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capsule wardrobe 101, Favorites, my capsule wardrobes, Simplified Wardrobe

spring 2023 capsule wardrobe {minimalist • sporty • casual}

03/26/23

Spring is arriving slowly and sweetly, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

It seems that each time I look out my window, I notice something else in bloom — a new bud at the end of a branch, a new dandelion dancing in the breeze.

All this new life and growth speaks to me on a deep level and I’m welcoming this season with open arms.

Of course, I’ve also been happily putting together my spring wardrobe — and today I’m so excited to share it with you!

So let’s jump in! In this post, I’ll share:

  • my 24 piece spring capsule
  • capsule by category: a glimpse into my thoughts while planning each category
  • 20 outfits from the capsule

This little collection of clothes is minimalist, sporty, and casual. The laid-back vibe fits my lifestyle perfectly — I’ve got errand-running clothes, work-from-home clothes, hang-out-with-friends clothes, walking clothes, pool clothes, and a couple of items I can dress up if need be.

These days, I think of a capsule as the core of my wardrobe — not the entirety of my wardrobe. My capsule centers on items that get the most wear in my daily life, but I can mix in other clothes when desired too.

This softer approach gives me the best of both worlds. I have the stable foundation of a wearable wardrobe I know I can rely on — and — I have the flexibility to follow my creative inspiration and adjust to life’s unexpected happenings.

This capsule is a hybrid of items in my actual wardrobe and items from my wish list. I do have most of these pieces, but there are a few items that I’m hoping to get over the course of the season.

There’s a total of 24 items in this capsule, including:

  • 5 tops
  • 4 bottoms
  • 3 shoes
  • 2 dresses
  • 3 outer layers
  • 3 handbags
  • 3 accessories
  • 1 swimsuit

• CAPSULE BY CATEGORY •

If you see something you like, you can shop it and support my blog at the same time, at no cost to you, by using the affiliate links below. 

SWIMSUIT

I swim a lot in the spring and summer, so I love a good one piece that can double as a top or bodysuit. That way I can wear it during the day with jeans or a button down, and then head straight to the pool without needing to go home to change.

01 | Tropic of C The Sculpting C Swimsuit $180 | The lines on this one are just perfection. Those teeny tiny minimal straps just get me!

Similar options that provide a bit more coverage + support:

Andie Amalfi One Piece $118 | I have this one and LOVE it. It’s especially good in the ribbed fabric.  Super supportive, just the right amount of coverage, incredibly flattering, and no crazy tan lines.

Negative Swim Straight One Piece $160

Aerie Crinkle Scoop One Piece $38

BOTTOMS

I live in a warmer climate, so it’s already shorts weather and I’m not mad about it. I fell hard for AGolde jeans last fall, and I’m planning to try their shorts later this spring. Also did you catch those white parachute cargo pants? Such a statement!

02 | AGolde Parker Long Denim Cutoffs $138

Similar for less: Abercrombie 4in Mom Short $52 

03 | Abercrombie YPB Workout Shorts $45

Similar: Lululemon Speed Up 4in Shorts $68

04 | AGolde Lana Jeans $188

Similar for less: Abercrombie 90’s High Rise Straight Jeans $89

05 | American Eagle Snappy Stretch Parachute Pants | $45

Similar: AGolde Minka Cargo Pants $238 | Cotton On Quinn Cargo Pants $59 | Cider Denim Drawstring Cargo Pants $34

DRESSES

When choosing dresses, one of the first things I considered was the weather where I live — more specifically, the wind. It gets sooo windy in the spring where I live, so I opted for midi length dresses that won’t malfunction on windy spring days.

06 | Everlane Tank Dress $78 | I cannot say enough good things about this dress! It’s cut with room in the hips, it’s bra strap friendly, and the fabric is substantial and super high quality. The perfect everyday dress.

07 | & Other Stories Linen Wrap Dress $129

OUTER LAYERS

Spring weather is all over the place, so outer layers are an important part of my spring wardrobe.

08 | H&M Gathered Sleeve Blazer $59 | This blazer is KEY in my casual capsule. It has a slightly dressier vibe and elevates my usual jeans-and-tee outfits.

Same jacket, different fabrics: H&M Gathered Sleeve Blazer $49

09 | Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan $445 | It’s easy to think of cashmere as a winter thing, but since cashmere is a natural fabric, it’s breathable and it self-regulates in any temperature. Perfect for up-and-down spring weather.

Similar for less: Quince Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan $139

10 | Reformation Classic Crewneck Sweatshirt $68

Similar for less: Old Navy Oversized Crewneck Sweatshirt $39

SHOES

I crave being outdoors in the spring — I love taking impromptu walks and wiggling my toes in the grass — and I want my shoes to support that. So that means choosing comfortable sneakers and slip-on sandals, and skipping the heels or complicated strappy shoes.

11 | Birkenstock Arizona Sandals $140

12 | Adidas Sambas $100 | I love the sleek profile of Sambas. I wore them all through high school, so they are a fun nostalgia piece for me.

13 | Tkees Flip Flops $55

Similar: Reef Cushion Slim Flip Flops $34 & Aerie Flip Flops $13 

HANDBAGS

Three handbags might seem like a lot to include in such a small capsule, but I’ve learned that a bag can totally change and enhance the vibe of an outfit. In my book, it’s worth it.

14 | Adanola Canvas Tote $41 | A super useful tote for workouts, pool days, or errand running.

15 | Polene Paris Umi Bag $450 | Ideal as an everyday bag, plus it can work for dressy events.

Similar for less: Mango Oval Bag $49 

16 | Little Liffner Tulip Tote $550

Similar for less: Mango Shopper Bag $69  

ACCESSORIES

For accessories, I went for pieces with personality. A green cap for a touch of color, bold sculptural hoops that can also be worn backwards, and — my favorite — an anklet! Such a playful statement!

17 | Adidas Baseball Cap $24

Similar: Peace & Quiet Green Cap $75 

18 | Jenny Bird Tome Medium Hoop Earrings $108 | Wear these earrings like normal hoops OR wear them backwards! The earring back is actually a silver orb, so it transforms into this modern, sculptural piece when worn backwards. I love a good two-in-one.

19 | Jenny Bird James Anklet $49

TOPS

These tops may seem unremarkable at first glance, but I gave so much attention to the fit and how each top works with each bottom in this capsule. And don’t miss that strapless top in the mix! So fun!

20 | Abercrombie Essential Body Skimming Tee $19 | If I could convince you to get one thing from this post, it would be this tee! It is the PERFECT cut — a little cropped, but not so cropped as to show skin, just enough to touch the top of mid-rise bottoms. Plus, true to its name, it skims the body, but isn’t tight. So wearable and comfortable. The perfect comfortable counterpart to baggier pants.

21 | Everlane Organic Cotton Crewneck Tee $30 | Nice tuck-able length.

22 | Target Ribbed Tank $7

23 | Abercrombie Oversized Poplin $45  | A lightweight poplin button up is my favorite way to add that “third piece” to an outfit when it’s warm outside.

Similar: Madewell Oversized Poplin Shirt $85 / Jenni Kayne Boyfriend Poplin Shirt $195

24 | Reformation Spritz Linen Strapless Top $98 | Okay, now we’re having fun! I LOVE this top for a dressy option. It makes a statement while still maintaining a minimalist, luxury vibe. And I love that it’s kinda loose in the middle — comfort first!

OUTFITS

The magic of this capsule is the way each piece can be combined to create modern, effortless looks.

Take note of how each outfit is comfortable and easy to wear — nothing tight or restricting, no uncomfortable shoes, no bra tops (which I love, but just maybe not for everyday wear).

Each outfit has a strong point of view, but is also wearable.

Here are a few of my favorite outfits:

• • •

And there you have it!

Your turn! I’d love to hear if you’re doing a capsule this spring and how you’re approaching it. What was your favorite item or outfit from this post? Share away in the comments! 

Feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss my next post, and find me on Pinterest and LTK for more outfits.

Take good care of yourself today. Thanks for being here!

13 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Amy K Whitson says

    March 26, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    I love this capsule, Caroline! The outfits are so simple yet sporty, and sophisticated. I can see combining these pieces for a variety of venues and shop my closet to create some of the looks as well as adding a few new pieces. Thanks for putting this together and for sharing the options. Happy Spring!

    Reply
  2. Holly says

    March 26, 2023 at 4:05 pm

    I always look forward to your seasonal capsules. They help me organize my own closet, refresh what I already own and make more intentional purchases. 👌🏻🤍

    Reply
  3. Veronica says

    March 27, 2023 at 5:30 am

    Thank you for sharing your capsule Caroline! I really enjoyed the visual of the different outfit combinations, I’ll try to get inspiration in order to downsize my own wardrobe and make it more thought through (less stuff which makes more sense 😅).

    Reply
  4. Jessica says

    March 27, 2023 at 11:59 am

    I love the white cargo pants! I used to have a pair of white cargo pants I would wear with a fitted black tank, black flip-flops, and a silver cuff bracelet like sometime around 2006 and your outfits have made me so nostalgic for it! I loved that outfit and felt very much myself in it, and yet I haven’t worn anything like it since! You make me want to recreate it!

    Reply
  5. elizabeth jung says

    March 27, 2023 at 7:37 pm

    hi Caroline I’ve been following you for years now. I love your style, looks so chic and put together. I have a hard time finding fitted tanks that are not so long to go with a more looser bottom as Im about 5′ 1”. anyway thanks for you posting and sharing with us. :)

    Reply
  6. Inara Lalani says

    March 27, 2023 at 11:56 pm

    Hi Caroline! I just wanted to drop a note to say I’m so glad to have found your blog – I’ve been searching for what feels like had been forever for some style inspiration that focuses on comfort and ease of wear while still fashionable. Having a blast going through your archive, and excited to keep up with your style posts in the future!! Take care.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2023 at 10:16 am

      Hi Inara! Thank you so much for taking the time to share these kind words. They mean so much to me. Glad you’re here! <3

      Reply
  7. Maigi says

    March 29, 2023 at 10:16 am

    Happy Spring Caroline! I’m a follower of your oh so chic style for years and welcome the visual capsule and those effortless outfits. Thank you. Haven’t seen white cargo on our landscape yet but they’re on my list. Everything else I already own in some form!

    Reply
  8. Cristina says

    March 30, 2023 at 8:40 am

    I loved this post, thanks. Capsule and packing posts are my absolute favorites!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      April 7, 2023 at 10:13 am

      Thanks Cristina! :)

      Reply
  9. Shirin says

    April 23, 2023 at 4:22 am

    This is the most useful thing ive found in my 30 years

    Reply
  10. Sass says

    April 24, 2023 at 11:18 am

    Longtime follower and just wanted to say I love my Little Liffner tulip! I have a black croc embossed one; I love how it’s a versatile color with just a little edge and the structural element gives it an artistic vibe. But I really love the one you’ve chosen! The color is a lovely neutral and the soft-but-structured style makes it somehow blend and pop all at once.

    Reply
  11. Erica Dziato says

    May 12, 2023 at 5:19 am

    I’m a digital nomad and needed a wardrobe (aka carry-on suitcase) revamp. I found your post and bought all similar pieces. I’m excited for the rest of spring and summer in Canada to wear this capsule. Love it! Thank you!

    Reply

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