thesustainablist_logo_roundpng

Welcome!

The Sustainablist is an editorial project on sustainable, eco-friendly and zero waste lifestyle. Our mission? Making sustainable lifestyle simpler.

My Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2023

My Spring Capsule Wardrobe 2023

Spring is here! Time to say goodbye to long warm coats and add some lighter pieces to our wardrobes. Are you looking for ideas or inspiration for this season? Don’t worry. Here’s my Spring Capsule Wardrobe for 2023.

A few years ago, I adopted a “less is more” and a “quality over quantity” mindset - especially regarding clothes.

This means that instead of following trends, I’ve been investing in quality-built timeless designs that I am crazy about and know I’ll be able to wear for many years.

Of course, most of these pieces are pricier than similar ones from fast-fashion brands. But they were also produced more consciously, under fairer work conditions, and built to last longer in mint condition.

Disclaimer: This is a capsule wardrobe. So, you’ll see me mentioning some pieces a couple of times. 

Without further ado, these are the pieces that I’ll be wearing non-stop this Spring (and the upcoming ones).

Shirts

I went back to wearing shirts last Autumn after a long hiatus. And now, I dare say that I couldn’t wait for Madrid’s cold Winter to end so I could wear these again at the office.

Shirts are just the easiest way of creating a put-together look. I usually pair mine with a pair of Levi’s jeans and sneakers. Oh, and buttoned all the way up. I usually leave some unbuttoned for a more laid-back French-inspired look.

All of my shirts (I only own three) are from Sézane. I love the cut, the quality of the fabric, and how these fit. 

I usually prefer plain shirts, but I also have one with vertical stripes that I love wearing by itself or open with a simple white T-shirt or tank top underneath.

How do I style these? Always with a pair of jeans and sneakers. Occasionally with a light scarf around my neck.

Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane. But before that, I used to get my shirts at Benetton. These also have excellent quality and timeless designs.

Denim Shirt

Photo credit: Sézane

The denim shirt may be a recent add-on to my closet, but I used to wear this item non-stop a few years ago.

It used to be my way of looking slightly put together while still being casual (how naive was I in my 20s, I know).

My previous denim shirt was from some fast-fashion brand, and I’ve worn it for many years until it started shredding into pieces - because of how old (and loved) it was.

So, this year, after coming across this beautiful denim shirt on Sézane’s website, I decided to give it another go and add it to my current closet.  

Unlike my previous denim shirt, the material on my new one is sturdier and slightly warmer, which makes it perfect to wear on top of t-shirts and tops, even on chilly Summer days - just as if it was a jacket.

How do I style it? By itself without anything underneath or completely unbuttoned with my Breton tank top from Sézane.

Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane. Although, Levi’s also has great models (quality-built) at a similar (or even cheaper) price point.

Light Jumpers

Photo credit: Sézane

Even though days are slightly warmer, I feel cold every time. So, it was crucial for me to invest in some light knitwear. The kind of jumpers that I would never wear during the Winter. Otherwise, I would end up with a nasty cold.

So, I’ve got a couple of light jumpers from Sézane. Made of a more lightweight wool and with a cleavage - something I would not wear during the Winter.

How do I style these? With a white cotton t-shirt underneath (cleavaged), a pair of dark wash Levi’s jeans, and sneakers. Occasionally, I also wear my light silk scarf from Maria Kent. To look more put together and protect my throat from the cold.

Where do I usually get mine? At Sézane. However, Benetton used to be my go-to for light jumpers and cardigans.

Breton Shirts

Photo credit: Sézane

Ok, I am a big fan of Breton stripes. I love how it elevates a look, even if it's a jeans and t-shirt combo.

Despite this pattern being available in several color schemes, the navy blue and white one is my absolute favorite. 

Last year I purchased a light cotton long-sleeved Breton shirt from COS and a more lightweight Breton jumper from Comptoir des Cotonniers.

So, this Spring, I’ve invested in another light Breton jumper (with a slightly different stripe scheme) and a Breton tank top - both from Sézane. I plan to wear these throughout the Spring, Summer, and early Autumn days.

How do I style these? With a pair of Levi’s jeans and sneakers. In case it’s slightly cold when I leave my flat or if I know the temperature will go up in the next few hours, I put on my light scarf.

Where do I usually get mine? Sézane and Comptoir des Cotonniers for lighter jumpers. COS and The Playa & Co. for light cotton long-sleeves.

Jeans

During Spring and Summer, I opt for lighter denim jeans. Besides being less heavy and more flexible, these are also more comfortable. Especially when I have to wear these for hours or it’s hot outside.

I prefer a medium wash. I’ve never been particularly fond of dark-wash jeans; the lighter ones make my thighs look more prominent.

How do I style these? With pretty much everything I have in my closet, except dresses and skirts - of course.

Where do I usually get mine? Levi’s and Benetton.

Plain & Graphic T-shirts

Photo credit: Sézane

No surprise here! I wear T-shirts 365 days a year. By itself during the Summer and underneath jumpers, t-shirts, sweaters, and pajamas the rest of the days. Especially when I don’t want certain fabrics in direct contact with my skin (I have sensitive skin).

When it comes to T-shirts, I always go for 100% cotton. I am not particularly picky with the brand; I want something with quality material and a great fit.

Even though plain white cotton T-shirts are the ones that I wear the most, I also have a couple of graphic tees.

How do I style these? During Springtime, I love pairing these with an unbuttoned shirt, an open cardigan, or a blazer.

Where do I usually get mine? Sézane, Levi’s, COS, and MO.

Blazer

For me, a blazer is an absolute staple in every closet. It immediately elevates any look while keeping a casual (yet put-together) vibe. So versatile!

Perfect for office days. Although, I wear mine daily - even if I run errands around town. 

I love that it gives me enough warmth without being too heavy or thick. Perfect for when I am out and about. I know I won’t feel uncomfortable if I have to take it off and carry it in my arm.

How do I style it? Over shirts, t-shirts, tank tops, and light jumpers. Always with a pair of jeans and sneakers.

Where do I usually get mine? Mine is from Mango’s conscious line (purchased a few seasons ago). However, & Other Stories and COS also have exciting options.

As it’s a piece of clothing that doesn’t need to be washed often, you don’t need to splurge here. Just make sure you pick one with good material and an excellent cut, which makes you feel great while wearing it.

Trench Coat

Photo credit: Sézane

I’ve been fascinated with trench coats since I was a little girl. I think that explains why it remains my favorite clothing piece to this day.

I love how beautiful and elegant it is. Perfect for Spring days when we no longer need something as warm as a wool coat, but you still need something slightly warmer than a blazer or a denim jacket.

My first one was from H&M, and I’ve worn it for over 5 years until its fabric started disintegrating.

I’ve always dreamt of owning a Burberry trench coat. And I made that dream come true on my 35th birthday when I treated myself to a discounted one at my local Burberry outlet store—a splurge, I know. But I prefer to see it as an investment, as I hope this one will last me for a lifetime.

How do I style mine? Over shirts, jumpers, and cardigans with jeans and sneakers. Or on top of Spring dresses.

Where can you get one? You don’t need to break the bank to get a timeless quality-built trench coat. COS and & Other Stories have great ones. You might also want to look at Sézane and Mango’s conscious line.

Long-sleeve Dresses

Photo credit: Comptoir des Cotonniers

After wearing layers and layers of clothing for so many months… it’s time to wear something lighter. And long-sleeve dresses are the perfect outfit for the occasion.

Even though stores like & Other Stories and Sézane are packed with beautiful Spring dresses, I am currently dusting off this beautiful long-sleeve dress from Comptoir des Cotonniers Autumn season. 

The fabric is so thin that I wore it once in autumn. So, now I am making the most out of my investment.

Occasionally, I also dust off some of my old sleeveless Summer dresses. I am pairing these with a cardigan or blazer and tights.

How do I style these? Under a trench coat or blazer and with a pair of tights.

Where do I usually get mine? & Other Stories and Comptoir des Cotonniers. However, I might eventually fall for one or two from Sézane (I can see that happening any time soon).

Sneakers

Photo credit: VEJA

I can’t remember the last time I’ve worn a pair of shoes. I’ve always been a sneaker fan, and I am so glad these are trendy right now - and acceptable on so many occasions.

This Spring, I am wearing my pair of matcha VEJA shoes and an old pair of Nike running shoes on rotation.

How do I style these? With jeans and dresses.

Where do I usually get mine? Consuela Store, VEJA, and Nike.

Small Leather Handbag

Photo Credit: The Sustainablist

Slightly over a year ago, I bought an A.P.C. Small Grace handbag that I’ve been wearing almost every day since I got it.

I love how elegant it is, yet how great it goes with a casual look. I also love the fact that it is structured and fully closed.

Besides being made of smooth leather, mine has acceptable wear and tear. Given the material and the use, I’ve been giving it (I need to write a review about it).

Despite its compact size, the A.P.C. Small Grace bag fits an incredible array of things. And it has different compartments to keep some items separate.

If you’re thinking about getting a small leather handbag, go for one with a timeless design that suits your needs simultaneously. So you can wear it over and over for many years.

Given the investment, I’ve given it a lot of thought and research (for about a year) before getting mine, and I couldn’t be happier.

How do I style it? With everything but sportswear.

Where did I get mine? At Farfetch. But I’ve noticed that Sézane and Comptoir des Cotonniers have similar models this season for almost half the price. Remember, quality over quantity. Invest in something you absolutely love and can see yourself wearing for years to come.

Small Crossbody Basket

Photo Credit: Loewe

Regarding handbags, I’ve always been a crossbody bag kind of girl, mainly because I’ve never really enjoyed the feeling of something hanging on my shoulder and having to protect it with my hand (or arm) at the same time.

This year I decided to join the basket trend and splurge on a crossbody one from Loewe - as a self-gift for getting a new job. And I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

I love its design and, in my case, it’s a very local product - given it’s handmade by artisans in the city where I live. It has been sitting in my closet for a few months now, waiting for the first sunny rays of Spring. 

Despite being small and crossbody, this body is perfectly structured on the bottom to hold whatever I carry. Plus, it's very light - no matter how many things I put inside. And the strap is surprisingly comfortable, considering how thin it is

I wouldn’t have had the same experience if I had gone with a similar item from a fast-fashion brand. I have been wearing it daily for a couple of weeks now, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience.

Especially when I run errands and don’t want to carry extra bags or when I need to take my sunglasses case.

How do I style it? With everything but sportswear.

Where did I get mine? Loewe. But you have similar models at Sézane.

What about you? What are your essentials for Spring 2023?

If I lost all of my makeup and skincare products… what would I buy first?

If I lost all of my makeup and skincare products… what would I buy first?

My 10-minute Makeup Essentials

My 10-minute Makeup Essentials