Fashion Icon Jenna Lyons Shares 12 Timeless Styles to Build Your Spring Capsule Wardrobe — From $18

Spring is right around the corner, offering a great excuse to embark on a shopping excursion to outfit yourself with the hottest trends and necessary basics of the upcoming season. This year, fashion designer and former J.Crew President Jenna Lyons has teamed up with Google to curate the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe, and as it happens, her picks include some of the most versatile items you could add to your vacation packing list without ever running out of styling potential.

Elevated basics will never go out of style, which is exactly why Lyons has outlined the 12 clothing and accessory staples to shop this spring, from comfy walking shoes to the only lightweight jackets you’ll need for the transitional weather. And seeing as Lyons’ picks are more generalized — highlighting just the top hits and categories you’ll need to create a capsule wardrobe — we’ve gone ahead and selected the best deals that adhere to her shopping guidelines with selects from Converse, Madewell, J. Crew, and more.

Converse Chuck Taylors

Converse high-top sneakers are about as timeless as they come, and not only is this style the perfect choice to pair with anything you may have packed in your suitcase, but it’s also incredibly comfortable. The canvas exterior keeps these shoes lightweight and packable while taking up minimal space in your luggage, while a sturdy rubber sole gives you the traction needed to remain secure on slick city streets this spring. Plus, they’re super durable, meaning they’ll stay in good condition for years to come (just wash or spot clean them). Lyons included a super wearable eggshell hue on her list, but shoppers have their choice of 17 color variations when shopping at Amazon.

Oversized Button-Down Shirt

Even the most minimalistic shoppers can benefit from the addition of a pop of color within their wardrobe, and this bold, striped button-down is an excellent selection. Thankfully, this wearable style can be dressed up with trousers or even worn as a beach cover-up to maximize its function in your closet. If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll be happy to find that a nearly exact lookalike of Lyons’ top choice is available at Amazon for just $30. However, it can also be worth investing in well-made, quality pieces you plan to wear and wash more than a handful of times, which is why you might want to grab Lyons’ striped shirt pick directly from J.Crew while it’s on sale for 29 percent off.

Spacious Weekender Bag

The best type of bag is one that serves multiple functions in your day-to-day life, and this sleek and spacious canvas tote from Everlane does just that. It’s large (and durable) enough to work as your new go-to weekender bag for shorter vacations during the warmer months, but will also work as an excellent tote for picnics, shopping trips, beach outings, and more. The best part? Right now, this organic cotton bag is on sale for a mere $33, so don’t wait on adding it to your cart.

Denim Chore Jacket

Denim jackets come in all shapes and sizes, but Lyons has included the perfect, packable chore coat in her edit, and we certainly agree that this fit will earn you some compliments this spring. Thankfully, you won’t have to break the bank to get one of your own as this breathable and effortlessly cool pick from Lee is now on sale for $90 and is guaranteed to elevate all of your outfits. Made from a breathable cotton and lyocell blend and boasting a slightly oversized finish, this jacket is about to become the most reached-for item in your wardrobe within the coming months.

Lightweight Sweater Vest

A simple sweater vest deserves a spot in your closet this spring, according to Lyons — and it’s true, seeing as there are seemingly endless ways it can be styled. Wear it over a button-down shirt to achieve a classic yet preppy look, or rock it on its own or over a basic white tee layered with gold chain jewelry for a more casual finish. Plus, this sleek V-neck option is even on sale at Nordstrom for an impressive 40 percent off right now, coming in at just $33.

Travel-Friendly Sweatshirt

If there’s one thing you’ll be happy to have packed into your suitcase no matter what time of year it is, it’s an oversized sweatshirt. From a layover in the airport to a long day of soaking up the views of your destination, this cool-girl staple is the layer you’ve been looking for to ward off the seasonal chill while still keeping your outfit on point. This cotton-blend crewneck is available at Amazon in 26 wearable shades, but if you’re aiming to stick to Lyons’ list, it’s the simple heather grey color that you’ll want to snag to level-up your travel outfits.

Vans Slip-On Sneakers

Every outfit benefits from being accessorized with one accent piece, and if you’ve been searching for a new pair of everyday sneakers to make a bold statement, you’re in the right place. Sitting at a sale price of just $57, these slip-on shoes are not just a fashion moment, but also one of your best sneaker choices for travel days. The convenience of the design makes them easy to slide on and off while going through TSA, plus the checkered pattern instantly takes even the simplest loungewear styles to the next level without forcing you to think too much while getting dressed. Best of all, they’re comfortable enough for full-day wear.

Denim Chambray Shirt

Lyons selected a cropped chambray shirt for your closet this season, but once we stumbled upon this oversized, relaxed-fitting denim option from J.Crew, we couldn’t resist adding it to our own wish list. This cotton button-down provides comfortable coverage and can easily be dressed up or down in accordance with your travel plans — plus, in the spring you’ll be happy to wear it as a simple and lightweight layer during sightseeing days. However, if a boxier fit is more up your alley, you won’t want to skip over this cropped version from Gap — especially while it’s on sale for just $55.

Breezy V-Neck Sweater

Your tops should ideally be as comfortable as they are fashionable, and this ultra-soft V-neck sweater from Amazon’s more elevated line, The Drop, will be just as cozy as your favorite pair of pajamas but will make you appear much more put-together. Bell sleeves add a hint of intrigue to the otherwise simple shape, and whether you’re pairing it with trousers, jeans, or even sweatpants, you’ll surely be turning heads this season. And considering this sweater is just $40, we can’t blame you if you want to grab it in several of the six timeless colors it’s available in at Amazon.

Effortless White T-Shirt

Your search for the perfect white T-shirt can finally come to a close because Madewell’s best-selling Northside Vintage Tee is just $18 and will function as a workable base for any outfits you hope to wear this spring. Style it under a cardigan, sweater vest, chore coat, or even on its own, but the options are truly endless. And if you’ve been curious about building a capsule wardrobe but weren’t quite sure where to start, this is the piece.

Classic Leather Jacket

When it’s not cold enough for a heavy winter coat but you still need a warm layer, this cropped vegan leather bomber jacket will fill that hole in your closet with ease. Another incredibly versatile piece, the simple and classic shape pairs well with nearly every other item included on Lyons’ to-buy list, making your wardrobe (and packing experience) more streamlined than ever before. And if you’re partial to black leather, you can alternatively shop this bomber from Nordstrom that can be worn during any occasion while ensuring you always look and feel your best. 

Astrology Jewelry

Think of accessories as the glue that can pull the simplest outfits together, and this elegant gold astrology necklace from Mejuri will do just that — while acting as the only piece you’ll ever need to pack again. This pendant necklace is sure to hold valuable real estate in your jewelry collection as an understated statement piece that can be worn daily. So, if you’re tired of traveling with a tangle of delicate necklaces (although a simple jewelry box could easily fix that issue), take this as your sign to make an investment in an everyday essential that will last a lifetime.

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