Happy Thursday, ladies! The cherry blossoms are here in Athens and although we’re headed for a few days of rain, nothing can put a damper on my spirits. Today, we’re wrapping up our three-part spring essential series. (You can check out part 1 & 2 in case you missed them). The focus of this post is on 5 new items:
- sweater shells
- ballet flats
- tweed blazers & jackets
- utility jackets
- white blouses & shirts
For each item, I’ve pulled in 4 of my picks and 3 inspiration outfits. I hope you’ll find some new ideas and inspiration to shop your closet. Put your own spin on things and step out into spring with confidence an in style.
The Summary
Today, I’m wrapping up my multi-part spring essentials series
I’m sharing 5 more essentials and inspiration outfits for each
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
The Best of the Rest: Spring Essentials Pt. III
1. Sleeveless Sweater Shell
This is a non-negotiable item in my closet. And when I find one that I like (Ann Taylor is my go-to) I buy them in multiple colors. It’s the perfect item to tuck underneath a blazer or wear with a skirt. Honestly, I wear sleeveless sweater shells again and again. It’s a hard working wardrobe staple that serves me well all season long.
My Sweater Shell Picks
Similar outfit
Board: Essential Mock Neck Sweater Shell (Ann Taylor) | Sailor Jeans (Talbots) | ‘Professional’ Clog (Dansko)
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2. Ballet Flats
To me, ballet flats are always in style. But if you’re listening to what’s on trend this year ballet flats have made all the “trend lists”
Ballet flats have been around for years and most credit Rose Repetto for creating a pair for Brigitte Bardot to wear in the movie And God Created Woman and later for Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face.
Since then ballet flats have become a forever staple that every woman should have in her closet. They’re a timeless classic that is a great investment. And don’t worry if you wear them one year and not the next. That’s what happens with classics.
But the good news is that you will always go back to them because they go with everything. Their flattering shape can be styled with denim dresses to skirts. They’re practical and chic and you can wear them day or night.
Splurge on a luxury Chanel cap-toe ballet flat because they truly are an investment that will serve you well or opt for an affordable pair from J.Crew. The choice is yours.
My Ballet Flat PIcks
Similar Outfit
Board: Scallop Detail Crewneck Pullover (Talbots) | The High Rise Eva Ankle Pant (Ann Taylor) | Runway Ballet Flat (Tory Burch)
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3. Tweed Blazer & Jackets
Blazers have always been an essential power piece that was the perfect choice for the office. But then it turned into the perfect third layer popped over a white tee and denim. Standard offerings like black or navy crepe are always a good choice.
But for me, nothing beats a classic tweed blazer, cuz I feel the need for tweed when spring arrives. Dress them down with a graphic tee or striped tee and a pair of denim or chinos. Or opt for a more sophisticated look by adding a timeless sweater shell and pants or trousers for a classic look appropriate for almost any occasion.
Choose either a structured tweed blazer ala Coco Chanel and layer on the pearls or a more modern cropped version that you can also layer on the pearls. Lots of choices these days with a tweed jacket.
My Tweed Blazer & Jacket Picks
Similar Outfit
Board: The Newbury Blazer (Ann Taylor) | Slim Ankle Jeans (Talbots) | Perfect-Fit Long-Sleeve Crewneck (J.Crew) | Katrina Ankle Strap Block Heel Pump (Nordstrom)
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4. Utility Jacket
Spring can be fickle when it comes to the weather so having a spring jacket on hand is a must. And just like a denim jacket a utility jacket can and does go with just about anything and everything and is a practical choice designed in waxed fabric or lightweight linen.
Ideal for layering, the utility jacket is a practical cover-up to throw on when you’re out and about, or when the temperatures drop. Green is such a soothing color that reads like a neutral and adds interest to outfits. And it combines seamlessly with so many other colors. Navy and green, pink and green, camel and green. The list goes on and on.
Ralph Lauren always has a green utility jacket on hand but they also carry a camel or beige jacket. But all the classic retailers like J.Crew, Madewell, Talbots or even boho chic Anthropologie carries utility jackets.
My Utility Jacket Picks
Similar Outfit
Board: Essential Mock Neck Sweater Shell (Ann Taylor) | Utility Field Jacket (Banana Republic) | Coolian Slide Sandal (Vince Camuto) | Hampshire Ankle Pants (Talbots)
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5. White Blouse/Shirt
This one is an obvious choice for a timeless classic. Much like pearls, you can elevate any outfit by wearing a crisp white button up – but this is also true for a soft silk white blouse.
It’s also true for more trendy styles, like collarless tuxedo shirts, or tie-waist kimono styles. While some styles and cuts will fade in and out of fashion, the idea of a classic white blouse keeps this classic relevant.
My White Blouse/Shirt Picks
Board: Clip Dot Eyelet Yoke Blouse (Talbots) | Hampshire Ankle Pants (Talbots) | Avienta Loafer (Easy Spirit)
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In Case You Missed It
This morning, Kelly shared her favorite spring dresses for petites. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Spring Dresses for Petites
About The Author
Please tell me about the gorgeous plaid chair in your living room!
Beth, I L.O.V.E. all of these looks! I even have most of these pieces already in my wardrobe. This post has given me loads of ideas on ways to change-up my outfits using very similar pieces. Thanks for the inspiration!