We’ve been blessed with some gorgeous early spring weather of late here in Toronto, and the sunshine has encouraged me to pull some of my favourite spring pieces out of hibernation. I’ve discovered that I fall back on a lot of the same pieces or formulas when getting dressed in the morning, and with spring being so hard to dress for (at least for me personally), I thought I would share a few of my failsafe items.
For me, having wardrobe staples or outfit formulas not only helps me get ready more quickly in the mornings, but I think it also helps me keep my wardrobe (relatively) minimal and easy to navigate. I have a couple workhorse pieces that never let me down, and if it’s not broken don’t fix it as they say.
White Denim
Since I almost always start with bottoms when putting together an outfit, we’ll start with my go-to denim for spring. White jeans just have this instant power of brightening up an outfit, and since the season for white jeans can be a bit narrow for us here in Canada, I like to get my wear out of them whilst I can. White denim is such a classic, always-in-style thing, and I think they make any basic outfit look so much more considered.
These jeans are the Everlane Super Straight in the ankle length. They’re slightly oversized, and though I probably could have gone down a size in these, I think the straight cut and off-white colour feel so fresh. They look equally great paired with sneakers, boots, and loafers, and I also think they’d be super fun with a flat scrappy sandal once the weather warms up.
Sneakers
Next up, the classic sneaker. Stylish sneakers, and especially white ones, are not new news, but they are truly something I live in for most of the year (assuming there’s no snow on the ground). By this point of the year, I’m done with wearing boots, but the weather isn’t quite balmy enough for sandals. Sneakers are the perfect in-between for me, and they provide a bit more support and coverage for those spring/summer days where I’m running (or biking) around the city doing errands or seeing friends for picnics in the park.
These Veja sneakers (similar colourway linked) I’ve had for over two years now, and for the amount I’ve worn them, they’ve held up so nicely. They’re just the ultimate French-girl-cool trainer and they look so chic with everything from jeans to skirts and dresses. They’ll never go out of style, and Veja is just a great brand to support in general.
Another pair of sneakers I’ve been loving is my newer corduroy Stepney Workers Club Dellows. They’re such a unique shoe, and again are one of those transitional items that works with pretty much any outfit. I was heavily influenced into buying these by Alice Catherine and Paige Leanne, and when I found them on sale at an indie boutique on the west coast, I had to snatch them up. I have absolutely no regrets, and know I will get tons of wear out of these in the years to come.
Trench Coats
Again, the trench coat is certainly not new news for spring, but it’s another piece that’s a year-in year-out staple for me. This one is a few years old now from Massimo Dutti (similar style linked), and my favourite thing about it is the linen fabrication. It’s a nice throw on and go layering piece, and because of the material it doesn’t make me overheat when the afternoon temperatures inevitably rise.
There’s something about a trench coat that makes any outfit look instantly pulled together, and yet they’re so versatile and can be worn for so many occasions. Just a completely classic piece that won’t ever go out of style.
Basket Bags
Last but certainly not least, perhaps my biggest can’t-live-without item on this list, the basket bag. One of my favourite parts of this time of year is getting to carry around my basket bags again, and imagine I’m walking the cobblestoned streets of France or Italy. These things have made the rounds over the past couple of years, and in turn I’ve amassed a small collection of them.
I don’t ever see this style become stale or overdone like so many other trends do, because of how many variations are out there and how long the style has been around (Jane Birkin anyone?). You can buy them vintage and at pretty much any price point, from Mango to Loewe. Mine is a vintage one I scored probably 4 years ago now from Bohème Goods, which is a label and curated vintage seller out in Vancouver. It was under 70 bucks and my cost per wear at this point must be pennies. I get so many compliments on it, and it’s truly a wardrobe treasure that I wear with everything this time of the year.
