10 Pieces You Need in Your Spring Wardrobe, According to Fashion Experts

Each spring, like clockwork, I find myself fighting the urge to overhaul my wardrobe completely. That’s why this year, in an effort to be more intentional about the pieces I’m adding to my closet, I decided to tap fashion experts to find out which spring-ready trends are really worth the investment.

Luckily for me — and now, you — personal stylist Samantha Dawn and PEOPLE senior shopping writer Alyssa Grabinski were more than willing to share the capsule wardrobe must-haves your closet might be missing this season. From lightweight jackets to comfortable footwear, their top picks will make getting dressed this spring easier than ever. Below, shop styles at Amazon that correspond with their recommendations starting at $15.

Spring Fashion Must-Haves at Amazon

• Tankaneo Single-Breasted Trench Coat, $64
• Levi’s 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans, $21–$69 (orig. $70)
• Doeyg Mesh Ballet Flats, $40–$42 (orig. $50)
• Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker, $57–$90
• Xzqtive Belt with Gold Buckle, $15–$17 (orig. $21)
• Zesica Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress, $30 (orig. $40)
• Haeof Sleeveless Halter Maxi Dress, $39 with Prime (orig. $46)
• Franco Sarto Marlina Mule, $81 (orig. $115)
• Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace, $54
• The Drop Kristy Ponte Kick Crop, $42–$51 (orig. $60)

Tankaneo Single-Breasted Trench Coat

When curating spring capsule wardrobes for herself and her clients, Dawn always includes a transitional jacket, like a trench coat or a leather jacket. “I want my clients and I to have jackets that keep us warm while also embodying function and style,” she tells PEOPLE. 

Try the trend via this single-breasted trench coat from Amazon that one shopper called their “new [favorite] wardrobe staple” for tricky transitional weather.

Levi’s 726 High-Rise Flare Jeans

Dawn says a “great pair of denim” is a must-have for any spring wardrobe. Take after Reese Witherspoon, Meghan Markle, and more celebrities who can’t stop wearing flattering flare cuts this season with these leg-lengthening Levi’s while they’re on sale. Available in 22 washes, these jeans have racked up more than 1,600 five-star ratings from shoppers who praise their “soft yet durable” material and “super comfortable” fit.

The Drop Kristy Ponte Kick Crop

If jeans aren’t your style, Grabinksi recommends polished black pants for spring. “I've been looking for something that's in between casual and dressy,” she explains. “These pants from Amazon’s The Drop line have a front seam like the ones I’ve seen on Reese Witherspoon, so they're just ever-so-slightly fancier than leggings.”

Reebok Club C 85 Vintage Sneaker

While trends are ever-changing, Dawn says two pairs of shoes should always be in your spring footwear lineup: a low-profile sneaker and a mesh flat. These white sneakers from Reebok more than fit the bill, as their wear-with-anything silhouette and cushioned footbed make them a cute and comfortable option you’ll have no issue reaching for day after day.

Doeyg Mesh Ballet Flats

As for mesh ballet flats, this pair from Amazon is definitely worthy of a spot in your closet. Its breathable fishnet material will keep your feet from overheating during long commutes or sunny spring walks, and they’re “incredibly comfortable and fashionable,” according to one reviewer. Wear them with jeans for a casual day running errands, or dress them up with a midi dress for a night out.

Franco Sarto Marlina Mule

As someone who’s always on the go, Grabinski is a fan of any closet staple that can work for multiple occasions — including these Franco Sarto mules. “Casual heels take a look from day to night in seconds,” she says. “This is the breathable and spring-friendly pair Katie Holmes just wore, so I'll be getting these before any others.”

Xzqtive Belt with Gold Buckle

One accessory that Dawn is adding to all of her clients’ wardrobes this season is a versatile belt: “It’s the easiest way to create shape in your outfit.” While she recommends starting with neutral colors, like this black and gold style, she encourages shoppers to eventually move toward bolder colors or textures to add even more dimension to an outfit.

Zesica Strapless Tiered Maxi Dress

No spring wardrobe is complete without a go-to wedding guest dress, and Dawn is all about going back to basics. “I always [reach for] a simple black strapless dress with a small but interesting silhouette, so it’s not like every black dress you see,” she says, adding that switching up her accessories is an easy way to make the dress feel brand new for each event.

Try out the style for yourself with this tiered maxi dress that comes in nine solid colors, including black and pink. Reviewers note that it works well for everything from vacations to brunch, and many call the stretchy fabric “comfortable.” 

Haeof Sleeveless Halter Maxi Dress, $39 with Prime

When dressing for warm weather, Dawn looks for fabrics that keep you cool and comfortable. “We’re wearing breathable materials such as linen or cotton, so we’re not trapping any sweat in our clothes,” she says, citing midi dresses with higher necklines — like this popular option from Amazon — as a particularly smart spring-ready silhouette. It’s available in 12 colors, and one shopper called it “perfect for spring [or] summer.”

Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace

Another must-have accessory for spring, according to Dawn: “Jewelry,” she says, adding, “Earrings and/or necklaces can really elevate an outfit while bringing in more of your personality.” 

This simple pendant necklace from Kendra Scott, which has amassed 15,100+ five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, is great for those looking to add an understated pop of color to a spring ’fit. Wear it on its own or layer it with other necklaces to make a pretty stack.