I'm Already Wardrobe-Planning for Spring—30 Essentials on My Must-Buy List
Given that the spring collections debuted nearly six months ago, it shouldn't be a huge surprise that I've had my wardrobe for the long-awaited return to warmth planned out for quite some time now. It takes time to perfect. Since fashion is famous for working way ahead, I've had plenty of time to ruminate on and save up for all the covetable items I've spotted in the lead-up to spring's return.
Taking inspiration from the runways—think satin heels à la Prada and Altuzarra—vintage mood boards heavily featuring the likes of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Gisele Bündchen, Carla Bruni, and stylists who got their hands on the spring collections first, I've managed to build a perfect "no item missed" list for the season ahead. This way, if your spring fashion interests line up in any way with mine, you can simply and efficiently check off each item as you make it yours right along with me. I suggest starting with the first one. (Bonus: It's already on sale!)
Tortoiseshell headband:
It's kind of crazy what a simple headband can do to remedy a bad hair day. I'd know—they come around a lot. This one is very reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's favorite headband from C.O. Bigelow in New York, which is probably why I and many fashion people I know love it so much.
Black poplin shirt:
I keep seeing people opting for black poplin shirts instead of the white ones that were everywhere last spring and summer, so I will absolutely be adding one to my wardrobe. Pair one like this option from Gap with a belt, dark-wash jeans, and a pair of great heels for an easy, put-together look for any occasion.
Comfortable slides:
I walk a lot all year long in NYC, but after a long winter, I pretty much spend the entirety of spring and summer outside, preferring the fresh air to the hot and steamy kind found in the underground subway stations. Because of that, I need shoes that are comfortable enough to take me from point A to point B (and C, D, E, F, and G). That's where these Tory Burch slides come in. Everyone I know who bought them before they sold out raves about how comfy they are, so now that they're back in stock, I'm desperate to test them out myself.
Dark-wash jeans:
Gold investment belt:
White tank:
Leather bomber jacket:
Top-handle clutch:
Heavy-knit cardigan:
My co-worker Anna owns this sweater and raves about how impressive it is, so with lightweight-layers season approaching, it's time for me to test one out.
White A-line skirt:
Oversize sunglasses:
Net flats:
Knit cape:
I've been known to forget that it's not always 75°F and sunny in the spring, which is why I'll be investing in one of these cashmere capes to throw on when the sun goes down and brings the temperate along with it. On another note, thanks to By Malene Birger, I've been obsessed with capes of late. They're going to be a huge thing—just wait and see.
White tee for layering:
Capri pants:
Capris are going to be everywhere immediately upon the arrival of spring weather following a strong performance during September's runway shows.
Satin kitten heels:
After spotting satin heels on the runways at Prada and Altuzarra in September, I haven't quite been able to shake the need to own a pair of my own. While I wait for those exact styles to drop, I'm more than happy to bring home these alternatives from Loulou Studio.
Gray sweater:
I'm calling it—2024 is the year that gray finally gets the credit it deserves after so many years in the shadows of brighter shades and classic black. Brands like Prada, Ferragamo, Toteme, and Saint Laurent have emphasized the shade's chic qualities, all of which can be heightened even more when the color is styled in a monochrome manner.
Fitted white button-down shirt:
Gray trousers:
Gray footwear:
Strapless top:
Halter dress:
Drop earrings:
Utility jacket:
After a strong showing at Prada's spring show, everyone I know has been talking about buying a utility jacket of some sort, usually in the Barbour style. I, too, love the idea of styling one with the below nightgown to add some romance to the traditionally masculine outerwear silhouette.
Vintage-inspired slip dress:
Longline vest:
Pencil skirt:
Fishnets:
Classic black mules:
Satin jacket:
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
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