4 min readThere’s something about shopping for spring apparel in March that is so ceremonial. While warmer weather doesn’t officially set in until April/May, there’s no better feeling than knowing that winter 2026’s days are numbered, and it’s almost time for lighter layers again. Even just the thought alone of being able to finally set aside our winter puffers, chunky sweaters, and heavy-duty boots in favor of new seasonal purchases puts us in a chipper mood. And if those said purchases are reasonably-priced, too? Even better.
As you begin your spring shopping, we’ve put together a complete guide of wardrobe staples and key trends you can shop at under $500. From the classics (trench coats! ballet flats! low-profile sneakers!) to more of-the-moment jackets, shoes, and handbags, check out our top picks of the season, below.
Trench Coats Under $500
No transitional wardrobe is complete without a trench coat. For those willing to invest, Burberry will always be the default label for the utilitarian staple, but if you’re looking for a timeless piece that’s slightly more attainable and still well-crafted, Mango, Sezane, and J.Crew’s versions also get the T&C stamp of approval. For a trendier take on the classic, consider a trench jacket—the cropped silhouette is major this season, and Gap makes one that will complement a series of looks.
Mango Angela Belted Trench Coat
Now 25% Off
Ralph Lauren Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Trench Coat
Gap Oversized Crop Trench Jacket
Aritzia The Finch Trench Coat
Trendy Technical Toppers Under $500
If there’s one topper to wear this spring, it’s windbreakers and technical jackets—but with a twist. The sporty shells are getting the fashion treatment with higher collars, funnel necks, and drawstring waists for added definition. Not only will they protect you from the chill and rain during April showers, but they’ll do so in a chic way. It’s a win-win!
Dissh Rory Ivory Lightweight Track Jacket
Barbour Bronwyn Gingham Twill Jacket
Cos Nylon Mock-Neck Jacket
Birrot Soonji Funnel-Neck Windbreaker
Simkhai Sutherland Blouson Jacket
Utility Jackets Under $500
Barn jackets, chore jackets, waxed jackets, workwear jackets—they’re all very in this season. Our top picks, below, will look just as great layered over a lightweight sweater in early spring as they will over a flirty floral dress later in the season.
Alex Mill
Chiltern Street Jacket In Waxed Cotton
Kanuk
Arlequin Canvas Chore Jacket
Citizens of Humanity x Bloom Farm Cinched Cotton Utility Jacket
Filson Women’s Canvas Barn Coat
Mango
Cotton Parka with Contrasting Collar
Spring Sweaters Under $500
While you can officially put your chunky cableknit and thick cashmere sweaters away for the season, you’ll want a couple of lighter knits in rotation on those days when the weather can’t quite make up its mind. You can wear these as normal in the morning, then throw them over your shoulders by noon when the sun is high in the sky.
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Leni Crewneck
J.Crew 2025 Rollneck™ Sweater
NakedCashmere Imogen Featherweight Cashmere Polo
Vince Open Knit Boat Neck Sweater
Banana Republic Sheer Ultra-Fine Cotton Cardigan
Spring Dresses Under $500
I don’t know about you folks, but I’ve never been more excited to have my legs somewhat bare again. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new floral print dress or love the look of a ribbed knit polo frock for added texture, there are plenty of styles fit for every taste and personality. I highly recommend beginning your search with Ulla Johnson, Me+Em, and Dôen.
Proenza Schouler Noelani Dress in Soft Jersey- Straw Multi
Ulla Johnson Adriana Printed Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
ME+EM Sporty Smart Midi Dress Soft Sculpt Twill
Costi Knit Maxi Dress
Now 25% Off
Denim Under $500
To be honest, there’s never a wrong time to new denim additions to your collection—but the start of a season makes the purchase feel all the more justified. For spring, you can’t go wrong with a white pair of jeans, a denim dress—it’s the Swiss army knife of frocks if you ask me—or a collarless denim jacket. For a more current piece, I am really into taupe jeans lately—the neutral hue is versatile and will freshen up your vibe instantly.
Anine Bing Blanche Denim Jacket
Citizens of Humanity
Miro Relaxed Jean
Gap Denim Drop-Waist Midi Dress
Banana Republic Denim Mini Dress
Frame The Denim Swing Jacket
Now 30% Off
Spring Skirts Under $500
Don’t underestimate the power of a good skirt: it can be worn casually with a simple white t-shirt and ballet flats or be dressed up with a slinky camisole and killer heeled sandals. There are a slew of chic options to choose from too, including floral midis, lace-trimmed satin styles, and even some poplin picks for those warmer-than-usual spring days.
Tibi
The Crinkle Slip Skirt
Boden Navy and White Check
J.Crew Pull-on Midi Skirt
Tory Burch Pleated Cotton Skirt
Spring Bags Under $500
OK, you’ve got your jacket, your sweater, and your jeans—now all that’s left are the accessories. The easiest way to freshen up your look is with a beautiful, colorful handbag. Our favorites of the season include Banana Republic’s viral Tulip bag, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Play, and Lizzie Fortunato’s embellished drawstring pouch.
Banana Republic Color-Block Suede Tulip Bag
Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Play Leather Small Tote & Crossbody
Elleme Small Boomerang Suede Marine
Lizzie Fortunato Gala Sequined Mother of Pearl Bag
Lié Studio The Charlotte Small Raffia Bag
Ganni Pouch in Printed Taffeta
Flats Under $500
This season, we’re trading in our heavy-duty boots for timeless ballet flats, Mary-Janes, and loafers. But we’re also making space for newer flat trends, including loafer-mules and slim, flexible loafers, which were both big hits on the spring/summer 2026 runways.
Black Suede Studio
Gabby Loafer
Now 25% Off
Alex Mill
Prince Street Ballet Flat
Sneakers Under $500
Retro-inspired, low-profile, brightly-colored sneakers are huge right now—and fortunately, most of the fan-favorite styles—including from designer brands!—happen to already fall under the $500 price point range.
Tory Burch
Hank Field Sneaker
Adidas x Wales Bonner
Japan Suede- and Leather-Trimmed Canvas Sneakers
Alohas
Tb.304 Nylon Green Leather Sneakers
COS Minimal Leather Sneakers
Sandals Under $500
It may be too cold to wear sandals right now, but come May, you’ll be grateful to have new pairs at the ready. Fashion flip-flops and heeled thongs continue to reign supreme, as do fisherman sandals and campy rope sandals.
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Flip Flops
Toteme
Kitten Heel Flip Flop
Lain flats Soft calf White sand
Loeffler Randall
Devon Red Moiré Slingback Sandal
Banana Republic
Flo Twin Sandal by Flowze
Staud
Brigitte Satin Mule
Sophie Dweck is the Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn’t testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.