NYC Spring Fashion: 10 Wardrobe Essentials

NYC Spring Fashion: 10 Wardrobe Essentials - in photo: Carly A. Hill eating at a park
NYC Spring Fashion: 10 Wardrobe Essentials - in photo: Carly A. Hill holding a paper bag
 Carly A. Hill standing in a park

It’s finally time to put away the turtlenecks and wool coats, spring is here! Spring is a short-lived season here in NYC but I find layering is key for March and April. To help you navigate this transitional season, I’m sharing my ten wardrobe essential including lightweight layers, jeans, and the best spring accessories.

NYC spring wardrobe essentials collage featuring trench jacket, white t-shirt, light wash jeans, baseball cap, brown leather tote, sunglasses, Adidas sneakers, cream pants, utility jacket, and green cardigan

10 SPRING WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

1. Trench Coat

A trench coat is one of my most worn items during the spring — it’s the perfect layer to have handy for rain showers and days when the temperature drops. This Sézane trench is my personal favorite at the moment, I also think this short gingham trench is so fun, and this cropped one.

2. White T-Shirt

Finding the perfect white t-shirt takes some time but once you find the perfect one, stock up! My two favorites are the Everlane Cotton Crew as it’s the ideal weight and easy to wear on its own or layered under a sweater or jacket, and the Sézane Conrad T-Shirt which I also find high quality and versatile.

3. Light Wash Denim

A great pair of jeans never go out of style! These Levi’s Dad Jeans are my favorite pair of spring denim at the moment! They’re the perfect amount of wide leg and the wash is great for spring. I’m also a fan of Everlane’s Way-High jean which they just upgrade in their 2.0 version!

4. Baseball Cap

Bad hair day? Rainy weather? I’m constantly reaching for a baseball cap in the Spring, it’s such an easy and chic accessory to add to any outfit. One of my go-to spring outfit formulas is a white tee, jeans, trench coat, sneakers, and a baseball hat. I usually rotate between my Ritz Paris hat and Ralph’s hat!

5. Tote Bag

I like to switch out my bag collection for spring and summer, and while it still feels a bit too early to break out my woven totes I think a lighter colored slouchy tote does the trick. This woven leather bag is another great spring bag option (and holds a ton!)

6. Sunglasses

Long time readers know I almost never go anywhere without my Le Specs sunglasses! They’re my favorite pair and don’t break the bank at $90.

7. Sneakers

I love a pair of sneakers with a pop of color for spring! I’ve had these Adidas Sambas for over a year and the green colorway makes me so happy. They pair perfectly with sneakers, trousers, dresses, and shorts. They really do it all!

Don’t miss more spring shoes here!

8. White Denim

Warmer weather means it’s time to pull out the white and ecru denim! If you’re looking to dabble in barrel leg jeans, this pair is approachable and very on trend. I’m also eying this pair from Gap, and this wide leg ecru pair!

9. CHORE Jacket

A barn jacket or chore jacket is another essential lightweight topper for spring. I’m drawn to this denim version, but this or this (florals!) could be great options as well. I like the cool, laid back vibe of a chore jacket for those in-between weather days.

Don’t miss more spring layers here!

10. Pastel Cardigan

No spring wardrobe essentials list is complete without a little pop of color! I’m all in on butter yellow, baby blue, and soft pink for the spring. Lately I’ve been pairing colorful cardigans with denim and a trench coat for a polished (but playful) spring look! This one from Tuckernuck is another favorite.

SHOP MORE SPRING WARDROBE ESSENTIALS:

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