pendant Necklace: A minimalist touch of jewellery that adds warmth to every outfit. This Sunburst Necklace is perfect for spring.
- Knitted Hood: Keeps you warm without ruining your outfit. Ideal for those breezy spring days.
- Signature Perfume: The finishing touch. A fresh, grounding scent to complement your spring wardrobe.