Greetings from sunny Florida! I’ve just updated my Spring Wardrobe Essentials for 2022. I republish this post every year around this time, and while it doesn’t change a lot from year to year, I like to update it with current links and fresh thoughts.

For more spring 2022 fashion inspiration, you can check out these posts:

• Denim Trends for Spring 2022
• Shoe Trends for Spring 2022,
• Accessory Trends for Spring 2022
• What’s In and What’s Out for Spring 2022.

For this post, we are focusing on classic wardrobe pieces that provide a good foundation for a workable spring wardrobe. As always, you should take into account your personal style as well as your lifestyle and wardrobe needs when reading a list like this. My wardrobe essentials may not be the same as yours, but this should be a good starting point for most of us.

2022 Spring Wardrobe Essentials

1. Layering Tees

Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt (TTS) // Mother Insider Step Hem Jean // Slides // Bag (last season)

Layering tees provide the foundation for most of my spring outfits. They pair well with all types of pants and skirts. I like to layer my t-shirts under utility jackets or moto jackets when I wear jeans and under denim jackets when I wear khakis or cargo pants.

My favorite basic white tee is the ATM Schoolboy Cotton Crew. The quality and styling is right on point, but definitely size up one if ordering. I’m also a big fan of the Splendid Kate (size up) and the AllSaints Emelyn (TTS), both of which I have in grey.

At a more budget-friendly price point, the Caslon Rounded V-Neck (pictured above) is a solid choice. I pick up a new one of these almost every summer. It’s TTS or size down if in between.

2. Lightweight Jackets

KUT from the Kloth Bri Utility Jacket (TTS) // Treasure & Bond Twist Detail T-Shirt

Lightweight jackets such as utility jackets and denim jackets make the perfect toppers for your t-shirts and blouses. Having a variety of jackets in your closet is key to having complete outfits at the ready when you’re getting dressed for your day.

The utility jacket I’m wearing above comes in a really nice olive green this spring, and I also like this similar style by Caslon in the Green Sorrel. My favorite denim jacket at the moment is the KUT from the Kloth Jacqueline. It has a slightly oversized fit, which is very much on trend right now. A soft moto jacket is nice to have as well. Shop all those and more below.

3. White Jeans

Frame Le High Straight Ankle Jeans (TTS) // Banana Republic Factory Cardigan // ATM T shirt // Sandals // Bag (last season)

You can wear white jeans year-round these days, but I find myself reaching for mine most during the spring and summer months. They’re crisp and clean, and they pair perfectly with bright colors as well as other neutrals. This spring, ecru and other shades of off-white are trending as well.

For a more tailored pair, I love the Frame Le High Straight pictured above, and for more casual looks, I love my Mother Insider crop flares. Both of those brands do a good quality white denim, and I also like my Good American Good Legs Crop for a classic white skinny.

At a more budget-friendly price point, I like Loft, Madewell, and KUT from the Kloth for white denim.

4. Cotton Sweaters

Lou & Grey Star Sweater (last season) // Jeans // Clogs (last season)

When March rolls around, even if it’s still cold, I start putting away my wool and cashmere sweaters and wearing more lightweight knits. I also find myself wearing more cardigans this time of year. They can often be a substitute for a lightweight jacket, and I don’t have the outerwear issue to deal with when the weather gets warmer.

I’ve already added a couple of cotton sweaters to my closet this season. This bright pink v-neck at LOFT pairs beautifully with white and blue denim, and this neutral cable knit pullover is a more subtle option.

5. Clogs or Mules

Steve Madden Hilde Mule // Kut from the Kloth Rachael Jeans

When it’s not warm enough for open sandals but you’re tired of wearing boots, clogs and mules are a great footwear option for spring, and they’re very much on trend right now. If you can’t wear open back shoes, loafers and ballet flats are good alternatives.

I recently added the Steve Madden Hilde Mules to my closet, and I love they pair with cropped and ankle length jeans. I also love these square toe ballet flats. See more in my post, Spring Trends for 2022.

6. Rain Jacket or Trench

Trench (last season) // Everlane The Alpaca Sweater Tee // Frame Le High Straight Ankle Jeans (TTS) // Sandals // Bag (last season)

Having proper outerwear for the various events in your life is an important part of having a workable wardrobe and looking polished and put together, so even while I don’t find these purchases as fun as shoes and clothes, they are necessary.

My go-to piece of outerwear in the springtime is a trench coat like the one above, and I also have a shorter black one that’s more on the casual side, something like this.  I don’t wear these a lot, but I’ve had both for years, and they definitely come in handy during spring and fall.

7. Fashion Sneakers

P448 Jack Zebby // Jolene High Rise Straight Jeans

Sneakers continue to be a huge trend in footwear this season. We’re seeing everything from retro runners and trainers to court sneakers, and skate sneakers to the clean white kicks. Wear them with everything from dresses to jeans.

I still love my P448s, but I’ve also been looking at some of the retro trainers that are out right now. Also, more colorful sneakers are gaining popularity this season.

8. Cropped Jeans & Pants

Mother Insider crop flares // Halogen V-Neck Sweater // Flats // Coach Tabby Bag

I love to wear jeans all year-round, but I reach for my cropped styles more in the spring and summer. They’re also very on-trend at the moment, although full-length pants and jeans are as well. The full-length styles tend to be more relaxed, and even skinny jeans are getting a slightly wider leg opening.

Cropped jeans can be skinny, straight, or flared, and they can be blue, white, black, or anything in between. It’s also nice to give the jeans a break sometimes, and utility pants in shades of army green and other neutrals are a great alternative.

See my post on Denim Trends for Spring 2022 for more ideas.

9. Midi or Maxi Dresses

Old Navy Tie Dye Midi Dress (last season) // Slides // Bag (last season)

A lot of women say they live in dresses in the spring in summer. I don’t wear a lot of dresses, but I like to have a few options on hand for events that may crop up.

This spring, florals are having a moment, but select your florals wisely. They can be harder to pull off in a classy way as we age. This season I’m seeing lots of flowy styles with ruffles and embellishments. Midi-length styles and long, voluminous looks are in.

Personally, I will always prefer dresses with clean lines, and I’m more likely to choose a solid than a floral. At the end of the day, you have to wear what works for you.

10. Blouses/Shells

similar CeCe floral blouse (S) // Sophie Crop Jeans

I don’t need work wear, so I don’t wear many blouses and button-downs in the fall and winter, but I do like to have some in my wardrobe for spring to pair with jeans and pants for church and going-out looks.

These take the place of all the sweaters I wear in fall and winter. They also layer nicely under lightweight jackets. Color is a big trend this spring, especially pink!

11. Everyday Handbag

Coach Tabby 26 Crossbody // Halogen V-Neck Sweater // Mother Insider Crop Flare Jeans

I’ll be doing another spring handbag roundup this year, but if you’re going to add one bag to your closet this spring, make it straw or rattan. That is top on my spring shopping list.

Shades of white are also trending again this season, and bright and bold colors are making a comeback as well. I just picked up the Coach Tabby 26 Crossbody pictured above, and I love the versatility. It has two straps so you can wear it on the arm, over the shoulder, or cross body.

These basic items should give you a good foundation for your spring wardrobe. Don’t miss my Spring Trends Report for ore on the styles and colors that are trending this season!

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