Your Guide to Spring 2021's Wardrobe Essentials
These are your better basics.

Spring cleaning is not just a pursuit in decluttering but also a time to shed the items that no longer serve you well, including clothing. The first thing Lili Pettit, professional organizer and founder of Clutter Healing, has her clients do during a spring-cleaning session is set an intention. “Spring is the time to plant the seeds you want to sow at the end of the season,” she says. “Why do you have 17 black sweaters? Do you really love them all?” You don’t have to call yourself a minimalist to see why the answer is, repeatedly, no. This month, invest in five key pieces you’ll keep coming back to—from classic-with-a-twist pearl drop earrings to an upgraded cable knit sweater. “Have things in your closet that feel like a warm hug,” Pettit advises. “Pieces that constantly remind you to come back home.”
Cable Knits
Sure, they're right at home in the winter. But in softer color ways and lighter fabrics, a cable knit sweater is a great all-season contender.
Isabel Marant Étoile Embroidered Cable-Knit Sweater
Jonathan Simkhai Gia Cable-Knit Turtleneck Sweater
Nanushka Eria Cable Knit Sweater
Rosie Assoulin Convertible Cableknit Sweater
Shop more cable knit sweaters here (opens in new tab).
Luxe Leggings
Comfort is key, but a high-quality, contouring material can take a mere black legging and make it a powerhouse purchase.
Off-White Logo Stretch Jersey Legging
ALAÏA Stretch Wool Blend Leggings
TOTÊME Stretch Jersey Leggings
Shop more leggings here (opens in new tab).
Pearl Drop Earrings
Whether they're in classic strand form or acting as a modern accouterment, pearls are luminous and versatile. Pearl drop earrings are our favorite way to wear this timeless jewel.
Lily & Roo Small Gold Huggie Pearl Drop Earrings
Mejuri Organic Pearl Hoops
Shop more pearl drop earrings here (opens in new tab).
Shoulder Bag
The sleek, ever functional leather shoulder bag has proven to be unfussy—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish.
Savette Tondo 22 Leather Shoulder Bag
Cuyana Hexagon Crossbody
Alexander McQueen The Curve Bag
Behno Amanda Bag
Shop more shoulder bags here (opens in new tab).
Fancy Clogs
Fashion's new guard of clogs with a little something special have clomped their way into our hearts. No matter how you wear them, the look will always feel effortless.
Bottega Veneta Rubber Clog Mules
Fabrizio Viti Floral-Appliqué Shearling Clogs
Roger Vivier Slidy Viv Crystal Buckle Clogs
Shop more fancy clogs here (opens in new tab).
A version of this story appears in the April 2021 issue of Marie Claire.
Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.
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