Spring Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a great way to visualize multiple outfits with a few items. It’s meant to help you feel like you always have something to wear – but it’s not necessarily meant to be limited to just the items in the capsule (although you absolutely could). I always make my capsule wardrobe with basics that mix well together and work with other items in your closet. I often include a printed or statement top in my capsule to show how those pieces can also be mixed with different bottoms.

For spring, I focus less on layering pieces and more on different tops that will all go well with each bottom I choose.

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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.

Tops

J.Crew Linen Top Petite XXS: All of my capsules have a button-down top because it’s a very versatile piece. I often choose white, but this season, I went for a soft taupe instead. It changes things up a bit, and it’s also a perfect match to the linen shorts in this capsule, so you can wear the two as a set. This top is true to size and has a great petite fit overall, but it can easily be replaced with any neutral button-down top.

White Short Sleeve Top XXS: When I choose a white top for my capsule wardrobes I like to pick one with a slim fit because it will layer the easiest. This one from Madewell is stretchy and ribbed and has a slim fit overall.

Crochet Cardigan Petite XS: I love the detail and texture a crochet top adds to an outfit. This cardigan looks great layered over the short sleeve top or a camisole.

Striped Top XXS: A classic navy and white striped top is one of my favorite spring staples. I have had one in my capsule wardrobe for many years. The exact one in this post is from J.Crew, it has a classic boatneck fit.

Crochet Sleeveless Top XXS: Not that I needed more than one crochet top, but I ended up putting three in the capsule, all different styles. This sleeveless option has a great fit and I love the hip length that works well with lots of different bottoms without tucking the top in.

Crochet Short Sleeve Top XXS: I love the statement this pretty top makes. It comes in multiple colors but I chose the brown option because it’s neutral without being white (which I already have).

Peplum Top Petite XS: This peplum top doesn’t layer well, but it makes a statement with each of the bottoms. I think it’s great for dressing up a pair of jeans for a casual night out, but it looks just as great worn with sandals and shorts.

Jackets

Denim Jacket XXS: I love wearing a denim jacket in the spring. It’s a versatile lightweight layer that can be worn with just about anything. I chose one I have from Madewell because I love the slightly oversized fit (I’m wearing it in regular sizing, but it also comes in petite). You may also like this option from LOFT that has a closer fit and is less expensive.

Trench Coat Petite 00: I failed to picture this jacket in the outfits for this post so I almost didn’t include it at all. But if you’re looking for a lightweight jacket option that dresses up an outfit, this is one of my favorites to wear. It goes well with everything in the capsule. Here is a less expensive option from J.Crew Factory.

Bottoms

Cropped Flare Jeans 24 in 25″ inseam: The exact jeans I used in this post are The Pop from AYR. They have become my all-time favorite in terms of comfort and style. They’re pricey, so you may like this pair instead.

White Cropped Wide Leg Jeans Petite 24: After buying J.Crew’s slim wide leg jeans I ended up buying the factory version as well to test the fit for you. Turns out I liked the Factory pair better than the J.Crew pair. They have a better fit – and a better price point! If you don’t love a cropped wide leg any kind of white jeans can be replaced in the outfits below. You can check out this post for other petite options.

Denim Shorts 24: These shorts have been my personal favorite for the last three summers. They’re long, but not too long and really comfortable to wear. They don’t ride up a ton and although they’re high rise, they’re not super tight around the waist so you have room to breath. I bought a new pair this year because they truly are a daily wear for me. This pair has a fresh hem since they’re new, but the hem threads with wear. You can see them a little more worn in last year’s capsule post.

Linen Shorts XXS: These shorts run large, so definitely go down a size for the best fit. They have a comfortable stretch waistband and even in the light color, they aren’t see through. I personally love the length and overall fit of these shorts. I’ve tried linen shorts from many brands, but these are my top pick. You may also like this less expensive option from J.Crew Factory.

Shoes and Accessories

Some years I include more shoe options in my capsule, but this time around I wanted to show that you could basically use just two pairs of shoes and make many outfits. I also included sneakers and wedges as options but you can base your choices on your personal style.