Spring Essentials

 

There’s something so delightfully hopeful and optimistic about spring. No matter what kind of winter you’ve weathered, when temperatures begin to warm up and the season’s light and lovely clothes start appearing in stores, you can’t help but get excited. And now that spring’s really here and you’ve had a moment to process all of the new looks and must-have pieces, it’s time to really get down to brass tacks and think about the items you’d like to purchase. While everyone’s list is going to be different, I’ve gathered a group of products that I think are smart and chic buys. From investment-worthy, versatile footwear to colorblock staples to a new neutral necessity, I’ve created the best spring shopping list ever, so do your wardrobe a favor and check it out now!

Colorful Separates/ Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse  ($187) in Electric Blue
Vibrant hues took center stage on the S/S 11 runways, giving us countless ways to liven up our spring wardrobes. But instead of picking a single piece that has multiple colors and stripes in it, we’re partial to the idea of simple color blocking a la Jil Sander. As shown above, designer Raf Simons mixed and matched bright separates for vividly intense looks that were anything but boring. Of course you don’t always have to go for loud neon shades. For example, this vibrant blue blouse by Equipment is a strong color, but it’s not overpowering, making it a great foundation piece for any look. Wondering how to wear it? If you’re a bold-color novice, mix one bright color with a go-to white piece—like a bright top with a white skirt or flares, or a white t-shirt with a colorful pair of trousers—or a warm neutral, like khaki. For those of you feeling more advanced, create a look similar to those at Jil Sander and wear two or three brightly hued pieces together. If you’re not quite sure what hues will work together, just look to the runways for smart color coordination and styling ideas.

Tribal Choker/ Fallon Labyrinth Maze Short Chain ($170) in Gold/Black
Of all the notable accessory trends this season, we think you should try the most standout option: the tribal necklace! Fallon’s Labyrinth Maze Short Chain is particularly amazing, thanks to its cutting-edge design, which is both sophisticated and glamorous. Additionally, this tough-luxe necklace is incredibly versatile: use it to ground your ultra-feminine evening looks, elevate a minimalist ensemble, or add intrigue to an otherwise casual look.

Bold Shades/ Super Gals Sunglasses  ($158) in Summer Safari
For your Who What Wear editors, sunglasses are a bit like bathing suits. Though we have about a million of them, each year we feel the need to stock up on some additional of-the-moment styles. So of course, a pair of sunnies inevitably makes an appearance in our annual spring essentials roundup! And though we still love last year’s sleek, cat-eye frames, we’re currently on the hunt for more bold, standout styles a la Fendi’s Sunglasses ($395, 212.759.4646) from the S/S 11 collection. While the runway’s oversized, colorful shades are certainly indulgence-worthy, we think you’ll also appreciate Super’s more wearable and affordable Gals Sunglasses. Though they have a classic shape, these standout shades have an intriguing yellow and brown marbling and ombre lenses that fade from dark to light, giving them a unique and modern look. In other words, they’re not your average tortoiseshell sunglasses!

White Flares/ Mother The Wilder Trouser Jean  ($198) in Mirror, Mirror
Unless you’ve been living under a rock as of late, you know that the ’70s are back in a big way this season, especially wide-leg/flare denim. And while we are thoroughly excited by the plethora of dark and light washes available right now, we’re currently coveting the crisp and clean look of white flares. In my search for the perfect pair, I came across Mother’s amazing Wilder jeans in Mirror, Mirror. I am mad about these perfectly tailored jeans, which are not only incredibly soft and comfortable, but also quite flattering, thanks to the low-waisted fit. They beg for a tucked-in bright top and structured blazer, but of course that’s not the only way to wear them.

 

Bright Bag/ American Apparel Medium Leather Carry-All Pouch  ($45) in Bright Green
Color is the name of the game when it comes to selecting the perfect carrier this season, and happily, there are plenty of notable styles available on the market right now. Of course, you don’t have to invest quite so much to incorporate these vivid accessories into your wardrobe! Case in point: American Apparel’s go-anywhere Carry-All Pouch. Whether it’s accompanying a neutral ensemble or complementing your bright pieces, this casual clutch will immediately update your look, plus, the avocado green leather is decidedly fresh and amazing! I think the medium pouch is perfect for holding all your daily essentials, but you definitely don’t want to miss out on the additional two sizes and 13 other fabulous colors.

Coral Polish/ Revlon Nail Enamel  ($5) in Siren
Transitioning into spring inevitably means we become infatuated with bright, eye-popping nail polish. And while last year that meant lively watermelon shades, this year we’re absolutely crazy for coral! Whether it’s on your eyelids, lips, or fingertips, this deliciously tangy hue is clearly having a moment this season. So what’s currently topping my go-to lacquer list? In addition to Dior’s fabulous Aloha ($26), which was used for the S/S 11 runway show, we’re smitten kittens for Revlon’s Nail Enamel ($5) in Siren. The polish is very wearable—it looks good with all skin tones—and is a great way to add a hint of color to your neutral ensembles.

Snakeskin/ Reed Krakoff  Pumps with Double Ties ($795) in Black Multi
While fall had us obsessing over feline-inspired prints, this season we’re complete suckers for all things serpentine—especially when it comes to our accessories. As seen on such high-profile runways as Nina Ricci, Burberry Prorsum, and Altuzarra, this reptilian print offers a decidedly chic and luxurious look, whether it’s emblazoned on your bag, jewelry, or shoes. That said, it should come as no surprise our next essential pick for the warm-weathered season is Reed Krakoff’s Pumps with Double Ties. These sensual heels are a must-have for a few reasons: the mix of materials and textures gives them a wonderfully unique look, plus, the fusion of edgy details (the raffia double-tie ankle strap) and feminine silhouette (the sleek pointed-toe) make them the perfect complement to the season’s downtown-lady look. If this snakeskin heel doesn’t quite fit into your spring wardrobe budget, I highly recommend picking up either Kate Spade’s Licorice Snake- Print Pumps ($325) or Topshop’s Sense Cut Out Platforms ($145) today!

Neutral Leather Jacket/ Simone Nude Leather Jacket ($1095)
While leather jackets are a year-round wardrobe staple, this season, we suggest swapping out your tried-and-true black styles for a lovely neutral hue! Our hands-down favorite is the achingly chic Nude Leather Jacket from Simone by Katie Nehra. Made from wildly soft leather and boasting a cropped silhouette, this piece is perfectly cool and totally modern. Plus, it has a luxuriously edgy vibe that’s perfect for infusing your feminine ensembles with some subtle tough-girl spirit. Of course, you don’t have to invest quite so much to incorporate this must-have piece into your wardrobe. MoDN’s Detachable Hooded Faux Leather Jacket ($106) and Muubaa’s Cropped Leather Jacket ($300) in Blush are also excellent options worth checking out.