Spring Shell Wardrobe

A shell wardrobe--a.k.a. “capsule wardrobe”--consists of clothing that is considered essential, and for a spring shell wardrobe, clothing that is seasonally essential! You can think of it like a cake batter: basic sugar, eggs, butter, and flour, later layered with chocolate, topped with frosting, or sprinkled with pink sugar--but you need to have the basic cake batter first.

What makes the spring shell wardrobe different from a winter or summer shell wardrobe? Often by spring you no longer need snow boots, but it may also not be sandal-only season yet! Keep in mind that the spring shell wardrobe is a transitional wardrobe: a mixture of winter and summer pieces, but few items that are unique to spring.

Spring Shell Wardrobe List:

Fancy dress
A fancy dress is perfect for weddings or other religious ceremonies, and with a denim jacket, you can wear it almost anywhere! A sweater jacket is also a good item to have on hand in case it's windy out.

Sleeveless tops or tank tops
Good for layering under button-ups and zip-ups on a chilly morning, then dressing down for an after-school track meet. Sport tank tops are often the most comfortable and colorful. Aim for a total of two to three.

Button up shirts
Perfect for layering over t-shirts and wearing over accidental sunburns (don't underestimate a sunny spring afternoon)!

Zip-ups
--Or hoodies or mini jackets, the goal is that it keeps you warm on frosty mornings but can be removed easily. You might only need one, but, depending on your style, you might want three!

Raincoat
Unless it's a very cold spring, this raincoat doesn't need to be heavy. If it can be rolled up and stuffed into a backpack it's perfect--wear it over a zip-up for warmth. Also, a mini umbrella, small enough to tuck into a purse on an overcast day, is a great idea!

Winter coat
Spring is known for unpredictable weather, so don't put your winter coat into storage quite yet!

Shoes
Here your style will really be a deciding factor! Some girls live in running shoes, wearing them everywhere; others have slip-ons they couldn't live without! If you're really into shoes though, spring's a great time for some comfy sandals and waterproof boots!


Socks
Everyone who has ever been caught wearing tennis shoes in the rain knows how awesome a new pair of dry socks feel! You can put most of your wool socks into storage, but don't forget to refill your sock drawer--one pair for every day of the week and an extra for your backpack!

Leggings
Perfect for wearing under a casual dress at 7:00 a.m. then stuffing into your backpack shortly after the noon sun hits! Leggings to me are a spring shell wardrobe classic--and they come in so many colors!

Jeans/pants
Try at least one colorful pair of pants and one classic color that goes with everything. Two to four pairs total is usually an ideal number, but if you prefer skirts, you can skip these!

Casual skirts
Worn over leggings, skirts have an amazing spring vibe! Try adding two or three to your wardrobe this season.

Legwarmers
Leftover from your winter wardrobe, legwarmers are great for layering over jeans, pants, or even tights. One pair should be perfect!

Depending on where you live, that's a spring shell wardrobe! (Copying down this list, be sure to check off items you already have, and cross off items you don't need.)

As a final reminder, this is only a shell wardrobe. Like the cake frosting, you make it your own! That means adding scarves, vests, jumpers, fun hair pieces--anything else you already have in your closet! Spring is also a great opportunity to try new styles, so get together with your fashion sister and start experimenting!

Happy spring!