THE MOST VERSATILE ITEMS IN MY SPRING CLOSET

THE MOST VERSATILE ITEMS IN MY SPRING CLOSET

05.13.23

Spring has always been a tricky season for me when it comes to a concise sense of style and it feels really good to finally have a cohesive foundation to work from.

When it comes to curating an intentional and functional wardrobe versatility needs to be a priority. When I say something is “versatile” what I mean is:

  • It can easily mix and match with most of the closet.
  • It can be styled several different ways.
  • It can work for a range of occasions from casual to elevated.
  • It feels good to wear and move in, whether sitting, walking, driving or active.

This year I made a point of noting which items met all of these requirements and thought it would be worth sharing them. Essentially, these 12 items are the foundation of my spring closet and could easily serve as a an entire capsule.

Read on for the 12 most versatile pieces in my spring closet and over 30 outfits I’ve styled with them!


This post contains affiliate links. This means if you decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love and think you might too. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!


TRENCH COAT (aka Mac Coat, on sale) | SUNGLASSES | OXFORD SHIRT (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off) | SILK SLIP DRESS | RELAXED LINEN BLAZER (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE20 for 20% Off ) | BELT BAG (LEE15 for 15% off) | CROPPED CARDIGAN (the exact one I have, LEE15 for 15% Off) | WHITE T-SHIRT (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE10 for 10% OFF) | VINTAGE FIT DENIM | DARK WIDE LEG DENIM | RELAXED TROUSER | WHITE SNEAKERS | CONVERSE HIGH TOPS


#1 / THE MAC COAT

STYLE BEE - MOST VERSATILE SPRING CLOSET ITEMS

SHOP LOOK 1

The LONG MAC COAT (true to size and currently on sale) is similar to a trench in style and functionality but it’s been paired down for a slightly more minimal take. I really like that there’ i’s no belt and the fit is a-line, meaning it falls on an outward angle away from the body. This makes it easy to layer and very comfortable to wear.

I also think the colour of this coat has played a key role in it’s versatility because it’s a bit darker than the usual beige trench. This helps to hide marks and dirt that are unavoidable during the spring season.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#2 / RELAXED TROUSER

STYLE BEE - BROWN BLAZER, WHITE TEE, TROUSERS AND POINTED FLATS

SHOP LOOK 1

I have two pairs of dark wide leg trousers in my closet and I’ve been wearing them both a lot this spring. The first pair is The Way High Drape Pant from EVERLANE (true to size for roomy fit, I wear the 32″inseam), which I bought last fall.

The second option is The Plaza Trouser from KOTN (true to size chart, use LEEVOS for 10% Off), which I was gifted this spring. Both have a similar silhouette with the Way High pant having a slightly slimmer, straighter cut through the leg and a classic waistband with belt loops.

I’ve enjoyed this style in my closet even more than I’d originally expected. They’re a great alternative to jeans and can easily be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers. I also love how comfortable they are and cannot help but feel confident whenever I wear them.

For lots of trouser style ideas check out:

HOW TO MAKE BLACK TROUSERS FEEL MORE CASUAL

1 BASE – 3 WAYS – BLACK TANK AND TROUSERS

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#3 / WHITE SNEAKER

6 EASY OUTFITS WITH EVERGREEN STAPLES FROM POWER OF MY PEOPLE

SHOP LOOK 1

I’ve had the same pair of white sneakers on repeat for a couple of years now and they are such a staple in my spring style. I love that they work with literally any outfit and they’re both elevated and comfortable. I’ve found that the leather just keeps getting softer with time and they’re very easy to keep clean with a magic eraser.

I wear these socks (STYLEBEE for 15% Off anytime) with them and you can find a full sneaker review here.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#4 / WHITE TEE

6 EASY OUTFITS WITH EVERGREEN STAPLES FROM POWER OF MY PEOPLE

SHOP LOOK 1

I’ve been noticing that the first category to end up in the laundry each week is my collection of white tees. I just can’t seem to reach for anything else until I have no choice! I find that they’re the perfect way to add freshness to my colour palette and they look great with jeans, trousers or linen pants alike.

I have a few favourites, which include:

THE PINNACLE TEE

This one is of very high quality and I have a full review here. STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime.

THE VINTAGE POCKET TEE

This one has a great boxy fit and slightly cropped length for tucking. LEE15 for 15% Off anytime.

THE SUPIMA MICRO RIB TEE

This one is my favourite fitted option because its super soft and fitted but not tight. True to size.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#5 / LIGHTWEIGHT CARDIGAN

Style Bee - The East Coast Clog by Poppy Barley

SHOP LOOK 1

A lightweight cardigan has been another staple style within my spring closet for days when it’s still chilly enough to need an extra layer or insulation, or warm enough to skip the jacket altogether. I like a cropped length or one I can tuck in because it keeps the proportions of the look balanced and simple.

My favourites are:

THE BOYFRIEND CARDIGAN

LEE15 for 15% Off

GASPARD CARDIGAN

Full review here.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#6 / DARK JEANS

Style Bee - DENIM JACKET, CHAMBRAY SHIRT, STRAIGHT LEG JEANS AND CONVERSE HIGH TOPS

SHOP LOOK 1

Dark denim snuck into heavy rotation this spring, which I didn’t even notice until I was more carefully assessing my style. I love a dark wash denim any time of year and spring is no exception.

I have a couple of favourites:

THE WAY HIGH JEAN

Fit runs true to size with some stretch.

THE JESSE KAMM SAILOR JEAN

If sold out, similar for less here and here.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#7 / RELAXED BLAZER

STYLE BEE - 1 BASE - 3 WAYS - BLACK TANK & TROUSERS

SHOP LOOK 1

I love love LOVE a relaxed fitting blazer. Even though I no longer live in a city, I still find myself there often and a relaxed blazer is my go-to when I’m looking for a bit of structure and sophistication.

My favourites are:

THE OVERSIZED BLAZER

THE LINEN OVERSIZED BLAZER

THE TAYLOR 100% LINEN BLAZER

Under $100 CAD. Full review here. STYLEBEE20 for 20% Off anytime.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#8 / CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR VINTAGE 70’S HIGH TOPS

Style Bee - CAPOTE COAT, RIB KNIT, LOUNGE PANTS, CONVERSE AND A KNOT BAG

SHOP LOOK 1

These are a great sneaker option for when I don’t need a boot (or I’m sick of wearing them) but I still need to keep my ankles warm. They’re so comfy and instantly add a bit of nostalgic cool girl vibes to any look.

There are a lot of Converse sneakers to choose from but I went with the CHUCK VINTAGE 70 HIGH TOPS in black. I like that the rubber is an off white (or Egret as the brand notes) and that the canvas and lines are all black. Even the iconic ankle patch and license plate (at the heel) are just black and cream too.

The brand suggests sizing down a half size. I went with my usual 7 as I’m sometimes a 7.5 and I have room for different sock thicknesses.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#9 / BELT BAG

SHOP LOOK 1

I’ve tried out a few different belt bags over the years but hadn’t found one that I really loved until I was sent the MICRO BELT BAG (LEE15 for 15% Off anytime) by ela, a very cool Canadian accessories brand. I’ve found that I just keep reaching for it whenever I’m heading out the door because it lets me be hands free and I’m always hanging onto a leash or a water bottle or reusable bags or something!

It’s definitely small but it holds my wallet, lip balm, phone and sunglasses no problem. I love that the belt is adjustable so you can wear it cross body or around the waist. It’s made from a vegan leather but has a beautiful pebbled texture that feels really natural. If you want a bit more room, they also do a standard size BELT BAG (LEE15 for 15% Off anytime).

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#10 / WHITE BUTTON UP SHIRT

6 EASY OUTFITS WITH EVERGREEN STAPLES FROM POWER OF MY PEOPLE

SHOP LOOK 1

I’ve found myself reaching for my white oxford shirts a lot this spring. They’re just such an effortless option to throw on open over a tank, pair with jeans and trousers or layer under a vest on chillier days.

I have two in my closet:

THE TAILOR PROPER FIT

STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off anytime.

THE WAY LONG OXFORD

If sold out, try a similar option here.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#11 / SILK SLIP DRESS

Style Bee - The East Coast Clog by Poppy Barley

SHOP LOOK 1

As you’ve probably gathered, I don’t wear dresses all that much (at least not until summer arrives) but a silk slip dress is definitely an exception. I love that a silk slip dress can be dressed down with sneakers and a cardigan or up with a blazer and heels. It can also be made elegant with a long coat or toughened up with boots or a chunk slide. The options are endless and the comfort level is high!

My favourite is an old Ela Slip from Elizabeth Suzann but I also love the Square Neck Silk Slip from Eileen Fisher. I’ve also bookmarked this spaghetti strapped classic from Cuyana and this more modern option from Everlane.

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


#12 / 90’S CHEEKY JEANS

Style Bee - The East Coast Clog by Poppy Barley

SHOP LOOK ONE

I almost forgot to include these jeans because they’re such a staple all year round for me. The fit is timeless and the leg shape falls between straight and tapered for easy pairing with any type of footwear. I think these are a great option if you’re ready to move on from skinnies for a bit but not quite ready for a proper wide leg.

I love Vintage Mid Wash most (they are so soft) but I also have the Washed Black (curvy fit review here).

SHOP LOOK TWO | SHOP LOOK THREE


TRENCH COAT (aka Mac Coat, on sale) | SUNGLASSES | OXFORD SHIRT (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE10 for 10% Off) | SILK SLIP DRESS | RELAXED LINEN BLAZER (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE20 for 20% Off ) | BELT BAG (LEE15 for 15% off) | CROPPED CARDIGAN (the exact one I have, LEE15 for 15% Off) | WHITE T-SHIRT (the exact one I have, STYLEBEE10 for 10% OFF) | VINTAGE FIT DENIM | DARK WIDE LEG DENIM | RELAXED TROUSER | WHITE SNEAKERS | CONVERSE HIGH TOPS


THANKS FOR READING!

I hope this roundup of versatile pieces is helpful! I think it would make for a great packing list for travel or as the foundation of any minimal, casual, timeless capsule closet you might be curating.

Do you have any spring pieces at the top of your list when you think about “versatility”?

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Larissa says:

    Absolutely love this capsule and your outfits!