Regardless of which coast you're on, a few things remain the same once winter enters the equation—stocking up on cozy knits and jackets, mornings with a hot latte, etc.—but as time inches closer toward spring, that's where things begin to deviate. As an experienced New Yorker turned experienced Angeleno, I can definitively say that the staples I'm reaching for right now are significantly less severe than what I'd prioritize if I were making it through the residual cold of early spring in the city. Instead of heavy-duty coats, I lean toward mid-weight jackets, and instead of fleece-lined pants, a comfortable knit is now my go-to. The list can go on and on, but I'll spare you the details and jump right into it. Below, I've outlined every single staple I'm investing in this spring. From statement prints to saturated shades, these are foolproof, on-trend pieces to usher in a new season with.
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Mid-Rise Wide Leg Cargo Pants
As much as I've championed cargo pants in the past, I'm not letting go of the trend anytime soon. This soft beige feels right on the mark for the warmer temperatures.
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Long Sleeve Button-Down Denim Dress
Denim is practically a requirement when visiting the West Coast, so it's absolutely on my list of staples to invest in this spring.
Cable-knit pieces have a way of looking so chic in ways other knits can't. Needless to say, they'll be the main feature of my newly minted cool-weather closet.
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Ruffle 3/4 Sleeve Lace Trim Blouse
It's always significantly warmer during the day in L.A., which is why I have my eye on this beautiful, light floral top.
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Button-Down Trapeze Dress
From the bold shade of pink to the giant buttons, the little details make this piece stand out.
Black and beige are cool, but it's all about optimistically bold hues as the days grow longer. Juicy shades of orange, pink, yellow, and green are particular favorites of mine at the moment.
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Hooded Sweatshirt
When worn as a set, this color does all the talking for you.
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Elbow Sleeve Polo Rib Dress
Bottega green, anyone?
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Puff Elbow Sleeve Shell Blouse
Here's a sartorial remedy for gloomy, gray skies.
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Bishop Long Sleeve Dress
Don't be mistaken. It still can get cold in SoCal—hence the array of light knits on this list.
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.