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My Most Worn Spring 2023 Wardrobe Staples

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about my most worn spring wardrobe staples, and it went over so well, I thought I’d do it again this year.

After scanning the What I Wore Lately cover photos from the last couple of months, I came up with this list of my most worn spring closet staples for 2023.

As much as I shop, I’m very selective about what I actually hang in my closet to wear on the regular, so doing these posts helps me be more strategic about what I keep and return.

My Most Worn Denim This Spring

As you all know, I live in denim three seasons of the year — actually four, if you count jean shorts – and this spring has been no different. I found myself wearing mostly light blue and white denim this year in a variety of silhouettes and inseam lengths.

I tried to narrow this section down to four or five, but that was an exercise in futility, and I finally gave up and just put a whole color category down for #5.

#1. KUT from the Kloth Jane Porkchop Shorts (6) // Even though it only just got warm here, I thought these denim shorts deserved a mention here. I’ve already worn them a ton, and when I try other shorts on, attempting for some semblance of variety in my outfits, I always revert back to these because they’re so comfortable and they go with everything.

also wearing: LOFT sweater // Chaser tank // Splendid tee // ring sandals // birks // Kork-Ease slides

SIZING NOTE: Definitely size down in these, if ordering. I don’t take a 6 in anything these days, and these are plenty roomy.


#2. MOTHER The Insider Crop Step Chew in Dancing On Coals (more sizes) // Well, this will certainly come as a surprise to no one! Funny that I almost didn’t keep these jeans when I bought them 3 years ago because I was afraid I wouldn’t reach for them. They’re pretty much all I want to wear this time of year.

I just think they’re such a fun, casual summer jean — especially this Dancing On Coals wash with the ripped knees and chewed stem hem. I also have these in white.

also wearing: also wearing: floral tee (M) // sandals (8) // green jacket (S) // white tee (M) // On Cloud sneakers (8.5) // 525 sweater // VEJA sneakers (39) // JeT’aime tee // utility jacket (S) // VEJA sneakers (39)


#3. MOTHER Weekender Bootcut Jeans (29) // I love, love, love these bootcut jeans. They’re the perfect length and silhouette for me, and the denim is soft and stretchy and so comfortable. I wore them a ton this spring before our weather warmed up, and I still find myself reaching for them when I want a casual outfit with heels.

also wearing: printed blouse (S) // white denim jacket (S) //  Kork-Ease sandals (8) // black tank (S) // black coated denim jacket (S) // Equipment sweater (S) // Dolce Vita booties (8) // Rails button-up (S) // Michael Stars tank (M) // Dolce Vita platform heels


#4. MOTHER Dazzler in Riding the Cliffside (29) // These are my go-to slim straight leg jeans for year ’round wear. They look especially good with sneakers and flats.

also wearing: Equipment sweater (S) // VEJA sneakers (39) /Sundry tee (1) // Dolce Vita slides (8) // printed top (S) // similar mules


#5. White Jeans // This is a copout, but as I looked back through my pictures, I felt like my white jeans have been fairly evenly represented this spring, and this category is already long enough. Plus, I wrote an extensive White Denim Guide just a few weeks ago.

I feel like I’ve worn the PAIGE Leenah, Good American Good Straight, MOTHER Hustler, and MOTHER Insider equally over the past couple of months. They are all true to size; I have the 29 (the 8 in the case of Good American).

one // two // three // four


My Most Worn Spring Tops & Tees

Wow, Evereve is majorly represented in this category! I feel like I’ve gotten more wear out of my casual tops this year than ever before. I guess we didn’t go out much.

#1.  Frame Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee (XS) // A great white tee is foundational to my spring wardrobe because it’s the perfect base layer under all my jackets and cardigans, but I also like ones with a little extra texture or detail for when I want them to stand alone.

I still love my ATM Schoolboy V-Neck T-Shirt but I think I’ve worn this Frame one more this year. It has such a flattering neckline and sleeves. The fabric is smoother than the ATM, and while I love the slub texture, this is nice for a change. It always looks polished, even after a day of traveling.

also wearing: PAIGE Anessa (29) // brown sandals (8) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Taos sneakers (8.5) // MOTHER Insider (29) // P448 (39) // utility jacket (S) // MOTHER Roller (28) // clogs (8)


#2. Sundry thermal (size 1) // I love a long sleeve thermal top for casual spring days when I don’t want to wear a sweater and it’s too cold for short sleeves. I found myself wearing this thermal top over and over again.

also wearing: MOTHER Insider (29) // VEJA Esplar (39) // MOTHER Dazzler (29) // P448 (39) // MOTHER Tomcat (29) // MOTHER Insider (29)


#3. Blake Taped Hoodie (S) // I also found myself wearing a lot of what I call elevated sweatshirts this spring. I have two or three that I wore almost weekly, but none are available anymore, so I’ll just picture this one. I will definitely will be sure to have a couple of these in my spring closet next year. I love this navy blue option, if you’re looking to add something like this to your closet this summer.

also wearing: MOTHER Tomcat (29) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Fidelity Cher (28) // MOTHER Tomcat (29)


#4. SUNDRY Side Twist Tee // Unfortunately, this top is also sold out, but I think it’s a good reminder that sometimes it pays to spend a bit more on a “beyond basic tee” that you will wear over and over with different outfits. Cost per wear, and all that!

also wearing: MOTHER Dazzler (29) // Dolce Vita sandals (8) // Porkchop shorts (6) // Kork-Ease sandals (8) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Vince Camuto sandals (8) // white MOTHER Insider (29) // P448 sneakers (39)


#5.  Chaser Sunset Rays Tank (S) // I don’t know why I haven’t worn this graphic tank with white, but it sure is cute with all types of blue jean bottoms! Orange is a huge trending color for summer, and I love the happy colors in this tank.

also wearing: Porkchop shorts (6) // AMO denim skirt (28) // FRAME Le High Straight (29)

SIDE NOTE: What’s the rule with band tees? You must know at least 3 songs? My college roommate used to listen to the Grateful Dead, and I’ve enjoyed their music ever since, so I feel like I’m “allowed” to wear them on my t-shirt, haha! I definitely have more than 3 of their songs on my Spotify master playlist.

How about you? Will you buy a band tee just because it’s cute? Or do you have to like their music?


My Most Worn Outfit-Making Jackets

Yes, that is so a clothing category! Okay, I made that up, but I really do rely on casual jackets to level up my spring looks.

#1.  KUT from the Koth Kara in Cactus (S) // This cactus green cropped raw hem jacket was the first new jacket I purchased for spring 2023. It tops off a white tee with blue jeans perfectly!

also wearing: ATM tee (M) // MOTHER Insider (29) // Paige Anessa // ON sneakers // Tory Burch slides


#2. KUT from the Kloth Ingrid (S) // This was another new purchase this season. What can I say? I really like green jackets. Although, I actually miss the coral/pink KUT from the Kloth Kara I had last year. I can’t believe I got rid of it, but I can’t find it. I guess I figured they always have new colors, and it’s better when I can link them, but I’m kind of bummed about that. It was a nice option to have.

also wearing: MOTHER Roller (28) // Frame tee (XS) // MOTHER Insider // Frame tee (XS) // MOTHER Insider (29) // JeT’aime Vintage Tee (1)


#3. KUT from the Kloth Jacqueline (S) // I’ve had this one for a few years, but it’s still my go-to when I want a blue jean jacket. (I didn’t link any of the tops because they’re old, and I think the shoes are either linked elsewhere or pretty obvious.)

also wearing: FRAME Le High Straight (29) // Good American Good Straight (8) // Wit & Wisdom cargo pants (6)


My Most Worn Shoes This Spring

Sneakers and sandals are my go-to shoes for springtime, once the weather warms up, but earlier in the season, I love loafers and espadrilles. I’m also happy to see ballet flats making a comeback this year, although I didn’t reach for mine as much as I thought I would.

#1.  P448 sneakers // These are selling out, but they definitely need a spot in this roundup. When it comes to sneakers, it’s definitely a tie between these and my VEJAs.


#2. VEJA Esplar (39) // I have a few pairs of these, and my most recent addition is the White/Sable, but unfortunately, it sold out. The plain white ones are great too, and I love the white with black accents when I’m wearing some black in my outfit, so I wear those more in fall and winter.

also wearing: J.Crew cashmere socks // AGOLDE Riley (29)


#3. Kork-Ease Hutton Sandals (more sizes) (39) // I have probably worn these shoes more than any other this season; definitely more than any of my other heels. They are so comfortable, and they just seem to go with everything. They really walk that line (no pun intended!) between dressy and casual, which is where most of my “going out” outfits fall on the spectrum.

also wearing: Wit &Wisdom jeans

Also, I apologize, but I do not know the nail color I was wearing there. It’s so pretty, though, right!?!


#4. YSL Leather Espadrille Flats // I always wear my leather espadrilles a ton in the spring and fall; they’re such a good casual transition shoe. My YSL pair was a huge splurge a few years back. I can’t even remember how old they are, but I know I bought them pre-pandemic, and the price has gone up a lot since then. There are lot of good wallet-friendly options out there, though, like this Tory Burch pair and this Michael Kors pair.

also wearing: Talbots sweater (S) // Fidelity Cher (28)


#5. Flat Slide Sandals // Another copout, I know! But when it comes to flat sandals, I’m having a hard time finding a pair that stands out more than the rest, which is odd because I usually have a go-to pair. The one constant is, I tend to reach for slides more than anything else. Here’s a roundup of my favorites.

Also, I’ve noticed that I need a pair of flat black sandals, so I’m on the lookout to add a pair of those for summer.


My Most Worn Handbags This Spring

I purchased three new bags this spring… well, three that I actually kept! Two of the three have been on constant repeat, and I’m surprised (and a bit disappointed) that I haven’t reached for the other that much. I love it, but I haven’t been wearing as much black as usual.

#1. Dragon Diffusion Santa Croce large woven-leather basket bag // I was immediately drawn to this bag when Helena (Brooklyn Blonde) showed it on her IG Story. I love how it plays into the current trends, but it still has a classic summer vibe, and it’s not a bag that you see everywhere. When I got it in the mail, it was even more beautiful than I had anticipated.

It’s such a unique and gorgeous bag, and it goes with so much. Because it’s handmade, it goes in and out of stock frequently, but if you want one, you can add it to your Wishlist at Matches Fashion, and they’ll email you when stock becomes available.

also wearing: LOFT stripe dress

Here’s a little more about the brand:

Dragon Diffusion creates handmade woven leather handbags that are handcrafted with respect for tradition. Our special Hand Braiding technique has been developed through our respect for Traditional Leather Craft and the natural vegetable dying process of our leather straps is unique. We have been inspired by traditional Basket Weaving cultures from Japanese Bamboo Basketry to Fibre baskets crafted from natural plants by ethnic South Pacific communities. The key point is that although the function of the bag changes, the contemporary look is adapted to the function of today. Where instead of carrying fruits and vegetables, we have transformed these baskets to be used for everyday use.


#2. Amazon Top Handle Straw Clutch // I borrowed this bag from Lindsey when we were in Miami together, and I came right home and ordered one. It’s super affordable and on trend, and easy to dress up or down. It also has a chain strap if you want to be hands-free.

also wearing: floral dress


The bag I did not carry as much as I’d hoped is my NAGHEDI St. Barths Medium Woven Tote, but I plan to remedy that situation ASAP! When I realize I’m not wearing or using a favorite wardrobe piece, I start to create outfits just for the purpose of using it. Sometimes that requires purchasing what I need to complete a look, but more often, it just means being more intentional about wearing items from my closet that go with it.

Which of your favorite wardrobe pieces did you reach for most this spring?

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39 Responses

  1. Jo-Lynne…question for you – if you were going to NYC, what clothing stores would you make sure to visit? Especially if you had your girls with you? I’m going next week with my 22-year-old daughter and trying to figure out the best places to go, other than Nordstrom Rack and Macy’s, which I always go to? On that note – any suggestions who might have the best Spanx clothing selection if I wanted to try their jeans/pants on in person?

    1. Adding my two cents here – no Spanx, but if I was with a 22 year old, I’d go to Zara, especially if you don’t have one easily accessible to you where you live. It’s not unique to NYC (they are all over the world – started in Spain), but it’s a great store. Their stuff is good quality, current, and reasonably priced. My daughter (21) and nieces (young 30s) all love it, and I (a lot older than they are, lol) have found several things myself there too.

    2. I honestly don’t even now. I haven’t been in so long, and it sounds like it has really changed since the days I used to flit back and forth. I’m glad Susan popped in with some suggestions. The NYC bloggers do love Zara, so that’s a good suggestion. I have never been very impressed by the one in my mall, but maybe the NYC is better.

  2. I’m thinking about doing the spray tan this summer (as I head out to meet a couple of girlfriends for lunch by the pool today)……those days of sunbathing of course are long gone but I need some color besides my “gardening tan”. I think you mentioned in another post how often and the loose clothes you wear (I’ve never done a spray tan before and could use a reminder on your tips if you don’t mind. How often you do it and do you exfoliate skin before going even for a maintenance spray tanning and any problem with white jeans or furniture and I leather seats in car……i didn’t know how long it takes for the tanning to “set” before putting clothes on or getting back in car.

    Sorry in advance I’m asking soooo many questions, thank you.

    1. Hi Robin! If you can go back to Saturday, 5/27 around 9am and find Jo-Lynne’s Q&A section on her email, you’ll find she went into depth with that question. I found it very interesting!!!

    2. You want to lotion daily before and after your spray tan, but not the morning of the tan. I exfoliate and shave the day before my tan to prep the skin and also remove leftover tan. You don’t want to exfoliate and shave the day of the tan b/c it leaves your pores open to absorb too much tan. If I want to lotion after showering/exfoliating the day before (I usually do b/c my skin is so dry) then I will take a quick shower the morning of the tan and wash off any lotions, etc.

      I go weekly, and you have to wait 8 hours afterwards to shower, so you have to plan accordingly. Also, you will want to wear loose clothing afterwards b/c anywhere there is friction can rub away the tan, but you can get dressed pretty much right away. There’s a topical bronzer that is applied when they spray so they can see how it’s going to look, and that washes off when you shower after 8 hours. In the meantime, you look pretty brown so you may not want to go anywhere important. The bronzer will get on your clothes, but not much, and it washes out easily. After your first shower, the bronzer is washed off, and the tan is fully developed, and you don’t really see it come off on things after that, but it might show on your bath towel. You want to pat dry, not rub, every time you shower to keep it intact as long as possible. The more you shower and use soap, the faster the tan will fade.

      I realize it sounds like a lot of work, and it definitely is something else to think about and plan around, but I love the results.

      The tan lasts about a week, but it fades slowly and can look a little blotchy as it gets old, but you can use a tan extender (lotion) or even self tanning lotion to prolong it a bit. The benefit of going to someone weekly is she gets to know me, what I like, how my skin takes to it, and all that. Hope that helps!

      1. Thanks for all the helpful info……(husband not around for another day or so and I went for it). luckily the girl on the phone was very helpful but I had more questions and she was busy when I left. I think you answered them all and she mentioned as well she has some customers that do it weekly (depends on how hard I am on my skin). The other thing she mentioned was soap……she said don’t use Dove, there is something in it that will wipe you clean of spray tanner. Since I don’t like to sun bathe anymore…..this is my treat to myself for the summer. I went light the first time and I’m good with that and maybe try the next level up next time.

        Have a great week end.

  3. Yes, PLEASE do an ICELAND post for women! I’m going in August; know to pack for all seasons, and it should be on a carry on…which means I need to start packing now! HELP.

    1. Hello! We went to Iceland in July 2020. It is a beautiful country with friendly, warm people. Definitely take swimsuits for Blue Lagoon and the thermal pools, but besides that, we wore mostly warm clothes (rain resistant jackets, long jeans/pants, sweaters, hiking shoes/boots) I wore a down vest a lot and a winter puffer jacket too!
      Very casual atmosphere. We aren’t hard core hikers, but founds ourselves outside, walking most of the time. We had no need for nice clothes ( dresses, blazers) for going out.

      Jo-Lynne, what did Paul think? I’m sure he got lots of beautiful pictures.

      Enjoy your trip.

  4. Great post! I have reached for boot cut jeans most often, particularly my lighter wash Eddie Bauer jeans, which I scored on eBay for about $15! They fit me perfectly. I have worn them with clogs because it has been too cold for sandals. But it’s finally warmed up here so that will change. Since it’s been chilly, q have been wearing ankle jeans often with sneakers.

    Also, if I wore a band tee (and I don’t currently have one), it would have to be a band I like.

  5. I am so glad I found your website! I bought both the Sam Edelman flat sandals early spring and the Vince Camuto flat ones arrived yesterday! I love your classic style, and also how you’ve helped me make more classic choices and shop my closet. Thank you!

  6. I always find at the end of a season there are clothing I haven’t reached for. I must take stock and try to figure out Why 🤔 so I stop making the same mistakes. I hate spending money on clothing pieces that I end up giving away or donating. Such a waste!

    I don’t wear band tees. Just not my style. If I did it would have to be a band I like.

    1. Sometimes it’s just impossible to predict what you’re going to reach for until you’ve worn it a couple times. I will say, I don’t end up with many clothes with tags on that I never wore. I either wear or return or donate within the season.

  7. I have to chime in about band tees as I am in the “3 songs” team! I never would have worn a band shirt in my 20s or 30s (except for a concert tee or two), but I am a definite fan now (in my 50s).

  8. I think what I love was adding more elevated sweatshirts to my closet this year. I love the sunset one from Evereve you recommended. Love the greyish blue color it is. We live on the west coast on the Columbia River and only an hour from the ocean so we get the cool nights and so I can get use out of it even in the Summer. I’m kicking myself I didn’t order the redish thermal one you posted. Would now if they had my size. You really do great on the different pant styles. I just can’t get the shoe thing right as I rarely wear heels anymore. Trying to buy for my lifestyle more now. I live the Wit and Wisdom jeans you posted here with your Cork Ease sandals. I like the slit. That brand fits me the best. I just wore them the other day. I want the pork chop shorts, but think they will be too short for me. I like 5” length. I’m on the look for denim shorts without fray or rolled hem. I have those already. Have a great weekend. Loved this post. So much work for you.

    1. Yeah, I almost included that sunset one; I definitely wore it as much as the Sundry thermal and that red hoodie but I hated to include one more top that isn’t even available anymore. I kept that one out for summer b/c I can see wearing it with shorts at the beach in a few weeks.

  9. For me, I’m only interested in band shirts for bands I’ve actually seen in concert, and usually I purchase at the concert. The one exception is Rush which is my all time fav band, seen over 30 times, and I’ll buy their shirts online mainly because it’s usually the only way to get women’s styles.

  10. Thanks for the offer to post about Iceland! My 14 year old daughter leaves for a school trip to Iceland mid July, and we are packing her like we would for a PNW winter/early spring (low of 35 and high of 55F). Lots of layers and rain protection for the waterfalls, and bathing suit for hot springs!

    1. That sounds about right! I would hate to endure that weather when it’s nice here, I guess by July you may be ready to escape the heat, though? When my husabnd was sending me pictures in the cold rain, i was sitting on my deck in the 70 degree sunshine, and I wasn’t the least bit jealous, lol!

  11. Old enough that I’ve seen them several times in concert and a dead and company show. Seems like a lot for a band shirt but I bought the target dead shirt and really don’t like the design. Honestly, wouldn’t think if you as a Grateful Dead fan though.

  12. Funny that I never would’ve pegged you as a concert/band tee wearing kinda of girl, but you definitely can pull it off; looks cute. I on the other hand, love concerts and live music, but would never wear a band tee except to sleep in. However, we are big music fans here (my husband actually started a music website with friends about 10 years ago as a “side business/hobby” and they livestream music events and concerts.)
    I also don’t wear any graphic tees except my college football team logo stuff (Go USC! 🏈💛❤️) and of course I have a Lakers baseball cap. 😉

    1. I think it’s more that I love graphic tees in general, although I am drawn to the band tees. It plays into the urban, edgy, rock-and-roll vibe that I like. I just have to be careful and do it in subtle ways or it starts to seem too costumey for the classic side of my personal style.

      1. I have finally realized the importance of following one’s personal style more so than ever. I think it’s the gist of why I’ve ended up with so many clothes I’ve never worn over the years; impulse buying because it looked good on the website or it was trending or an influencer wore it. I have heard you say it here on your blog and it certainly comes up in your FB group, but I really think sticking to what works for our own personality and lifestyle is huge when it comes to shopping! I was at a party last night and a friend was wearing a graphic tee very similar to your Grateful Dead tee, wide leg jeans and Converse with her hair up in a top knot and a chunky necklace. She looked so cute but it was totally “her.” I thought to myself I’d never in a million years reach for that outfit. I wore a green blazer over a black bodysuit and Paige jeans with my black Dolce Vita braided sandals and a diamond and pearl necklace. Personal style is such a big piece when shopping.

        1. Yes, I think that hits the nail on the head. This is definitely something I’ve been learning, I credit the Everyday Style School podcast for helping me define my style in 3 words and start thinking about them when I make purchases and put outfits together.

  13. I bought three cotton sweaters and two sweatshirts in spring colors. I actually got to wear them since we had several cold days this spring. I’m set for next winter and spring. The temperature is past the 80s so just wearing sandals, gauze, linen and cotton for a long time. I’m going to try to follow your advice on shopping about buying an item only if you know what to wear with it. I buy too much from sales and coupons. I end up having a lot of clothes and nothing to wear.

  14. Jo-Lynne, how do you keep your hem on your jeans from fraying when you wash them? I have several Mother jeans and a Kut from the Kloth pair that look completely shredded after I wash them. At this rate I may soon be wearing capri length jeans, and we know that’s not a good look! LOL!
    Bonnie

    1. I don’t know, I haven’t noticed it fraying that much, although I did just notice my Mother Hustler (the white pair) looking more frayed than I like. I really don’t wash my jeans very often. You aren’t supposed to. Maybe that’s the key?

  15. Hi Jo-Lynne
    I wanted to tell you that the Loft tops are my favorite I have worn them multiple times this spring and am absolutely in love with them. I am actually wearing the hot pink one with white ankle pants with neutral heels tonight for dinner, and seeing it with the light denim jacket, now I know what I will wear as my jacket! I can not tell you just how grateful I am that I found you to follow. Thank you for all of your content! I look for your emails every day! Love it!

  16. Great post and I love the Chaser tank with the cheerful colors and goes so well with the denim. I have been wanting a nice pair of white jeans and just found a pair of Paige Cindy with exposed button front(think I can deal with that since they were only $34) I sized up from my normal size and they are slightly big in waist but being highrise I might appreciate that. Found them on Amazon, couldn’t believe the price but they were out of stock in many of the sizes, maybe that’s why, love the quality of these pants. Love a bargain!

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