Sorry, But These 9 Spring Staples Don't Do It for Me Anymore—See 9 That Do

I'll be honest: Spring isn't historically my favorite season to dress for. Here in NYC, the weather oscillates from cold to hot and back again in the span of a day. Layering is a much trickier art than it looks, and most of the quintessential spring style staples that reemerge every March don't exactly do it for me.

I think we can all agree that the past two spring seasons have not exactly felt "normal," so the staples I used to wear between the months of March and June could definitely use an update. I took a look at my closet and will be removing nine outdated spring staples, in particular, because they no longer feel like the freshest options. Items like utility jumpsuits and milkmaid tops that I hoarded for years are getting the boot, and now I have my eye on a few 2023 updates that will make all my spring outfits feel truer to my current style.

With that, keep reading to see which spring staples I'll be relying on over the course of the next few months and which older ones I'm retiring.

Retiring: Retro Floral Prints

Adding: Classic Stripes

Sorry, but spring florals are just so… predictable. While those retro "granny" florals definitely had their moment in the sun (and in my closet), the dainty prints just no longer feel like the freshest option anymore. I'm instead warming up to classic stripes, especially on T-shirts, button-downs, and pullover knits, and the preppy feel they lend to casual outfits.

Retiring: Smocked Dresses

Adding: '90s Tube Dresses

Once we reach the point in the season when jackets become optional, tube dresses are all I'll want to wear. I love their sleek and '90s-inspired vibe and the clean canvas they offer to let the accessories shine.

Retiring: Pleated Miniskirts

Adding: Denim Maxi Skirts

I didn't realize how many of those pleated miniskirts I actually owned until I went to clean out my closet recently, but I guess I really bought into the trend last spring. Now, though, I'll be replacing them with denim maxi skirts, especially styled in a minimalist way like the above outfit.

Retiring: Traditional Pastel Tones

Adding: Punchy Red

I know I'm not alone here, and there's something about chili-pepper red that feels like *the* moment. Red is such a classic hue that I don't see it going out of style anytime soon (or ever), and for that reason, I'm much more open to investing in red closet staples that pack a big punch.

Retiring: Cropped Jackets

Adding: Duster Jackets

Expect spring 2023 to be all about long duster jackets. The style that will be a fixture in my closet? A classic trench coat in a long silhouette that feels fresher than the cropped ones I used to rely on.

Retiring: Puff-Sleeve Tops

Adding: Waistcoats

For the past few years, the arrival of puff-sleeve tops was a better indicator of the seasons changing than any meteorological forecast. Like most people, I dabbled in the style, but it never truly felt at home in my more tailored wardrobe, so as much as it pains me to admit it, I'm ready to retire the silhouette. Tailored vests are the tops I'm reaching for the most instead, and I've been surprised with how versatile they are outside the matching suit.

Retiring: Embroidered Cardigans

Adding: 3D Florals

It's no secret that 3D flower details, like rosette-adorned dresses, tops, and shoes, are trending hard for spring. For me, they'll be replacing the embroidered cardigans that I once leaned on for a sweet touch.

Retiring: Bright-White Jeans

Adding: Ecru Tones

For denim, I'm crushing hard on ecru washes right now. The not-quite-white shade lends a vintage appeal that I find especially forward in comparison with my true-white pairs.

Retiring: Chunky-Soled Sneakers

Adding: Slim-Profile Sneakers

Don't get me wrong—there will always be space for performance sneakers in my closet (I'm an avid runner, after all), but as for "fashion" sneakers, I'm way more into the streamlined look of sneakers with a slim, flat sole. My Adidas Sambas are easily my most-worn pair right now, which proves my point.

Up next, 30 spring shopping finds you have to see if your motto is "fewer but better."