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WARDROBE

A Spring Capsule Wardrobe

Spring is the hardest season to dress for because a single day can span fifteen degrees. A spring capsule is really a layering capsule, built so pieces come off through the day rather than going on.

Capsule Wardrobe1 min readPublished Jordan Reyes

In short

  • Build for the morning, plan for the afternoon. The temperature you dress for at 8am is rarely the one at 3pm.
  • One waterproof, not three. A single genuinely waterproof jacket that goes over everything beats several water-resistant ones that go over nothing.
  • Transitional footwear earns its place. Closed shoes that are not winter boots do more work in spring than any other category, and most people do not own a pair.

Spring is the hardest season to dress for because a single day can span fifteen degrees. A spring capsule is really a layering capsule, built so pieces come off through the day rather than going on.

Build for the morning, plan for the afternoon

The temperature you dress for at 8am is rarely the one at 3pm. Every spring outfit needs one removable layer that is easy to carry.

One waterproof, not three

A single genuinely waterproof jacket that goes over everything beats several water-resistant ones that go over nothing.

Transitional footwear earns its place

Closed shoes that are not winter boots do more work in spring than any other category, and most people do not own a pair.

A 15-piece spring capsule

A 15-piece spring capsule

  • 3 long-sleeve tops
  • 2 t-shirts, for the warm afternoons
  • 1 fine knit that packs into a bag
  • 1 denim or utility jacket
  • 1 waterproof shell
  • 2 pairs of trousers
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 dress that works with the knit over it
  • 1 pair of closed shoes
  • 1 pair of trainers
  • 1 scarf that is more decorative than warm

Frequently asked questions

When should I switch to a spring wardrobe?

When the forecast has stayed above your winter range for about two weeks, not on a calendar date. Keep a transitional set out through the changeover.

What makes a good transitional layer?

It packs small, it goes over your tops, and it fits under your jacket. Anything that fails the third test gets left at home.

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