25 women's spring wardrobe essentials we wear on repeat when the weather starts warming up, Business Insider - Business Insider Singapore
by Remi Rosmarin, Business Insider USThe Everlane Day Glove ($115) is a favorite among many women on the Insider Picks team.
Everlane
- Spring’s warmer weather means its time to give your closet an update.
- I asked my coworkers to share their favorite spring fashion staples, and the new styles they’re most excited to wear as the weather warms up.
- From the most comfortable flats we’ve ever worn to sweaters with a cult following, these are the 20 pieces the women of Insider Reviews swear by for spring.
The sun is shining, the grass is actually green, and it seems like we can finally hang up our bulky winter jackets for good. There are many exciting things about the changing of the seasons, one being the process of switching up your wardrobe.
But spring weather can be fickle. One day it’s hot and humid, the next it’s rainy and cold, and every once in a while it’s both over the course of 12 hours, which makes it hard to know what to wear. If you’re looking for some spring outfit inspiration, we’ve got you covered. I asked my coworkers – a team of product reviewers and discerning shoppers – to share the pieces that they actually wear all season long.
Check out 20 spring fashion staples the women of Insider Reviews swear by in our own wardrobes:
A sleek leather jacket that looks almost more expensive than it is
DSTLD Women’s Leather Moto Jacket, available at DSTLD, $350
This cropped leather jacket is the perfect spring coat for weird in-between weather and looks chic over literally everything. It’s thick like you’d expect from a leather jacket, but somehow light enough to feel appropriate for spring and sunshine, not just fall and apple picking. The $350 price tag is also relatively affordable for such a high-quality investment piece that I’ll wear for years. – Jada Wong, Insider Review senior editor
In the past, I’ve called DSTLD’s $350 leather jacket one of my closet’s best-kept secrets – and each year I agree with the sentiment more. It’s a pipe-dream come to life: a high-quality, stylish leather jacket that won’t cost more than $400 but will potentially last you a lifetime. It’s one of the best investment purchases in my wardrobe, and the leather gets more supple, soft, and custom-fit with each year. – Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A lightweight, airy white tee that goes with everything
Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee, available at Madewell, $19.50
There really isn’t anything extra special about this shirt, other than the fact that it can go with just about anything. The pocket cotton tee from Madewell has become one of my spring staples and works with flowy skirts, jeans, or any outfit that demands a light, airy look. The white shirt is the one I wear most often, but it comes in 21 colors. – Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern
A great white T-shirt is the ultimate wardrobe staple. It goes with everything – with jeans and a leather jacket, tucked into a flowy skirt, or layered under a blazer for a more formal look. I have a few plain white tees, but this one is by far my favorite. I love how it’s loose-fitting, soft, and durable – I probably thrown it in the dryer more often than I should, but it’s never ripped or pilled, which I find pretty impressive for such a lightweight shirt. – Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter
A pair of espadrilles that are super comfortable and breathable
Soludos Leather Platform Smoking Slipper Espadrilles, available at Soludos, $99
Shop all women’s Soludos espadrilles here
I’ve bought the same pair of Soludos espadrilles ($99) five times. It’s my hands-down favorite warm-weather shoe. The espadrilles are amazingly comfortable, perfect for travel, and not too expensive. It was a risky move, but I wore my very first pair of Soludos for the very first time to JFK’s Terminal 4 and didn’t get a single blister in the walk-run to my flight’s gate.
Soludos makes espadrilles for women ($75-$99) and men ($48-$99) in tons of fun designs to fit your personality, from lemons to tassel camels to cacti. I’m partial to the leather platforms. You can read my full review of them here. – Ellen Hoffman, Insider Reviews executive editor
A classic and durable trench coat
Everlane Drape Trench Coat, available at Everlane, $148
There’s rarely a work day you won’t find me wearing at least one article of clothing from Everlane. Everything the company makes, from its $118 Day Glove flats, to its $68 Authentic Stretch skinny jeans, to the $148 Drape Trench Coat, is responsibly made, reasonably priced, and great quality.
The Drape Trench Coat looks like it should cost a lot more than $138; Everlane says traditional retailers would probably sell the coat for $335. It’s been my go-to spring jacket for two years and I still get compliments on it all the time. I have the khaki version, but it’s also available in black and navy. You can read my full review of it here. – Ellen Hoffman, Insider Reviews executive editor
A cozy and cute layer for chilly days
Patagonia Women’s Organic Cotton Quilt Snap-T Pullover, available at Patagonia, $149
This is my go-to sweater for casual days when it’s sort of chilly but not quite cold. You can read about how this one sweater converted me into a Patagonia fan for life here, but if you don’t feel like clicking into another article, I’ll just tell you this: It’s extremely soft, cozy, warm, and works as well with jeans as it does with leggings and my Everlane white tee. – Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
A pair of easy-to-clean white sneakers
Ked’s Women’s Anchor Canvas, available at Keds, $35.95
Since spring weather has the tendency to be fickle, I aim for variability in my wardrobe. These Keds have been one of my favorite springtime purchases because I can wear them in nearly any type of weather and in any type of situation. They’ve held up over time thanks to their durability, but they aren’t heavy or bulky like most rubber-soled shoes. When they get dirty, I give them a quick go-around in my washer and they come out looking like new. These are a definite must if you’re looking for a clean and adaptable look. – Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern
Women’s Champion Originals, available at Keds, $44.95
I love Keds because they’re the most dainty, yet no-nonsense shoes out there. They’re the perfect addition for sundresses, shorts, jeans, and pretty much any spring outfit, and they’re lightweight enough for running around the city without cursing the gods for placing lead blocks on your feet. Plus, they’re probably my cheapest favorite shoes. – Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A rain jacket that’s also warm for chillier days
The North Face Women’s Resolve 2 Jacket, available at Moosejaw, $53.99 – $89.95
This North Face rain jacket has been part of my spring wardrobe for years (and has saved me from multiple surprise showers). Though the jacket’s top feature is the waterproof material, it’s also 100% windproof so you don’t have to carry around two jackets for different uses. It has a more relaxed fit which has been helpful for layering and though the actual jacket is fairly light, it keeps me surprisingly warm during those times when the weather makes a chilly u-turn. – Megan Foster, former Insider Reviews intern
RTR Unlimited, available at Rent the Runway, $159 a month
Signing up for Rent the Runway Unlimited in April 2018 was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my closet, and my wallet. I now have a constantly rotating wardrobe of clothes from some of my favorite brands (Tanya Taylor, Joie, Parker, 10 Crosby by Derek Lam, Saloni, etc.) that I could never justify buying, and the convenience of never having to dry clean. The service isn’t cheap at $159 a month, but I’m actually spending far less on clothes these days; the last clothing purchase I made (besides my monthly RTR bill) was in October.” – Ellen Hoffman, Insider Reviews executive editor
An ultra-soft leather jacket that edges up any outfit
Chelsea28 Leather Moto Jacket, available at Nordstrom, $299
I first tried on this jacket through Trunk Club and fell in love with it immediately. A huge factor was the ultra-soft leather, which I swear feels softer every time I wear it. The underside of the sleeves have knit panels that offer both warmth and greater range of motion for my arms. If you get your usual size, you probably won’t be able to wear long sleeves underneath, but it’s perfect as a tough, stylish layer over sleeveless tops and dresses. – Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A cute pair of flats that are comfortable enough for just about every occasion
Everlane Day Glove, available at Everlane, $83
Two years after the Day Glove dropped, it still stands out among the rest and is probably the shoe I recommend most to friends. These are light on your feet, extremely comfortable, and completely worth their price once you realize how often you’ll want to wear them. – Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
I also love my Day Gloves for spring (I have a few pairs). They’re comfortable enough for taking longer walks around the city, which is my favorite thing to do when the weather warms up, and they never blister my heels or toes. They also look great with both jeans for chilly evenings and sundresses for warmer days. – Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
I’ve said it a thousand times: these are the best flats that money can buy. True to the name, the Day Glove’s buttery soft leather molds to your foot like a custom leather glove. The elongated upper eliminates pinching and slipping out, and the little perforations on the sides help increase airflow. Size a half size up and go with one of its many fun color options or play it safe with a neutral so you can wear it three days a week like me. You really can’t go wrong. – Mara Leighton, Insider Review senior reporter
See our full review of the Day Gloves here.
A boxy white tee that works in just about any outfit
Everlane Cotton Box-Cut Pocket Tee, available at Everlane, $14
I own four of these white T-shirts from Everlane. Cut slightly cropped with a boxy feel, I can wear it with jeans, tucked into skirts, traveling, over bathing suits at the beach, out on a run … pretty much any time, any place. In the spring I usually layer it under a cozy sweater, but when it’s warm enough not to need one, I’m never happier than when I can just go outside in this white T-shirt and jeans. – Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
A pair of jeans that’ll become your weekend uniform
Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans, available at Levi’s, $56.98
Like the Day Gloves, these are the best skinny-jeans-that-aren’t-skinny-jeans that I know of. There’s a reason Levi’s 501s are legendary. The denim has 0% of stretch, so the silhouette of the jeans is exactly the silhouette of your body. You probably won’t want to wear them to sit at a desk all day, but you won’t want to wear anything else on the weekends. They’re the perfect iteration of artfully tapered jeans, the button fly keeps the high waist sleek and streamlined, and the famous Levi’s fit is bum-contouring. I’m typically in between a size 26 and 27, and I wear a size 26 in these. – Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A basic T-shirt that’ll become your go-to for layering
Everlane Pima Micro Rib Crew Tee, available at Everlane, $30
Everlane makes the best slim-fitting ribbed T-shirts, and I’ve stocked up on them as the basics wind up wearing at least once per week. They’re great for layering or alone, and they tuck well into high-waisted jeans. – Mara Leighton, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A splurge-worthy Barbour jacket that’s fit for finicky spring weather
Barbour Beadnell Waxed Cotton Jacket, available at Bloomingdale’s, $415
This is my go-to spring jacket for those days when it’s still chilly. This is a splurge but a classic that fits a hefty sweater or vest underneath, and it waterproof (it is British after all!). For optimal fit, size up – they run a little small and you don’t want this to be snug! – Grace High, Insider Reviews senior analyst
A pair of rain boots that are durable and actually cute
Everlane Rain Boot, available at Everlane, $75
When it rains in the spring, you need a good pair of rain boots that are comfortable, good looking, and truly waterproof. Everlane’s rain boots are my favorite footwear for rainy spring days. They’re made of real rubber that’s durable and flexible, making for a comfortable waterproof boot. They’re also the best-looking rain boots I’ve ever worn. They’re not big, clunky, ugly, or heavy like most others. – Malarie Gokey, Insider Reviews deputy editor
Check out our full review of Everlane’s rain boots here.
A jean jacket that’ll last a lifetime in your closet
Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket, available at Levi’s, $98
A jean jacket is the perfect spring layer. It’s just heavy enough to provide some warmth, but light enough that it won’t weigh you down when the sun decides to come out. If I could only have one jean jacket ever, it would be this Levi’s iteration. It’s fitted, but not tight. It’s made of rugged, non-stretch denim, but still manages to be soft. It’s casual, but not in a frumpy way. It checks off all the boxes that you want in a simple, everyday layer. Whether it’s over a floral dress, a black T-shirt and black jeans, or even over a hoodie, I’ve got more than my $98 worth for how often I wear this piece, and I don’t see myself retiring it anytime soon. – Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter
A pair of high-waisted black jeans for every season
BDG Twig High-Rise Skinny Jean, available at Urban Outfitters, $58
No matter the season, a good pair of black jeans is always a staple in my closet. They match just about everything and they can usually pass as real pants, for occasions when denim isn’t appropriate. I’ve been obsessed with this simple pair of high-rise black jeans. They don’t seem like anything special, but they’re so comfortable and equally flattering – a combination that can be hard with skinny jeans. They’re a great price, too, and they frequently go on sale. – Remi Rosmarin, Insider Reviews reporter
A classic pair of Chuck Taylors that go with everything
Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top, available at Converse, $50
You can’t go wrong with Converses; they match with literally everything from jeans and jumpsuits to dresses and skirts. I get a new pair of fresh white Converses every year or two after they’ve gotten grunge-y because they’re so affordable. – Jada Wong, Insider Reviews senior editor
Classic, white sneakers are a must in my spring wardrobe. My favorite pair is my white converse. They go with practically everything, are super comfortable, and are affordable. I wear these sneakers so much, that I think I’m already on my second or third pair. They also never go out of style! – Victoria Gracie, Insider Reviews associate distribution producer
A versatile denim jacket
Everlane Cropped Denim Jacket, available at Everlane, $39
With one oversized denim jacket already in my closet, I wanted to round out my options with a closer fit denim jacket. Everlane’s denim is slightly stiff and structured, making it a great layer over a flowy dress, but it’s still really comfortable. The jacket runs small so I recommend sizing up to get a cropped fit. I’m usually a medium but the large hits just below my waist. – Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A silky-smooth dress you can dress up or down
Naadam Tank Dress with Side Slit, available at Naadam, $150
This cashmere dress is one of my favorite dresses, period. It’s simple yet very flattering, and it feels silky soft, even after at least 10 washes in the past year. It has side slits on each side so your legs can enjoy the cool spring breeze, but since the material is ribbed and slightly thicker than say, regular silk, you won’t feel too chilly. – Connie Chen, Insider Reviews senior reporter
A pair of flattering jeans
Topshop Jamie High Waist Black Jeans, available at Nordstrom, $49
I’ve consistently had at least three pairs of Topshop Jamie (high waisted skinny) jeans in my closet at all times for the past five years. They’re flattering, they don’t ride down, and they’re durable after years of washes and New York City adventures. My plain black and blue get the most wear in the spring because of their comfort and versatility: I can sit in them at work all day without discomfort, but I can also walk around the city for hours without chafing or stickiness that I often feel with other jeans. The longer you wear them, the more they feel like a second skin. – Emily Hein, Insider Reviews story producer
A pair of leggings you can workout in and lounge in
Aerie Play Textured Camo High Waisted 7/8 Legging, available at Aerie, $34.96
I bought these leggings on a whim last fall because I thought the pattern was fun, and they’ve quickly become my favorite pair – beating out more expensive pairs in my closet that I’ve been loyal to for years. It’s gotten to the point where I grab them out of the dryer and put them right back on. They’re flattering without being too tight, just as comfortable for working out as they are for lounging, and the blue camo pattern is unique enough while still matching with my go-to basic tees. Aside from occasionally riding down, I truly have no complaints. – Emily Hein, Insider Reviews story producer
These are some of my all-time favorite leggings. I bought my first pair on the clearance rack at Aerie and was pleasantly surprised with the high quality for the low price. These leggings fit me like a glove, are perfectly high-waisted, and are the perfect length on me. They’re my go-to for both lounging around and working out, although I’d say they aren’t the best for high intensity workouts (they do tend to fall down a bit). I’ve been getting even more wear out of these leggings this spring because of working from home and not having to put on real pants. I love these leggings so much that I actually have another pair on the way in the mail in Dusty Sage. – Victoria Gracie, Insider Reviews associate distribution producer
A piece of clothing that can be layered
Outerknown Sunny Sleeves Sweater, available at Outerknown, $118
Springtime in New York is unpredictable, so I like pieces that can be layered to work for any kind of weather. This sleeveless cotton sweater has a breezy, slightly loose knit that keeps me cool when it’s hot, but it’s not uncomfortable to pop a jacket over it when it cools down at night. – Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews senior editor
A pair of jeans that fit perfectly
Levi’s Women’s Skinny Wedgie Jeans, available at Levi’s, $69.50
A good pair of jeans is a necessary staple for spring. I found the Levi’s Skinny Wedgie Jean last spring and they fit me perfectly, which is rare for me when it comes to finding jeans. They are the perfect combination of a skinny jean and a straight jean, and they’re extremely high-waisted. I have two pairs of these jeans and they’re always the jeans I grab first in the springtime. – Victoria Gracie, Insider Reviews associate distribution producer
A pair of sandals that fits every occasion
Margaux The City Sandal, available at Margaux, $265
I wore these for my wedding last August and have been waiting to wear them again this spring. The 2.5-inch heel height is comfortable enough to wear all day and the sturdy straps around the toebox and ankles prevent my feet from sliding in and out of the sandals uncomfortably. I wore them with a Jason Wu dress from Rent the Runway earlier this spring for a bridal shower, and the Rose Nappa color complemented the soft blue dress perfectly. – Jada Wong, Insider Reviews senior editor