Forget a White T-Shirt—This Wardrobe Staple Is the Hero of My Spring Wardrobe

Spring may mark the return of lighter fabrics and breezy silhouettes, but one wardrobe staple that remains non-negotiable is knitwear. The trick? Finding those perfect transitional pieces—knits that feel seasonally appropriate without veering into full-blown winter territory. Whether it's a cropped cardigan layered over a dress or a lightweight knit vest paired with denim, spring knitwear is all about balance. It keeps you covered when the breeze picks up but doesn't leave you overheating when the sun decides to make an appearance.

Woman wears pale yellow knit with black trousers and red sandals.

(Image credit: @monikh)

As a classic dresser, I gravitate towards timeless pieces that work seamlessly with my existing wardrobe. A short-sleeved cardigan is a personal favourite—there's something about throwing it over a slip dress or a tank that makes even a simple outfit feel polished. Striped knits? Always in rotation. And when I'm in the mood to step outside my neutral comfort zone, a pop of colour never fails to lift both my outfit and my mood.

Knitted Waistcoat Trend

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

With that in mind, I've rounded up the key knitwear styles that make the most sense for spring. These are the pieces you'll find yourself reaching for again and again—effortless, versatile, and always chic.

Shop Chic Spring Knitwear:

1. Short-Sleeve Cardigan

Influencer wears a short sleeve cardigan.

(Image credit: @melodiebance)

Style Notes: The ultimate layering piece, a short-sleeve cardigan strikes that sweet spot between warmth and breathability. Buttoned up, it acts as an easy knit top. Worn open, it's the perfect extra layer over dresses and tank tops when the temperature dips.

Shop Short Sleeved Cardigans:

2. Knitted Waistcoat

Knitted Waistcoat Trend

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: A fresh alternative to classic knitwear, the knitted waistcoat brings a refined yet relaxed vibe to spring dressing. It works just as well over crisp shirts as it does on its own with denim.

Shop Knitted Waistcoats:

3. Striped Knit

best-striped-jumpers-291746-1613926620094-image

(Image credit: @_jessicaskye)

Style Notes: A Breton-inspired knit is always a good idea. Whether it's a fine stripe or a bold contrast, this is a piece that works across seasons with ease.

Shop Stripe Knits:

4. Pop of Colour Knit

@maryljean wears a red jumper with a black jacket, beige pleated mini skirt, socks and loafers

(Image credit: @maryljean)

Style Notes: Nothing lifts a spring wardrobe quite like a splash of colour. A bright knit instantly elevates even the simplest of outfits, making it a go-to for transitional dressing.

Shop Bright Knits:

5. Short-Sleeve Jumper

Woman wears short sleeve jumper in brown and black tailored trousers

(Image credit: @wearetwinset)

Style Notes: Lighter than a full jumper but more substantial than a T-shirt, this is the ideal spring knit. It's polished yet relaxed, making it an easy throw-on piece for everyday dressing.

Shop Short Sleeved Jumpers:

Explore More:
Junior Branded Content Editor

Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, where she specialises in paid-for and affiliate content across beauty and fashion. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature and has previously held editor positions at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Before joiningBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, she was part of the US Branded Content team, bringing her expertise back home to help grow the UK division. With years of experience testing and reviewing fashion and beauty products, she writes trend-driven and commerce-focused stories. When she's not shopping for work, she's making her way through her Kindle TBR list—spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain