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Spring Cleaning: Wardrobe Staples for the Season

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Ayanna Simpson Student Contributor, University of Houston
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UH chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Spring has sprung! It’s time for a wardrobe clean-up to add some newwardrobe staples, and the perfect season for the occasion has just rounded the corner. Hang up those winter coats and make space for a newer, heightened version of your current clothing rotation. A quick search of “wardrobe essentials” will lead you through an endless trail of basics – black and white clothing pieces, belts, dress clothes.

While these staples are undeniably timeless, we are shining the spotlight on pieces more fitting for the season, and you! It is essential to have go-to, trendy staples in your closet that can stand central to an outfit. Give your wardrobe a twist with these five spring essentials, covering everything from footwear to bottoms.

oversized sunglasses

When I say oversized, I mean bug-like, face-consuming sunnies. The kind of exaggerated

proportions that make a bold impression before you even speak. These frames don’t just make a

statement about your wardrobe; they ARE the statement. Whether you’re looking to rock a more

vintage look or elevate your outfit with a high-fashion flair, these bold, round glasses are sure to

place you at the center stage of the spotlight in the most stylish way possible. The bigger, the

bolder, the better.

Patterned/Colored Ballet Flats

With warmer weather comes a need for cooler shoes – and flats are just the way to do it. Ballet

flats have experienced a recent comeback, though the market lies primarily in tones like black or

red. Such a trendy shoe with an easy-to-style feel requires versatility, so colorful ones must be on

your radar. It’s those bold pops of color that are sure to make you – and your footwear – stand

out this season.

My go-to shoe is a pair of leopard print flats. These shoes pair wonderfully with any casual outfit

and feel great, too. Next time you’re out searching for that new springtime shoe, consider how

adding a patterned flat into your rotation would look. Taking it a step further, be on the lookout

for any pairs with add-ons. This includes buckles, laces, grommets, or anything else you feel

might fit your style.

capris

Some will hate this, but here’s why it’s a must. The 2000s are making a comeback in full swing,

so it is only fitting to dress for the event. People tend to turn the other way when Capris is

merely uttered, but they are one of the last items you should be fearing in your closet. Providing

a unique blend of both comfort and style, capris can easily be dressed with a pair of sandals,

sunglasses, and a casual tank. The only feared trait of these bottoms is that they are so easy to

wear, you might just get sick of them! It is all about owning the look, so worry less about

people’s perception and embrace the uncommon.

Fringe – Bags, Jackets, Clothing, The whole nine yards!

Most would dismiss this as past its prime, though there is more than meets the eye with this fun

suede texture. If you are seeking further elevation to your outfit, picking up a fringe bag, jacket,

or clothing piece will do the trick. The subtle versatility of this woven fabric is a reliable way to

show your dedication to reinventing modern fashion trends. Additionally, it is a timeless look

that cannot be constrained to the bounds of fashion. A jack of all fashion trades, adding texture,

movement, and overall personality to your look creates a statement like no other.

boatneck tops

Almost office-like, boatneck tops add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe. A piece so

easily dressed up can be dangerous, but with the right direction, you are sure to turn heads. Wide,

flattering necklines create elegant silhouettes that are ideal for a day in and out of the office. For

a classier look, pair this top with a selection of dress pants. Or dress them up with a black

miniskirt and colorful tights for an exciting night out. However you wear them, boatnecks deliver

quiet sophistication with barely any effort required.

wardrobe staples: thoughts

Fashion is limitless, so do not constrain yourselves to the trends of this year. Combine the items on this list to create a new, stylish look, or individually create new outfits with preowned pieces. There is no right or wrong way to make a spring wardrobe, so find what feels best and own the look. Fashion is the art of experimentation – have fun mixing and matching pieces to build the wardrobe of your dreams. Wear pieces that resonate and the rest will follow.

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hi! i'm ayanna, a second-year journalism student at the University of Houston. i love all things fashion and pop culture, so many of my articles for HER campus will likely fall under these categories. my love for writing is a driving force, and reader connection keeps my fire ablaze.

in my free time, i love writing creatively. it's one of my biggest passions, so i make sure to keep a pen and my journal handy wherever i go. i'm also a huge advocate for second-hand shopping, so finding good thrift pieces for my wardrobe is a huge victory in my book. additonally, i enjoy exploring houston's extensive list of resturants, with each one being better than the last!

outside of my writer position for HER Campus, i write for my campus' radio web team. Many articles i produce center on music, as it is one of my interests. i am also a co-host for a radio show produced under the university’s radio organization. i am always seeking ways to further advance my writing skills and push my work out into the world, so involvement is a top priority of mine. I hope that with each work you read, you also gain inspiration to put that pen to a paper!