9 Easy Basics That Will Instantly Elevate Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe

You may think it takes a lot of effort (and money) to make your wardrobe look polished, but in my ten years experience of being a stylist and editor, I’ve come to find that simply nailing your affordable wardrobe basics can make a huge difference to how put-together your overall outfit looks. For example, a plain white T-shirt might seem like a secondary thought—a basic you grab at your local supermarket or on the way home from work and make do with for years. But these essentials usually end up being our most worn wardrobe items, whether you have a classic capsule wardrobe that puts them front and centre, or a more maximalist approach and use these items as a base. Having crisp (you know the feeling), good-quality essentials that come highly recommended, therefore, can be the key to unlocking a more elevated wardrobe that lasts you season after season. 

@sylviemus_ wearing blue jeans and a trench coat

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Talking of seasons, spring is upon us and in my opinion there’s no better time to re-evaluate the building blocks of your wardrobe. They don’t call it a spring clean for no reason—and I don’t know about you, but I find this need for a reset always extends to my closet, too. It’s also the time of year when basics really shine—layering is key during transitional seasons, so even simple spring basics from shirting to tank tops get a chance to take centre stage.

@brittanybathgate wearing blue jeans, white t-shirt and blazer

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Now, I’m not talking about buying a whole new wardrobe here. Simply updating a few of your most worn spring basics can have the effect of uplifting the rest of your wardrobe with minimal effort. Below, I’ve pinpointed the nine best spring basics that I honestly believe if you get right, will elevate all of your new season outfits. Keep scrolling to shop… 

1. The Perfect White T-Shirt

2. Blue Jeans

3. A Classic Blazer

4. A Crisp White Shirt

5. A Versatile Trench Coat

6. The Ultimate Tank Top

7. A Basic Breton

8. Reliable Loafers

9. Relaxed Trousers

This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.