I built the 2025 spring casual capsule wardrobe based on the pieces I reach for the most. A capsule wardrobe can be used as a way to keep your closet minimal, or as a wardrobe foundation to build from. I use these pieces as my foundation and add in dresses and statement pieces (like fun tops). My style is classic, timeless, and simple. I prefer comfort, a well-proportioned fit, and quality with my outfits. If you’re the same – you’ll love this 25 piece spring capsule wardrobe and 40+ outfit ideas.
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Spring 2025 Casual Capsule Wardrobe
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.
A few things to note with the pieces I chose. I like to invest in pieces you can wear year-round and wash over and over again. I’m not the type to reinvent my style every year so a lot of my capsule wardrobes remain similar from year to year. I choose updated pieces that are in-stock for you and update the fit to current trends (such as current denim styles). Speaking of denim styles – I included four different pairs of jeans in the capsule. You don’t need each style to complete the capsule, but I included them to show variety. I found in polling my readers that there is a pretty equal split of preference for a particular style. So, to show you how the pieces look with the top styles I’ve included a straight, cropped wide, and two wide options. I also included shorts to show how I would use the same pieces as we get into late spring and summer.
This post will serve as my overview of the capsule, but I’ll be creating a series of posts broken up by the type of bottoms in the outfit so you can see each outfit in larger photos.
Cropped Cardigan XS | Denim Top Petite 00 | Striped Sleeveless Top XXS | 1/2 Zip Sweater Petite XS | White Top XXS | Green Striped Top XXS | Lace Top XXS | Tan Sweater XXS | White Sleeveless T-Shirt XS | Cropped Olive Jacket Petite XXS | Trench Coat Petite 00 | Straight Jeans Petite 24 | Wide-Leg Dark Wash Jeans Petite 24 | Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans Petite 23 size down | White Wide Leg Jeans Petite 24 | White Denim Dress XXS | Denim Shorts 24 | Mini Bag Cumin | Belt XXS Cumin | Crossbody Bag | Straw Bag | Heels tts | Flats xxs | Sandals tts | Sneakers tts | Bracelet | Earrings
25 Capsule Pieces
I chose a cropped cotton cardigan from Quince for the capsule. This sweater is high-quality organic cotton, washes well, and is warm layer for your spring outfits. It is a cozy oversized fit on me in XS.
The denim top I included in the capsule was also included in my fall capsule. It is a lightweight top that is well-fitted. It’s easy to tuck in but can also be worn open as a topper. I chose this one because it’s high-quality, I love the fit, and it’s versatile.
I’ve always loved a navy and white striped top. This one has a wedge fit which is unique and easy to wear. It’s the kind of top that looks great untucked – hitting right at the hip. You can also tuck it in and it layers well.
This sweater is 100% cotton and has a great fit. I chose it for the capsule because of the quality, soft neutral color, and overall fit (which is true to size).
You may already have a classic fit white button-down in your wardrobe, but if you’re in need of a new one – I love this option from J.Crew. It’s an oxford cotton top so it’s thick and doesn’t wrinkle as easily as a cotton poplin top. It is also not see through at all. This top isn’t petite, but the shrunken fit is very petite-friendly. I find the sleeves to be a great length and it is overall true to size for me.
This side cinch top is a new release of a favorite from last year. I bought this top from Madewell last year in solid navy and fell in love with the fit. The cinched sides make this top perfect for wearing untucked as it just meets the top of most jeans and shorts. It also tucks in easily and layers well. I wear this top in XXS and would say it’s true to size.
I wanted to include a statement top that could also be versatile. I chose this lace top from Anthropologie because it pairs well with all of the jeans and the denim shorts. You can also layer it over top of the dress I included. It is see-through, I have it layered over the sleeveless white top in the majority of the outfits.
This short sleeve cotton sweater adds a little polish to an outfit without being too heavy and warm. I included a cashmere option in the workwear capsule that would also work with these outfits. The cotton sweater is true to size, I’m wearing it in XXS.
The sleeveless t-shirt is a well-made cotton jersey option from Quince. I picked this one because it’s a nice layering piece, but also is a little bit polished and can be worn on its own. It is not see-through and is stretchy and comfortable.
Cropped Olive Jacket: Petite XXS
This jacket is an updated version of the utility jacket we loved years ago. It’s a lightweight and versatile layer that’s best for mild weather. It adds a little interest to an outfit without being overly heavy. It is true to size overall, but does have a slim fit, so if you’re in between sizes I would go up a size.
For a classic trench coat, the Icon Trench Coat from J.Crew is my top pick. If you’re a frequent reader of my blog – that’s not the first time I’ve told you that. The jacket is well proportioned for petites. It fits well through the shoulders and sleeves and isn’t too long and overwhelming in overall length. The hood is optional and the fabric is water resistant – so this one also works in light rain. I wear the jacket in my true size but it does run a little slim through the arms so you may want to size up if you prefer more room there.
Straight Jeans: Petite 24 Rondell Wash
The ’90s Straight Jeans from Madewell have a classic ’90s shape, rigid denim, a touch of comfortable stretch, and a full-length inseam. The jeans have a 10″ rise and a 27″ inseam in petite. This inseam bunches on me with flats for an on-trend look. They loosen some with wear, but don’t lose their shape.
Wide-Leg Dark Wash Jeans: Petite 24 Dark Wash
The Stride Wide-Leg Jeans from Gap are overall true to size. They have a very high (for petites) 11″ rise and a 29″ inseam with light stretch. I have to wear a heel with these jeans which usually keeps me from including something in a capsule – but I wanted to share an option that can give off a dressed-up look. The heels I included in the capsule for these jeans are casual and comfortable.
Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans: Petite 23
I love cropped wide-leg jeans, but there are mixed feelings from my readers about them. I wanted to include them in the capsule, but I didn’t want them to be the only option, for those who are not a fan of the style. The jeans I chose are from J.Crew. They run large, so I recommend a size down. The denim is lightweight and stretchy overall – they don’t lose their shape with wear.
White Wide Leg Jeans: Petite 24
I included a pair of white wide leg jeans from Banana Republic Factory. These jeans are true to size, not see through and they have a very petite-friendly 27.5″ inseam. I like that these jeans can be worn with flats by most petites. My exact pair of jeans is low in stock, so this pair is another option with a 27″ inseam. The optional jeans are very stretchy and run a little bit large, I recommend a size down for the best fit. If you don’t love a wide-leg style, check out this roundup of petite white jeans.
This denim dress comes in petite, but I chose regular sizing for more length. It is still a great fit through the arms in regular sizing. I chose XXS, but I could have sized up as well for a little extra room. The denim is thick, but stretchy. I chose this dress for the capsule because it makes a versatile base, but can also be worn on its own.
The denim shorts will easily mix with the capsule tops once the weather warms up. They are true to size and comfortable with stretch denim. I like that they’re not too tight, they don’t ride up and they have a 3.5″ inseam.
40+ Capsule Outfit Ideas
I hope these ideas help you build a foundation you’ll love for spring and summer.
-Brooke
