The Spring Capsule Edit (Edition #004)
AKA how to nail transitional season dressing
Just a few days of sunshine were all that was needed to convince me my closet was ready for a seasonal switchover. Cue transitional season outfits. AKA the best time of year to put together outfits. Lighter layers, bare legs, sandals + knitwear season! I say this every time, but it’s when your closet will come into its own. An opportunity to maximise what you have and realise the true versatility of your favourite wardrobe workhorses. But perhaps with fresh eyes, if you’re bringing in something new, or pulling out items you’ve had hibernating in storage for a few months.
The usual tropes are all visible here. Cohesive colour palette, check. Texture and/or print play, check. Closet staples that can read casual or dressy depending on the styling, check. As usual, my bag isn’t included in my ten items, and if I were working this capsule IRL, a bag swap would be a simple way to get even more out of it. So, included in my ten items are:
4x tops (two sleeveless options, and two long-sleeve - temps can be varied)
1x knitwear (opted for a cardigan - ultimate layering piece)
2x bottoms ( a midi skirt and a classic full length jean)
1x outerwear (the transitional season classic - a trench!)
2x shoes (two options, one closed toe and one open toe)
I managed to put together 50 outfit variations, part of which is down to the clever detachable macrame “belt” from my skirt. But really what this highlights is how you can make some small little changes, and essentially have a “new” outfit. Think of it as building on from a combination that you love. These variations give us that same feeling, while satisfying that desire to seek out something new. Beauty components are another factor, and a simple switch up when craving a fresh outfit (while working with what you have).
Also a little note before we get into things, starting this month I’ll be sharing a second paid-subscriber only post (coming out on the 15th). Each month will be a different deep dive into specific fashion topics that run the gamut from personal to more general musings and styling advice. If you’ve been enjoying these monthly capsule edits, I’d love if you could consider upgrading to paid to support the work that I do (click the button below to update your subscription). But if this isn’t of interest, I’ll see you in my next free post (a bonus one this month dissecting winter most worn items!).
the ten items
#1 | White padded shoulder muscle tank: These sorts of tanks had their heyday a few years back, but there’s a solid reason they’re worth having in your closet. Think of this as a little hack to keep in your back pocket; but imagine this tank under a slim-fit knit. It adds a structured shoulder and adds some variation on a staple you already own. Also love the shape it brings. Pictured: DISSH ($79.99)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Pull&Bear ($16) | H&M ($29.99) Everlane ($47) | The Frankie Shop ($110) | Juun. J ($210)
#2 | Micro-printed long-sleeve top: Something busy, playful, whimsical. A micro-print that adds in some visual interest, in a fairly simple silhouette. There’s this misnomer that capsules are generally neutrals based. Not the case at all, and if you want to highlight your personality, choosing emotive pieces that are fun is an easy way to ensure you’ll get some enjoyment out of the items you’re wearing on repeat. Mine has daisies all over - I mean you know what they say about florals for spring… Pictured: Tibi (old but similar linked - $431)
Alternatives (priced low to high): &Other Stories ($70) | superdown ($99) | Ganni ($106) | Cue ($165) | Simon Miller ($215) | Marine Serre ($400)
#3 | Long sleeve Breton top: Usually I wouldn’t go so micro on the specifics, but a stripe is a classic, and will be one of those staples that will work back with most, if not everything in your closet. Colour, variation of the stripe, fabrication - all down to personal preference and what feels best for you. Pictured: Assembly Label ($70)
Alternatives (priced low to high): UNIQLO ($29.90) | Arket ($65) | COS ($69) | Madewell ($117) | Sezane ($135) | Saint James X J. Crew ($168) | Comme des Garcon ($230)
#4 | Fitted sleeveless tank: Combined with the other tops, something like this gives you some additional proportion play, as well as acting as a great warmer weather piece worn un-layered. Ideally in a neutral colour to act as a grounding element to all your other capsule pieces. Pictured: DISSH ($39.99)
Alternatives (priced low to high): H&M ($9.99) Glassons ($16.99) | Seed Heritage ($39.95) | Bassike ($100) | Venroy ($130) | Bite Studios ($131)
#5 | Oversized knitwear: Something with some chill and ease in its DNA. Transitional seasons tend to be temperamental so this keeps your options open. Personally I think a cardigan is best as it gives you more ways to wear. Worn open, tucked in across the body, or buttoned up like a sweater. Pictured: Quince ($108)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Cotton On ($29) | Henne ($149) | Sezane ($170) | Country Road ($179) | Nique ($280) | Jenni Kayne ($500)
#6 | Midi length skirt: The silhouette will depend on the mood you want to portray. For me, it was elegance and refinement, with the playful touch of the macrame belt. For you, it could be volume or movement. This length is great for pairing with knee-high boots or at the other end of the spectrum, sandals. While showing a little bit of skin. Pictured: Wynn Hamlynn (old)
Alternatives (priced low to high): DISSH ($129.99) | Staple the Label ($139) | Venroy ($150) | Henne ($189) | Bec & Bridge ($280) | Reformation ($285) | Toteme ($780)
#7 | Full length jeans: Denim for a more casual option, but these could easily be switched out for a straight leg trouser, if you were so inclined. PS. My personal preference is a straight leg, but for you this could look like a wide sailor style jean/pant, or a slim, cigarette or skinny. Pictured: Weekday ($69)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Assembly Label ($120) | Lover ($160) | Levi’s ($159.95) | Pistola ($168) | Madewell ($215) | Khaite ($810)
#8 | Transitional-weight jacket: My style tends to lean more classic so a trench coat is a must for me during spring/autumn. Again, this could look different for you; perhaps it’s a khaki “army” jacket, something tweedy, or a thick blazer. The key element here is it’s that bridging piece to add some weight and layers to your outfit. Pictured: Kindersalmon ($520 - 10% off with mademoiselle2023)
Alternatives (priced low to high): UNIQLO ($149.90) Goelia ($209) | Sezane ($225) | ONTE ($229) | Loulou Studio ($505)
#9 | Closed toe shoes: With two shoe options, I’d recommend opting for a low heel for one, and a flat option for the other. These low heeled ballet flats have been a workhorse for a few years now, and still going strong. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you might like to switch these out for a boot. Pictured: About Arianne ($465)
Alternatives (priced low to high): Atmos&Here ($119.99) | Naturalizer ($159.95) | Bared Footwear ($279) | Aeyde ($517) | Malone Souliers ($879) | Maison Margiela ($1150)
#10 | Open toed shoes AKA sandals: More versatile than you think, and if you really want to go the extra distance, pair your sandals (heeled or flat) with some socks. A pragmatic way to extend the wearability of your favourite staples. Pictured: Wittner ($100)
Alternatives (priced low to high): &Other Stories ($129) | COS ($230) | Sezane ($230) | Reformation ($300) | Ancient Greek ($333) | Studio Amelia ($470)
the outfits
finishing touches
HANDBAGS | Opted for a style that matches the bright feeling of spring. Think of this as an opportunity to stray away from classic black in favour of other easy neutrals or brights. One that I’ll personally be wearing on repeat this spring is the Coco bag from Saben (15% off with JAMIELOVESSABEN). The white was a limited edition shade, but so thrilled to see it back in the braided leather, which adds the most delicious layer of textural interest to an outfit. When you’re paring things back, texture will be your best friend.
JEWELLERY | There’s a bit of a lightness to spring jewellery. Dainty pieces mixed in with bright pearls, sparkling crystals and lab grown diamonds. These add a soft touch to an outfit, leaning into the role of supporting actor (allowing your outfit to be the star!)
Gold bangle & pearl beaded necklace via Monica Vinader (20% off with JAMIE20) | Gold chain locket bracelet via Pamela Card (10% off with JAMIELEE10) | Silver pearl statement hoops via Mejuri (10% off first purchase) | Crystal embellished Huggies via Adornmonde (15% off with Jaime15)
BEAUTY | Minimal, dewy skin, bright cheeks and lips, and a bit of champagne sparkle on the cheekbones to catch the light. Think of this as a seismic shift from eye focus to lips focus. Bold brights become the hero, and feel fresh when paired against a light neutral colour palette.
Bobbi Brown crushed lip colour | Mecca Max Off Duty Serum Skin Tint | Trinny London Highlighter | MERIT Beauty Flush Balm | Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colour