There’s nothing quite like an 11-degree day here on the East Coast to make you fixate on spring fashion. I can tell you that the official first day of spring is March 20, something that the entire population of New York is apparently googling this very chilly week. I only had to go as far as typing in “how many days until” for auto-complete to suggest “the first day of spring” closely followed by “the first day of summer,” which is energy I appreciate. So here I am—working from bed in a giant sweater with the heat cranked up and my dog doing her best impression of a hot water bottle—imagining all the things I’ll get to wear in just a matter of weeks.
The desire to establish my 2025 spring basics has taken hold. I’m thinking about everything from the classic pieces I need to re-up on (a light jacket, perfect jeans, and a fitted white tee to layer—perhaps with long sleeves) to the trend-driven accessories (slim sneakers and bowling bags) that are set to be my “wear on repeat” items all year long. This pic of Luna Isabella—my favorite Dutch gal living in Barcelona and a great fashion follow if you’re into happy style that’s grounded in reality but is a little bit fun—is guiding the way. Here are the seven easy essentials inspiring my spring shopping list.
Cropped Trench
I love a trench and already own two great long versions that I wear regularly: an oversize, beltless style from the Uniqlo men’s department and a super-polished option from Australian brand Camilla and Marc. What my spring wardrobe is telling me it needs is a shorter style that’s a little less dramatic. This Sézane style feels just right, but there are loads of good options floating about.
Favorite Daughter
The Cropped Charles Trench Coat
Mango
Julia Asymmetric Trench Coat
Lioness
Trencherous Crop Coat
Nordstrom
Crop Stretch Cotton Trench Coat
Slim Sneakers
The sneakers du jour are low, slim, and vintage inspired. I own and love these Adidas OG SL 72s in burgundy with butter-yellow detailing, which somehow go with absolutely everything.
Dries Van Noten
Leather-Trimmed Suede Sneakers
Vince
Oasis Runner Sneakers
Easy Mid-Wash Jeans
I want my spring denim to be… not anything, really. Not baggy, not exactly straight, and definitely not skinny. Not faded or dark. Not particularly distressed or polished. I want jeans that are cool in the sense that they’re not leaning into any major trend—just delightfully easy, versatile, and nondescript.
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
Zara
Z1975 High Waist Long Length Regular Fit Jeans
Reformation
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
Citizens of Humanity
Annina Trouser Jeans
Bowling Bag
I love when trends and classic fashion overlap. As buzzy as bowling bags are right now, this vintage-inspired accessory is never out of style. If you don’t already own one, it’s truly the perfect bag to buy now and wear forever. The fact that it fits a little fold-up umbrella truly makes it the perfect bag for spring.
Reformation
Medium Patrizia Bag
Staud
The Dude Leather Shoulder Bag
Little Liffner
Bowling Mini Bag
Mango
Double-Handle Bowling Bag
Striped Button-Down Shirt
Spring means layering, and for me, that means reaching for a button-down shirt more days than not. Last year, an oversize white Nanushka shirt that I snapped up from the men’s section during its sample sale became my go-to, but a workwear-inspired striped blue style is on the cards for me in 2025.
STAUD
Kelly Striped Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt
Mango
Regular Cotton Lyocell-Blend Shirt
Dôen
Hava Striped Cotton-Voile Shirt
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt
Baseball Cap
I don’t think I’ve ever worn caps as much as I have this winter. I love them for taking a little of the edge off my polished outfits—the instant off-duty style cue. My preference is always a more ’90s-inspired, worn-in cap, something that’s got the faded look of being discovered in your parents’ garage on a trip home.
’47
Los Angeles LA Dodgers Cap
Frame x Ritz Paris
Embroidered Cotton-Twill Baseball Cap
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Cap
& Other Stories
Washed Baseball Cap
H&M
Embroidered-Motif Twill Cap
White T-Shirt
A fresh white tee just feels so good. Since layering is the name of the game for spring, I’m veering away from the ultra-relaxed styles I’m already stocked up on and looking for some slightly more fitted, ribbed, and tuckable styles with both long and short sleeves.
Donni
The Baby Rib Scallop Long Sleeve
Toteme
Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
St. Agni
Organic Cotton Soft Rib Long Sleeve Top
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