I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to swap thermals and duvet-like puffers for lightweight knits, soft pastels and slip-on suede loafers. Luckily for me, after months of grey skies and relentless layering, spring is on its way and with it, a wardrobe rest.
With the Spring Equinox (20th March—mark your calendars) finally in sight, it’s time to dust off the classics and refine the pieces that make getting dressed effortless. First stop? My work wardrobe. A well-curated capsule is built on versatility—but which pieces will really make it work harder this spring? I’m focusing on breathable fabrics, lighter layers and polished silhouettes that move seamlessly from morning meetings to after-hours plans.
This spring I’m set to rely on the same hard-working heroes—crisp cotton shirts, fine-gauge knitwear, relaxed tailoring and wide-leg trousers. They’re office-appropriate yet comfortable, practical for brisk mornings and milder afternoons, and easy to dress up or down.
So, whether you’re adding a few fresh staples or overhauling your entire 9–5 edit, these seven essentials will form the foundation of the perfect spring workwear capsule wardrobe.
7 Staples for An Effortless Spring Work Capsule Wardrobe:
1. Lightweight Jumper
Style Notes: I’ve noticed that when spring arrives, preppy dressing makes a comeback, and that makes total sense. This aesthetic invites you to layer clothes, so you’re not too hot or too cold when the weather fluctuates. Style a classic white T-shirt under a V-neck jumper, which you can team with a trench coat or a leather biker jacket. Alternatively, drape the jumper over your shoulders.
Shop the Staple:
M&S
Pure Merino Wool V-Neck Jumper
There’s a reason M&S’ Merino Wool Jumpers sell out so fast.
Whistles
Neutral Cashmere V Neck Knit
While you can team a V-neck with a long-sleeve or crew neck T-shirt, you can easily layer over a cotton shirt too.
Reformation
Lian Cashmere Crew Sweater
A gorgeous shade of blue.
2. Cotton Shirt
Style Notes: A white cotton shirt will see you through almost all occasions, seasons and dress codes. Whether you are a corporate girly or your office has a relaxed outfit policy, a crisp shirt will never fail you. While some may opt for a fitted design, others may prefer a looser fit. Pair with tailored trousers and a matching blazer, your favourite wide-leg jeans or barrel design, even a pencil skirt for that iconic city slicker aesthetic.
Shop the Staple:
COS
Tailored Pima Cotton Shirt
Several Who What Wear Editors approve of Cos basics, and that includes this crisp white shirt.
With Nothing Underneath
The Classic: Fine Poplin
Blue chambray shirts are everywhere right now, and a suitable soft hue for Spring.
M&S
Pure Cotton Striped Shirt
While we love a block colour, a checked shirt also deserves a place in our Spring workwear wardrobe.
3. Trench Coat
Style Notes: I feel like a weight has been lifted (figuratively and literally) when I swap my quilted parka for my camel-toned trench coat. Marina has let her trench coat do the talking by buttoning it up to the neck. However, you can leave your trench open or tie the belt around the waist (either at the front or the back) for more structure.
Shop the Staple:
Whistles
Neutral Valentina Trench Coat
Whistles’ trench coats are seriously worth the investment.
Burberry
Long Kensington Heritage Trench Coat
If you’re looking for a piece you will wear time and time again, there really is no other.
It’s giving Bottega Veneta, and I need it.
4. Leather Pencil Skirt
Style Notes: Pencil skirts have moved far beyond their reputation as a strict office staple, finding a place in It Girls’ everyday wardrobes with more relaxed and cooler styling. Yet despite their versatility, they remain a chic and timeless choice for the workplace, offering a sleek silhouette that never goes out of style. In fact, a combo like Sylvie’s is the perfect desk-to-dinner look.
Shop the Staple:
Gucci
Crocodile-Printed Leather Midi Skirt
The textured finish is a refreshing twist on the 50s work uniform.
& Other Stories
Knee-Length Leather Skirt
Experiment with different hemlines to suit your style, comfort and office dress code.
The straight cut is a modern take on the classic leather pencil skirt, and will be more comfortable to sit in for team meetings.
5. Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: Long gone are the days of wearing fitted blazers and slim-fit ankle-grazer trousers to the office, thanks to the rise of smart tailoring and relaxed silhouettes. Case in point is Taffy, who has styled her khaki wide-leg trousers with a white round neck T-shirt, layered under a relaxed white shirt, and loafers. It’s polished, formal, and comfortable.
Shop the Staple:
Reiss
Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers
A pair of pleated wide-leg trousers are a failsafe in my workwear wardrobe when I want to feel confident yet comfortable.
COS
Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers
These COS trousers come in five colours, including black, navy blue, dark brown, mole and grey.
Reformation’s Mason pants are an editor favourite.
6. Loafers
Style Notes: Loafers have had a serious revival in recent years, from Prada’s chunky patent platform loafers to YSL’s new Loafer Mules. Whether you pair with a white sock, merino wool designs, tights, or go barefoot like Lois, you will rely on this versatile flat shoe all season.
Shop the Staple:
YSL
Le Loafer Mules in Suede
Loafer Mules are a clever hybrid between a loafer and a mule – two of my go-to flat shoes in the Spring and Summer months.
The square toe and crimped edge look oh-so chic poking out underneath a pair of wide-leg trousers.
Miu Miu
Ruches Nappa Leather Loafers
I’ve heard these loafers are as buttery soft as they look. Plus, the soft pastel tone screams Spring blooms, am I right?
7. Blazer
Style Notes: A boxy blazer is quite honestly my favourite staple of all time. Yes, I said it. Pair with matching tailored trousers, a T-shirt and trainers, like Emma, or slip on a pair of kitten heels for an elevated finish. While it may be another layering item when we’re dressing in the Winter, come Spring it can easily double up as your outerwear staple.
Shop the Staple:
From the exaggerated shoulders to the boxy fit, this versatile blazer will see you from the office to after-work drinks and beyond.
COS
Double-Breasted Wool-Twill Blazer
A really gorgeous colour.
The Frankie Shop
Bea Blazer
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