I’ve said it before, but I truly am all about easy style. I just don’t like spending a lot of time dressing, or even getting ready for that matter. As a result, I have “set aside” several items that make getting ready easy, without fail. I call them closet staples, and with spring ahead of us once again, I wanted to share a list, to maybe help you spend less time choosing your outfit, and more time enjoying whatever you have planned.

I’m sure you have at least some of these items in your closet. The first step would be to take inventory of your closet and identify what those items might be for you. The second step would be styling and trying them on to make sure they go together. Once done with that, I’d recommend placing them somewhere where they can be easily found, so you don't have to go through your entire closet next time you need to get ready. And, when shopping, focus on items that compliment your existing ones, rather than always starting new.

With the risk of sounding like a broken record, I’ll say it again. Create a few outfits that are your go-to for several occasions/situations to eliminate the stress of getting ready, and of course, take less time. Even if you have to attend events that you have prior knowledge of, prepare your outfits ahead of time — trust me, this will make your life so much easier!

This guide is more tailored for feminine style, however, its principles described above can be applied to any other. With that said, here are the items I believe you should have in your closet for easy dressing this spring (and beyond):

• A special occasion dress. This lace dress, this one-shoulder one, or this ruffle dress would be perfect for any special occasion. And this one, this one, or this one would be perfect for a bridal shower or other non-wedding events. This lace dress, this one or this longer one would be perfect for a bachelorette and/or bride-to-be, not to mention this one. This dress would be great for fun outdoor events, and this one is just a dream. See more dresses I found here.

• An everyday dress like this beautiful polka dot or this gorgeous smocked one that would make getting ready a breeze — they’re perfect for a day about town, or lunch with friends, etc. Oh, they also have pockets! Check several other adorable options here. If you want to feel extra, I recommend this flowy dress I’m wearing in the photo above that I reviewed in this post — the more I wear it, the more I fall in love with it!

• A blazer. It’s an easy way to elevate your outfits; go classic with this style or this one, or go a bit more casual with this sweater-blazer that you’ll have for years to come.

• A cardigan. As spring temperatures are up and down, layering is key. In everyday settings, I prefer cardigans over sweaters because I can easily take them off if I get hot, or put them on if I get cold. That makes it a staple for spring, as well as any other season.

• A cute top. Be it a classic white, or a classic stripe, a shirt is something you may get a lot of use out of — it’s up to you to decide which one’s more your style. For playful options, check this button-down, this eyelet shirt, this darling top, or this one — they can easily be worn to work, too.

• A basic tee. Generally, I would recommend a white tee as it can be worn with everything. However, a striped tee is basically a classic. It’s chic, versatile, any-season appropriate, and looks amazing with jeans, white pants, etc.

• A good pair of jeans. I’m not really the right person to recommend good jeans as I don’t wear nor need them much in Florida. I’m currently looking for a classic style. Since I won’t need them much, I’m thinking about these ones and these. In all honesty, the jeans I’ve bought from Old Navy have lasted well over 5 years, and I used to wear them a lot more in California.

• A pair of slacks or dress pants (how fun are these?) for the places where jeans are not accepted/frowned upon. It’s a form of respect to ditch the jeans for formal work environments, theatres, museums, etc., hence I recommend adding them to your closet. Also, these linen ones are perfect for spring and summer.

• Ballet flats. Absolute staples in any woman’s closet, any season. Wear them with everything!

• Low heel pumps. If we’re talking basics, I recommend a neutral color — nude and/or black. I prefer black for when I need to wear tights to make it easy on the eyes and elongate the leg, otherwise, nude pumps (love a chunky heel) are my go-to choice for staples.

• Espadrilles. So versatile, they have become a staple for me year-round — I live in Florida after all. These ones are well-made and beautiful in person, as well as these.

• A trench coat. There’s no arguing here, the trench coat is a classic, though, in all honesty, mine has been sitting in my closet untouched ever since moving to Florida. However, blame that on the pandemic, as I could have certainly worn it here during the cold days we’ve had recently — I just didn’t go anywhere. The point is, you may need it less in Florida, but I believe it to be a spring staple anywhere else.

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xo,

Em