How to Shop for Springtime Wardrobe Essentials
The arrival of spring brings with it the opportunity to start fresh and anew in many areas of life, and that includes your wardrobe. As you gear up for warmer weather, it’s time to put away the giant winter coats in exchange for new outfits that you can actually show off when you’re outdoors. If you are planning to add some new pieces to your spring wardrobe collection, consider a few of the pointers we’ve outlined below to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
Have the Right Bags in Tow
Clutches. Totes. Oversized bags. Beach bags. All the purses. All the bags. The harsh winter weather is gone and the warm and sunny spring weather brings a plethora of opportunities to show off cute handbags. Obviously, the purse you carry depends on the occasion. If you’re going to be running around all day from yoga to work to school pickups to dinner with friends, you need a functional bag. Something large enough to store all the stuff you are going to need throughout the day. Obviously, you don’t want to sacrifice style to achieve maximum functionality. Plenty of canvas totes and oversized handbags are stylish and come in different designs and colors, so you can easily find something that is utilitarian and that goes with your outfit.
A purse for another occasion is the clutch. This is what you want when you’re heading to brunch or a formal dinner event and just need something to store essentials in, like your credit card and lipstick. Because there’s not much room in a clutch purse, it’s all about fashion. A clutch can be an accessory that acts as the highlight of your outfit if you’re sticking to a minimalist look or a look that beautifully accentuates the outfit you’re wearing. Other great purses to debut during the spring include crossbody purses that allow you to carry the things you need while freeing up your hands, and a midsize tote purse that gives off a polished, sharp look to a business outfit.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Your accessories are just as much a part of your springtime wardrobe as are your new spring clothes. Things like sunglasses and sandals accentuate a springtime outfit but are also functional and appropriate for the season. When it comes to jewelry, opt for lighter, more colorful, and more playful pieces that might have looked a little out of place with your fall or winter outfit. Think colors like turquoise and coral or pastels. Lightweight bracelets and necklaces or fun, fashionable rings are all great jewelry options that you can use to play up a springtime outfit.
As we mentioned above, sunglasses are another integral springtime accessory. Now is the time to invest in a new pair of shades that will look good with a variety of formal and casual outfits and can last you well into the early fall season. If you’re not sure what style to go with, invest in two pairs: one classic, elegant, and black, and the other colorful and playful, like a leopard-print frame or another fun color and pattern. Also, think about your outfits and how well the sunglasses will go with each.
Finally, some other accessories to incorporate into your springtime wardrobe include belts, hats, and scarves. Although technically these are a lot of items that can be worn at any time of the year, there are certain versions and styles that are more appropriate or explicitly designed for springtime wear. Skinny belts that come in spring colors like pink or light green or even a belt with a colorful floral pattern look fabulous on white capri pants. And if you’re a hat kind of gal, a spring picnic is the perfect time to debut a chic sun hat. Scarves are also excellent springtime wear, especially if you want to dress up a simple, solid-colored top. Obviously, spring isn’t the time to bundle up in a bulky wool scarf. Stick to lighter materials that come in more colorful designs and colors. A great alternative to the scarf is a bandana, which accentuates an outfit just as nicely as a scarf does.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
If you live in a cold climate, the winter offers very few opportunities to wear anything other than boots. Once the snow and slush have melted away and the weather warms up, you can start showing off cute shoes like ballet flats and sandals. No outfit is complete without the perfect pair of shoes, so take into consideration what shoes you’d like to wear with your springtime wardrobe pieces. A short-sleeved knee-length sundress or a tall maxi dress both look great with a pair of flat strappy sandals or wedge heel sandals. And a pair of ballet flats will go nicely with skinny jeans and a sleeveless blouse.