When spring rolls around, there are a few pieces I will always make room for in my wardrobe; the kind of staples that never really stop being relevant and make getting dressed that bit easier once the heavier layers are packed away. I tend to come back to reliable pieces every year because they work across different outfits and never feel out of place once the weather starts to warm up. If anything, spring is the time when these staples really start to prove their worth, quietly pulling together the outfits I want to wear most throughout the season.
Whenever I'm in this mindset, I tend to browse NET-A-PORTER as a kind of wardrobe sense-check. I look for pieces that feel relevant right now, whilst still being grounded in longevity. The site has proven itself by housing runway names, cult brands and reliable wardrobe staples that have—on more than one occasion—saved me from last-minute wardrobe crises. The spring new-in selection is no different, and the pieces that are catching my attention are the ones that can move through the season without me having to do much more—though I won't say no to a statement accessory here and there.
After saving a handful of items that I couldn't stop thinking about, a pattern quickly emerged. There are five categories that, in my opinion, form the backbone of a strong spring wardrobe: a great button-down shirt, cropped denim, a woven bag, kitten heels and a co-ord set. None of them is particularly revolutionary, but that's exactly why they work. Each has the versatility I'm always trying to prioritise, and they also align with a few of the softer shifts happening this season, like relaxed denim silhouettes, the continued obsession over '90s-esque low heels and matching sets that take the thinking out of getting dressed.
Keep scrolling to see the pieces I wholeheartedly recommend for the new season.
Shop My Favourite Spring Staples From NET-A-PORTER:
1. Classic Button-Down Shirts
Style Notes: A good button-down shirt is one of the most reliable pieces you can own. Whether worn slightly oversized with denim or tucked neatly into tailored trousers, it always seems to pull an outfit together. The versions I gravitate towards tend to be cotton styles with a relaxed cut that look just as good worn open over a vest as they do buttoned up.
Shop Button-Down Shirts:
A stripe always gives a classic shirt a slightly more fashion-forward feel.
A silk button-down? Say no more.
Ami Paris consistently gets shirting right, and this Oxford style is exactly the sort of piece I would wear on repeat.
The scarf detail on this pale-yellow shirt is so unique.
2. Cropped Jeans
Style Notes: Cropped denim is quietly returning as one of the most useful silhouettes for spring. The shorter hemline works perfectly with lower heels and lighter footwear, and gives even classic denim outfits a slightly updated feel.
Shop Cropped Jeans:
These cropped, straight-leg jeans are on my wish list.
We will never say no to a '90s-inspired pair of jeans.
White denim is so fresh for spring.
The ultimate crop! How cute would these look worn with a short-sleeved ruffle blouse and ballet flats?
3. Woven Bags
Style Notes: Every spring, I find myself drawn to woven accessories. They add interest to even the simplest outfits and instantly signal that the season has shifted.
Shop Woven Bags:
Dragon Diffusion bags have developed a loyal following thanks to their handwoven leather construction. The texture gives this tote a relaxed feel, yet it still looks elevated enough for everyday use.
Works for the office just as well as brunch.
There isn't a bag The Row makes that I don't love.
Great for all those al fresco dates.
4. '90s Kitten Heels
Style Notes: Lower heels have become one of the most wearable shoe trends of the past few seasons, and '90s kitten heels are easily the most versatile of the bunch. They offer just enough height to elevate an outfit whilst still being comfortable enough to wear all day.
Shop Kitten Heels:
Aeyde is known for comfortable, well-constructed shoes, and this pair is no exception.
The Maysale is one of those shoes that never really goes out of style. The buckle detail gives them a slightly vintage feel, and the manageable heel height makes them surprisingly practical.
'90s block kitten heels are so back.
My new go-to evening heels.
5. Co-Ords
Style Notes: Co-ords have become one of my favourite shortcuts for getting dressed. They remove the guesswork from outfit building but can also be worn separately, which makes them brilliantly versatile.
Shop Co-Ords:
I can think of so many places I could wear this with the matching shorts below.
These will also look great with a plain white tank.
This Toteme set is an editor favourite.
Wear it with flats in the day and heeled flip-flops for the evening.
