Curating a luxury capsule wardrobe for spring isn't about buying more—it's about buying better.
As someone who leans towards a more classic aesthetic, I've learnt that the right wardrobe foundations can make all the difference. I love brands like Toteme, Khaite, and The Row for their ability to strike the perfect balance between timeless and modern pieces, and I always look to designers like Daniel Lee at Burberry and Matthieu Blazy at Bottega Veneta for inspiration on how to refine the essentials. Whether it's the perfect lightweight spring jacket, a well-cut pair of jeans or the ultimate white T-shirt, curating a capsule wardrobe of luxe, considered pieces means getting dressed becomes effortless, without sacrificing style.
But I'll be the first to admit that I also love a good high-street gem; there's a certain thrill in finding a great piece at an affordable price. But if there's one thing I know, it's that when it comes to wardrobe staples, quality matters. I can't tell you how many times I've bought a cheap T-shirt, only for it to lose its shape after one wash. Meanwhile, the designer trench coat I invested in years ago? It's still as perfect as the day I bought it. Craftspersonship, high-quality fabrics and timeless design set luxury pieces apart, and when you're building a capsule wardrobe, those elements are everything.
The spring/summer 2025 runways made one thing clear: classic dressing isn't going anywhere. At The Row, we saw shirting and refined tailoring that looked effortlessly put together. Burberry leaned into classic British heritage with reworked trenches and streamlined tailoring, and Bottega Veneta continued its quiet mastery of luxury leather goods, along with subtly elevated basics that feel anything but ordinary. Even at Chloé, where bohemian silhouettes reign supreme, we saw an emphasis on long-lasting, considered pieces such as flowing maxi dresses, cotton blouses and structured bags that transcend seasons. The message? The best wardrobes aren't about fleeting trends, but well-chosen staples that work year after year.
It wouldn't be fair to talk about a well-edited luxury wardrobe without a shoutout to fashion's favourite New Yorker, Carrie Bradshaw. Sure, she was the queen of an impulse purchase (ahem, purple feathered wedding dress), but let's not forget how often she re-wore her most beloved pieces. From her vintage fur coat to her Manolo Blahnik heels, her wardrobe was filled with forever pieces—exactly what a luxury capsule wardrobe for spring is all about.
These aren’t just fleeting seasonal purchases; each piece earns its place by working overtime, and in some cases, can be adapted for the unpredictable weather. Take the lightweight spring jacket: perfect for layering over breezy dresses on warmer days and just as essential when worn with a thin knit and jeans for those April showers. And then there's the classic penny loafer—a year-round staple that grounds both polished and relaxed looks. Pair them with shorts and socks or tailored trousers alike.
Even the white poplin skirt, whilst an obvious spring favourite, becomes a transitional hero when styled with boots and a chunky knit. Investing in these pieces isn't just about looking good this season—it's about building a wardrobe that serves you well beyond and into the rest of the year.
So, if you're ready to discover the pieces that will make getting dressed effortless this season (and for many more to come), here are the nine hero items I swear by for a luxury spring capsule wardrobe.
Shop the Ultimate Luxury Capsule Wardrobe for Spring:
1. The Spring Jacket
Style Notes: There’s no denying that spring weather can be unpredictable—one minute it's sunshine and the next there's an unexpected chill in the air or it's pouring down. That's why a great lightweight jacket is the first thing I reach for when transitioning my wardrobe into the new season. Whether it's a cropped trench, a buttery-soft leather blazer or an effortless suede jacket, the right outerwear will pull together any outfit whilst ensuring you're prepared for whatever the day brings.
Shop Spring Jackets:
A classic in the making that'll only get better with age. This piece feels like something straight out of a Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy lookbook.
Trench coats are a true staple, and who better to look to than Burberry for a luxury version? Throw on over everything from high-waisted jeans to a sleek midi skirt.
The Frankie Shop blazers are an editor favourite.
2. The White Poplin Skirt
Style Notes: A white poplin skirt is the definition of a warm-weather essential. The best ones feel breezy but structured, crisp but not stiff and can be styled in endless ways. Wear it with a simple tank and sandals for a relaxed daytime look, or pair it with an oversized blazer for a more elevated take.
Shop Poplin Skirts:
We can all thank Sofia Richie Grainge for our obsession with Australian brand Posse.
I couldn't leave Dôen out of a spring skirt edit.
Flowy, feminine, and made from organic cotton. This is a white skirt you'll actually want to wear all day.
3. The Classic Mary Jane Flats
Style Notes: If there's one shoe I’ve seen everywhere this season, it's the Mary Jane flat. From the runways to my IG feed, the once-schoolgirl staple has made its return, and honestly, I'm here for it. Comfortable, chic, and versatile, these shoes pair just as well with jeans as they do with dresses.
Shop Mary Jane Flats:
With their mesh finish and delicate strap, these feel very 2025.
A sleek, minimal version that still nails the trend. Perfect for those who prefer a more understated take.
If you're looking for the ultimate investment flat, this is it. Impossibly elegant and unbelievably comfortable.
4. The Subtle Minimal Jewellery
Style Notes: If there's one thing that instantly makes an outfit feel put together, it's the right jewellery. This season, it's all about delicate gold chains, sculptural earrings, and barely-there rings. Think of them as the finishing touch that ties your entire look together.
Shop Minimal Jewellery:
The kind of hoops you can wear every single day without getting tired of them.
It doesn't get any more luxury than Van Cleef Arpels.
Understated but with just enough detail to make it interesting.
5. The Classic Penny Loafers
Style Notes: A well-made loafer is one of those pieces that transcends seasons, but there's something about spring that makes me gravitate towards them even more. Maybe it's the tailoring we saw on the SS25 runways or the fact that they strike the perfect balance between polished and practical. Either way, a classic penny loafer deserves a prime spot in any luxury capsule wardrobe for spring. Pair them with jeans and a trench for an effortless off-duty look, or contrast their masculine edge with a floaty dress.
Shop Penny Loafers:
The ultimate loafer, and for good reason. The sleek shape and iconic horsebit detail make this a forever piece.
Saint Laurent's Le Loafer has impeccable craftsmanship. The kind of shoe that gets better with every wear.
A heritage loafer that fashion insiders swear by. If you want a classic without the hefty price tag, this is the one.
6. The Textured Bag
Style Notes: The moment I see woven bags appearing in stores, I know spring has officially arrived. This season, they were everywhere on the runways, from Bottega Veneta's intricate intrecciato designs to Altuzarra's beachy raffia totes. But don’t be fooled—these bags aren't just for holiday dressing. The right textured bag adds dimension to any outfit, making even the simplest jeans-and-tee combo feel considered.
Shop Textured Bags:
An influencer favourite that sells out every season. Perfect for city days and beach trips alike.
An elevated take on the woven trend with Bottega's signature craftsmanship.
Handmade leather weaving that feels effortlessly luxe. The kind of bag that looks even better the more you use it.
7. The Ultimate Jeans
Style Notes: I'll never stop investing in a great pair of jeans. And while denim trends may come and go, the perfect pair should feel timeless. This season, we saw designers leaning into a more refined take on denim—think structured, high-waisted silhouettes at Khaite and crisp, deep-indigo washes at Saint Laurent. The key? Finding a pair that works for you.
Shop Jeans:
The high waist and straight-leg cut make these endlessly flattering.
Elevated barrel-leg denim curtesy of Citizens of Humanity.
A classic that still delivers on quality and fit.
8. The Timeless T-Shirt
Style Notes: Finding the perfect white T-shirt is something of an art form. It needs to be structured yet soft, fitted yet relaxed, and, most importantly, able to withstand countless washes without losing its shape. A well-made tee is the backbone of a capsule wardrobe—wear it under blazers, tucked into jeans, or knotted over a poplin skirt.
Shop T-Shirts:
The most luxurious T-shirt money can buy. Buttery soft and impossibly chic.
Thick, structured, and cut to perfection.
The slightly oversized fit gives it that effortlessly cool vibe.
9. The Easy, Breezy Dress
Style Notes: No spring wardrobe is complete without a throw-on-and-go dress. This season, it's all about easy, breathable silhouettes that feel polished yet unfussy. From the fluid draping at Chloé to the vibrant hues at Jacquemus, the SS25 runways proved that a well-cut dress is the ultimate warm-weather essential.
Shop Dresses:
A breezy floral number that will take you from brunch to beach effortlessly.
The kind of dress that makes you feel instantly put together. Perfect for holiday dressing and city styling alike.
The perfect spring evening dress does exist.
-
If You Wear This Jean-and-Flat-Shoe Combination While Traveling, I'll Know You Have Cool Style.A go-to chic travel outfit is a must this season.
-
Even White Poplin Skirts Can't Compete With the Pretty Skirt Trend I've Seen in NYC, Milan, and ParisHands down, it's the most elegant buy of the summer.
-
Put Down the Boring Leather Tote—Every Stylish New Yorker Is Carrying This Colorful Bag Trend InsteadSpotted in London and the French Riviera, too.
-
If You're Over the Navy-Bag Trend, This Is the Buzzy Handbag Color Fashion People Want NowSummer's biggest bag color trend is here.
-
This Is the Skirt Fashion People Are Going to Be Wearing for the Next 3 MonthsHere's how to style yours.
-
Fashion People in NYC Are All About These 2 Chic, Timeless Prints RNPlayful prints are in.
-
Wait, Is This About to Be The Row's New It Mini Bag?Elsa Hosk seems to think so.
-
Fashion People in Their 30s and 60s Are Deprioritizing White Tees and Wearing This Chic Color Trend InsteadZoë Kravitz and Julianne Moore approve.
