My Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2022

Less is more. From basic t-shirts to statement pieces, find out my key pieces for Spring 2022.

Ever since I became an expat (in 2017), I went from shopping for cute pieces every week (and having nothing to wear) to someone with a thoughtfully curated closet. This means: every single piece I own has a reason to be there. Besides, I love every single piece that I own.

How did this transition happen? Well, not overnight - I can assure you that. It was a gradual thing that mainly occurred for two reasons: I had minimal space in my studio apartment. I was fed up with buying new clothes every single season, as most items from the previous year were already worn out.

Investing in curated quality-built pieces allowed me to: save a lot of money in the long run and reduce my environmental impact on clothes. Also, I no longer feel that “I have nothing to wear.”

Without further ado, here’s my capsule wardrobe for spring 2022:

Stripped Shirt

I have a thing for Breton shirts. There’s something so simple yet so iconic about this piece. I feel that it effortlessly revamps a casual look. Even though I have never been a trend follower, the Breton shirt has been one of my staples season after season - for a few years now.

After realizing that this is a piece I am very fond of, I decided to invest in two quality-built versions: a merino wool jumper and a light cotton shirt. 

Despite being available in different color combinations, I usually stick to the classic: the navy one.

You can find this piece at any brand and in different price ranges. If possible, try to pick one that has quality or sustainable materials.

COS has different versions of this Spring staple, while The Playa & Co. dedicates their line entirely to this iconic French piece.

Jeans

Who doesn’t have one in their closet? Their simple, timeless (well, at least most of them), and long-lasting.

After spending most of my life wearing fast-fashion jeans and having to replace these every single year, I decided to browse (and invest) in jeans that offered a bit more quality (and durability). 

As I am not getting any younger, and I want to wear these pieces for years and years, I am also sticking to jeans that make me feel good and comfortable. Like slightly high-rise models that don’t come down every time I sit or squat.

My favorites so far? I would have to say Benetton and Levi’s. While I had a good experience with a pair I owned from GAP, it hasn’t lasted as long as the models I have from Benetton and Levi’s.

Even though jeans require a lot of water to create, brands have been revising their manufacturing processes to make them more eco-conscious. That’s the case with Levi’s and GAP.

White T-shirts

So simple, yet so stylish. A basic white t-shirt is classic, elegant, easy to find, and even easier to style. I usually wear it with nothing on top on hot days or with a blazer/bomber when it’s a bit chilly. But it looks equally good and polished with a trench coat or a light scarf.

I happen to have 10 of these in my closet. Why? Because I wear it daily throughout the year, as a bottom layer beneath my jumper.

When it comes to plain white t-shirts, my only requirement is that these have a large percentage of cotton (preferably organic) and stretch a little bit (but that’s a personal preference).

I usually buy mine at a Portuguese chain when I return home, but you can find this item pretty much at any store (even supermarkets) for a very affordable price.

Blazer

Simple, yet stylish. A blazer immediately revamps and curates a casual look. Perfect for a polished look when running errands around town or for a day of meetings in the office. Pair it with a plain white t-shirt or a Breton shirt, and you have a perfect match.

I always keep a navy one in my closet because it’s that item that never goes out of style. Last season, I purchased the one I currently own at Mango, and it’s part of their conscious line. 

While tailored pieces can be more expensive, these items are pretty easy to find at high-street chains. As you won’t be washing it every other week, it will remain in mint condition for a long time.

While black is the most classic color for this item, you can easily find blazers in all sorts of colors. Feel free to pick the one that matches your style and the message you want to convey.

Trench Coat

A trench coat is classic, timeless, and versatile. I know many people aren’t fond of the trench coat, but this is a piece that I know that I can wear for ages and still feel great about it.

Pretty much every brand has one in their Spring collection line. From H&M to small local brands, from fitted to oversized models… there’s a lot to choose from.

My first trench coat was from H&M, and I wore it for nearly a decade every year until it started to tear. As you can see, you don’t have to blow the bank to have a durable and elegant trench coat.

How do I style it? With a jumper and a scarf when it’s a bit chilly. And with a white t-shirt or Breton shirt when its warmer.

White Sneakers

Judging by the number of white sneakers that I see on social media, this must be one of the most trendy items.

I like the lightness it brings to the look after wearing darker shoes during the winter months. I also love to pair these with dresses for a more casual (and comfortable approach).

Mine are from VEJA. I got these at a local independent store two years ago, and they are still in mint condition.

When it comes to white sneakers, investing in quality pieces makes a real difference. I had a few fast-fashion pairs in the past, and I threw these in the bin within a few months. Such a waste!

Leather Bag

Looking back at old photos, I realize I’ve always been a fan of the brown “leather” bag. I liked how it looked and how easily I could pair it with my clothes, without looking too formal.

After using fast-fashion faux leather bags for decades and having to discard these every other year, I finally started investing in quality pieces.

Earlier this year, I invested in an A.P.C. Small Grace handbag made with smooth brown leather. Besides being timeless and quality-built, it also works as an elegant statement piece.

I also love that it is compact structured and can be worn as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Now that you know mine, what are your key pieces for Spring?