Shopping For Spring 2022

When a follower, Carol, wrote to ask for suggestions for spring and warm weather purchases, I got to work on the next post immediately. One of my favorite looks from last spring inspired my choices in this post. I still have all the pictured elements and will look for similar replacements when these pieces wear out.

The items featured below are classic essentials. I’ve found that they are the elements I can wear repeatedly and layer in various combinations. We can always be comfortable and look our best while wearing well-made essentials in flattering colors. The key is to create interest and add personality with accessories. My mantra is “Make mundane activities chic.”

I wear white oxford shirts all year round. If I didn’t already have two, I would purchase a new one here. I like these shirts since the shoulder seams are not dropped, and the body isn’t too boxy. I don’t button all the buttons for a modern relaxed vibe; I pop up the collar and fold the sleeves to show the forearms. If the shirt feels too snug at the bust, wear a tank or camisole underneath and only button the three center buttons.

An oxford shirt is part of my look at least twice weekly all year round. I have them in pink, white, blue and stripes. I always look for a non-button-down collar for a flattering neckline with my fleshy face. When the weather heats, oxford shirts are my first choice for comfort.

A sleeveless blouse with a collar may be the best option if you often wear cardigans or jackets. I found the pictured blouse here.

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Chinos are a great option if denim jeans are too hot for your climate. These are 98% cotton and 2% elastane. You can buy them here in white and also in other colors. They fit neatly around the waist and hips with no gaping side pockets or pleats. A straight-leg style that ends at the top of the foot will never look dated.

A simple pair of nude pumps or slingbacks with a walkable heel can take almost any look up a notch or two when you need to elevate your look. I found the pictured pair here.

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I buy a fresh white microfiber tank here each spring since I often wear them. The tanks look sharp under a denim jacket, blazers, cardigans, and an oxford shirt above. I stick to neutral colors like navy, white, pale gray, or black since I rarely wear other colors. If you are busty, you might want to size up to avoid the horizontal pull lines at the bust. I rarely remove my third layer when I wear a tank and never the top layer when wearing a camisole with tiny straps.

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Spring is the perfect time to refresh your sneakers. The Stan Smith style here is a modern classic and more elevated than athletic sneakers.

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A cardigan might be the most popular item in your closet. If so, you may need a fresh one for spring. Here is a cotton one with the ease of no buttons and a relaxed style.

A bag-worn crossbody or over-the-shoulder in a light neutral color is a lovely way to top off any casual look. Here is one option (pictured), and here is another.

Perhaps white isn’t a color you can wear well, so I invite you to consider any of these items in tan, ivory, khaki, pale blue, pink, or navy. Of course, these colors work together but finding the tone that flatters your skin tone always makes the difference. In addition, different fabrics and styling of these essentials may make them more suitable for your lifestyle and weather.

Another point I want to make is that if you already have blue jeans, a navy blazer, and a trench coat or raincoat to wear with the items above, you will have a versatile wardrobe for most of the year. In addition, if all these clothing items skim the body rather than being baggy or oversized, layering will be much more effortless.

The easiest way to pack for a trip or build a new wardrobe is to invest in the elements you enjoy wearing in the same light color. Then buy all those same items in a dark color. You will have endless mix-and-match and layering possibilities from a few pieces, and they will always look great on you.

This post responds to all who asked for some lead time on items I would buy for spring. Supply chain issues currently affect nearly every industry, so we shouldn’t wait for warm weather to look for what we need. In addition, shopping links may allow me to earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.