** This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All selections, styling, and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
Every season brings a slew of new styles and ideas, but you don’t have to completely reinvent your closet to keep it feeling fresh. All you really need are a few modern updates to integrate into what you already own. Think pieces that help your wardrobe feel current while still staying true to your personal style.
If you’re looking to freshen things up for spring, here are six pieces to consider adding this season. They’re versatile, easy to style, and practical for everyday life, whether you’re running errands, heading out to lunch, or packing for a trip. Even better, all of these options are available at Nordstrom, so you can find them all in one place.
Easy Updates for a Fresh Spring Wardrobe
Here are six pieces worth adding to your wardrobe this spring.
1. A Pair of Easy Non-Denim Pants
Denim will always be a wardrobe staple, but having a pair of casual pants that aren’t jeans can open up a lot of outfit possibilities. I especially like styles in olive or other soft neutral shades, which function almost like denim but feel a little more polished and unexpected.
These PAIGE Ari Drawstring Wide Leg Pants are a really nice addition to my spring wardrobe. I like the modern wide-leg silhouette and the shoestring-style drawstring waist.
PAIGE Ari Drawstring Wide Leg Pants (30) // Free People Neria Rib Tank (L) // Crocs Miami (8) // Clare V. Grande Fanny
They work with everything from sneakers and flats to lightweight sweaters and tees, and they’re a great option when you want something comfortable but slightly different from your usual jeans.
I styled them here with a black tank and a denim-look jacket layered on top, while the low-profile sneakers keep the look casual. (And the tank, jacket, and sneakers are all on sale right now!)
PAIGE Ari Drawstring Wide Leg Pants (30) // Free People Neria Rib Tank (L) // cloth + stone Zip Front Shacket (S) // Dolce Vita Sariya Sneaker (8.5) // Clare V. Grande Fanny
The Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants are another great non-denim pant option, especially if you prefer a more classic silhouette. I styled a similar look here with a white tank and a different denim jacket. The perforated slingbacks and coordinating belt add polish and pull the outfit together.
Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants (8) // KUT from the Kloth Genevieve Zip Denim Jacket (M) (similar) // Michael Stars Maya Tank (M) // Dolce Vita Alenna Slingback Pumps (8.5) // Treasure & Bond belt (M) // Jenny Bird Gemma Hoops // Nordstrom T-Bar Pebble Pendant
2. Slim, Low-Profile Sneakers
Sneakers have become a true staple in a modern wardrobe, but lately the silhouettes have shifted toward sleeker, lower-profile styles.
These tend to feel more streamlined and polished than the chunky sneakers we saw for several years. Right now, light neutral shades that aren’t a stark white feel especially fresh, and they pair easily with denim, dresses, and casual pants.
You’ve seen these Dolce Vita Sariya Sneakers a lot lately, but that’s because they’re so versatile and comfortable. They go with just about everything, and I love the elastic back so I can slip them on and off without untying them.
Dolce Vita Sariya Sneaker (8.5) // Madewell Jules Slim Straight Jeans (29)
I’ve styled them with a lot of different looks lately, but I especially like them with the Madewell Jules Slim Straight Jeans—which brings me to the next item.
3. Slim Straight Jeans
Denim silhouettes evolve slowly over time, and one of the most wearable updates right now is the slim straight jean.
If you’ve been living in skinny jeans for years but wide-leg styles feel like too big of a jump, or if you’re starting to tire of more relaxed fits and want something a little more streamlined, this silhouette is the perfect middle ground. It’s slim without being tight and works well with everything from sneakers to flats to sandals.
Caslon Short Sleeve Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (S) // Madewell Jules in Atlin Wash (29) // Dolce Vita Sariya (8.5) // similar bag // BaubleBar Melanie Earrings // Tom Ford sunnies
I’ve talked about these Madewell Jules Ankle Slim Straight Jeans a lot lately, but they’re my go-to these days, so they felt like the best option to feature here.
I’m also a big fan of the MOTHER Kick It and the AG Brinley, which also pair really well with sneakers for spring.
LEFT: MOTHER Lil Kick It // Caslon stripe sweater (S) // VEJA Esplar (39) // RIGHT: AG Brinley // older Caslon sweater // VEJA Campo (39)
4. A Cropped Trench
A trench coat is always a classic, but a cropped trench feels especially fresh right now.
The shorter length works especially well with today’s higher-rise jeans and pants, and it’s the kind of layer you can throw on over a simple outfit to instantly make it look more pulled together.
I recently added this stretch cotton trench in classic black to my closet, but it also comes in a nice neutral Beige Oatmeal. I already have several jackets in shades of beige in my spring wardrobe, so I thought the black would be a nice option to have.
I styled it here with a striped sweater and blue jeans, and I bookended the look with black ballet flats.
Nordstrom Stretch Cotton Trench (S) // similar stripe sweater // FRAME Pixie Arrow (30P) // Margaux The Demi (39) /
If you prefer a hood, another good option is the Caslon Cotton Parka with Removable Hood.
Caslon Cotton Parka with Removable Hood (S) // FRAME Pixie Arrow (30P) // Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat (8.5)
5. Mary Jane Flats
Mary Jane flats are a great transitional shoe that are having a major moment right now. While ballet flats and loafers are still around, I like how the strap detail on a Mary Jane adds interest (and helps keep them on your feet!) while still keeping the shoe classic and easy to wear.
I love this Steve Madden pair with the contrasting strap and mixed metal hardware. It’s a great neutral that goes with so much, and they’re super comfortable, too.
Steve Madden Lucia Mary Jane Flat (8.5) // KUT from the Kloth Kelsey
Style tip: Look for styles with a square toe or a more narrow topline if you want something that feels a bit more modern.
The Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat is a great example. It gives you a two-for-one trend with the woven texture, and the square toe keeps them from looking too sweet.
Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat (8.5) // FRAME Pixie Arrow (30P)
6. A Woven Leather Handbag
A lot of women don’t think of handbags as a key part of their wardrobe, but they really should.
A great bag can completely change the feel of an outfit, and one of my favorite options this spring is a woven leather handbag, like the Clare V. Grande Fanny I’m carrying below. The texture adds interest and gives even simple outfits like jeans and a tee a more styled look.
Clare V. Grande Fanny // PAIGE Ari Drawstring Wide Leg Pants (30) // Dolce Vita Sariya Sneaker (8.5) // Free People Neria Rib Tank (L) // cloth + stone Zip Front Shacket (S)I also love the Rebecca Minkoff Edie Straw Crossbody for a slightly dressier style.
I also love the Rebecca Minkoff Edie Straw Crossbody for a slightly dressier option.
This outfit is actually from two years ago, but the top and jeans are still available (and the jeans are on sale!).
We’re seeing more streamlined sandals this season, but otherwise this is a look I would still wear today—and I recently pulled this bag out of storage to carry again this year.
Rebecca Minkoff Edie Straw Crossbody // MOTHER Hustler (30) // Michael Stars Naomi (S) // Kork Ease sandals
Final Thoughts
Refreshing your wardrobe for a new season doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Sometimes a few thoughtful additions—like a new pair of shoes, a fresh denim silhouette, or a great bag—are all it takes to breathe new life into the pieces you already love.
Splendid Lounge Jacket (M) // AllSaints Anna (M) // FRAME Modern Pocket Jeans (30) // Treasure & Bond belt (M) // Dolce Vita Alenna Slingback Pumps (8.5) // similar bag
These six pieces are simple, wearable updates that can help your outfits feel current while still staying true to your personal style. And if you’re building out your wardrobe for the season, you may want to browse more of my closet essentials on my Nordstrom Storefront. It’s where I keep an updated roundup of pieces I wear often and recommend.
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17 Responses
The only new-to-me item on this list that I’m considering is a woven handbag. Still on the fence about it, but I’ve got a few bookmarked for a potential purchase. 🙂 I already have a ton of non-denim trousers. The rest of the list, nothing appeals to me.
Hi JoLynne,
Thank you for your informative posts. I always enjoy them. What purse would you recommend with the Gola Chase sneaker ( preferably under $200). Thank you
Maybe something in an ivory or other light taupe. I love the Madewell woven tote in “Vintage Muslin” or the Katie Nixon taupe camera bag crossbody has a sporty vibe that would work well with sneakers.
Great post! In your email today you showed the Paige Vesta sleeveless polo. What size were you wearing?
It’s a small.
I love everything in this post, but the high (11-12″) rise on jeans/pants is a killer for me. The waist would be up to my chest, lol.
Yeah, rise is a very individual thing. It is good you know what does and does not work for you!
Look so forward to your daily posts! What is the zip front denim jacket you are wearing with chest pockets please. The link is to a different one. Thank you!
Mine is a very similar style (same brand) from last year, I didn’t even notice that difference, sorry about that! 🙂
Great roundup! I appreciate you doing all the legwork to keep up posted on new trends. Such a timesaver!
Great post and you look fabulous in all these looks!!!
Question: If you had to choose between Le Jean Barrel Jeans or the Paige Ari Wide Leg Jeans, which pair would you choose? Which would you consider more timeless? They both look amazing on you!!!
I don’t know… I like them both. I feel like the Le Jean may be more slimming, and the lack of a tie at the waist makes them easier to style. I don’t always want to front tuck my top. As far as timeless… they both feel pretty trendy to me. Not sure either will be around in 5 years, but then again, if I could predict how long trends would last, I would be on avery different career path. 😄 I think it really just comes down to which one you’ll reach for more right now.
Thanks! I did the wide leg from your link! They are fun….yet thinking about adding the other!
I had high hopes for the Madewell Jules slim straight, but the rear pockets sit too low and create the dreaded pocket that disappears as it folds under your cheek! I’m spoiled by my Mother jean pockets. Rear pocket pics are so helpful. My hunt continues for a casual straight everyday jean. My Mother Dazzlers are technically a straight but feel too tight and constricting in the thighs nowadays as styles widen.
Oh bummer! You might try the Veronica Beard Leah. They have cropped and full length styles.
Love all the suggestions and will likely try to wit & wisdom olive pants. How do you keep your white sneakers clean? I only buy white leather so I can keep them clean.
I don’t know, lol! They don’t seem to get dirty too easily.