The 8 Pieces That Belong in Every 2026 Spring Wardrobe
by Emily Weaver for PEOPLE
Call me crazy, but I like spring cleaning — especially when it comes to my wardrobe. However, shopping is my Achilles heel, so the second I see empty closet space, it’s game over. To get my spring capsule wardrobe back on track, I tapped celebrity stylist Jenni Lee and personal stylist Elizabeth Kosich to find out which clothes and accessories are worth the investment — and what to ditch instead.
The secret to picking the right pieces is “focusing on strategic gaps [in your closet], not impulse wants,” Lee says. “My test for any spring piece is simple: Can this work for at least three different occasions? If yes, it’s a spring staple,” she tells PEOPLE.
Lee and Kosich’s spring capsule wardrobe must-haves include cropped trench coats, versatile slip dresses, platform sneakers, and more starting at just $11 on Amazon.
Stylist-Recommended Spring Capsule Wardrobe Pieces
Cropped Trench: Tankaneo Cropped Trench Coat, $56
White Denim: Grapent Straight-Leg White Jeans, $42
Linen Layer: Siliteelon Linen Button-Down Shirt, $20
Two-Piece Set: Prettygarden Matching Sleeveless Vest and Wide-Leg Pantsuit, $46
Carry-All Bag: Michael Kors Charlie Medium Tote, $106
Sleek Slip Dress: The Drop V-Neck Midi Slip Dress, $55
Comfy Sneakers: Lucky Step Platform Retro Trainers, $40
Full-Length Tank: Langwyqu Crewneck Tank Top, $11
Tankaneo Cropped Trench Coat
Both stylists agree that cropped trench coats will be everywhere this spring. “While the cape style is trend-forward, the evergreen trench silhouette keeps it timeless,” explains Kosich. Plus, the khaki color makes it “grab-and-go ready for any outfit palette,” she says. It’s “the ultimate spring layering piece,” adds Lee.
Grapent Straight-Leg White Jeans
”Every capsule needs a hero piece, and for spring, a classic white jean saves the day,” says Kosich. I tend to gravitate toward more baggy, wide-leg styles, but Lee tells me it’s time to swap those out for silhouettes that “feel polished and intentional,” such as a pair of cigarette or straight-leg jeans. And don’t forget to “purge any jeans that have lost stretch or become misshapen,” Kosich tells PEOPLE.
Siliteelon Linen Button-Down Shirt
According to Lee, every spring wardrobe needs at least one linen item, and a button-down shirt is a smart place to start due to its versatile styling. Linen is “cooling and moisture-wicking” and its “natural texture adds visual interest” to even the simplest of outfits, Lee says. Wear it to the office with pleated trousers or dark wash jeans, or keep casual in coordinating linen pants.
Prettygarden Matching Sleeveless Vest and Wide-Leg Pantsuit
”No capsule wardrobe is complete without a matching set,” says Kosich. She particularly likes the spring-style suit, which “offers endless versatility.” Complete the look with platform loafers or kitten heels, or dress it down with white sneakers — Kosich also suggests wearing the sleeveless vest and wide-leg pants as separates with other capsule pieces.
Michael Kors Charlie Medium Tote
Micro bags are out, and structured leather totes are in. “Spring calls for bags that actually hold your essentials,” says Lee, noting “those tiny decorative bags that barely fit a credit card can go.” Look for neutral color options that “work across multiple outfits,” and prioritize roomier silhouettes that fit everything you need for “spring’s on-the-go lifestyle,” advises Lee.
The Drop V-Neck Midi Slip Dress
Easy-to-layer pieces, much like this midi slip dress from The Drop, are the building blocks of a spring capsule wardrobe, emphasizes Lee. Style it over a fitted tee on cooler mornings, or layer it under a denim or leather jacket at night. Black and white are classic; however, Lee warns pastels are now considered outdated. Instead, opt for “brighter, saturated versions,” such as “sunshine yellow instead of butter yellow,” she says.
Lucky Step Platform Retro Trainers
Lee and Kosich both say comfort is non-negotiable when it comes to footwear — sorry folks, ballerina sneakers are out for 2026. Platform sneakers reign supreme because they “offer height without sacrificing comfort” and “pair beautifully with everything,” says Lee. Opt for a retro-style which adds “a contemporary edge that’s modern and fresh,” Kosich says. Bonus points if it’s a pop of color.
Langwyqu Crewneck Tank Top
Last but certainly not least, Kosich says everyone needs an arsenal of loose-fitting tank tops — however, Lee says to steer clear of cropped styles, which are “starting to feel dated” and aren’t as versatile. As Kosich explains, full-length tank tops are “a timeless classic” that can be styled “tucked, half-tucked, untucked or knotted” with a variety of pants and skirts, as well as layered under dresses, rompers, and lightweight outerwear — making it the ultimate essential.
Lee’s final piece of advice for curating the perfect spring capsule wardrobe? Do “a 15-minute spring wardrobe audit to see what you already have, then fill in only the missing pieces that will multiply your outfit options,” Lee tells PEOPLE.
See published article on PEOPLE.com here.