Your Guide to Spring 2021's Wardrobe Essentials

These are your better basics.

Your Guide to Spring 2021's Wardrobe Essentials

(Image credit: KAT IRLIN)

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.

Shop more cable knit sweaters here.

Luxe Leggings

Comfort is key, but a high-quality, contouring material can take a mere black legging and make it a powerhouse purchase.

Shop more leggings here.

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.

Shop more pearl drop earrings here.

Shoulder Bag

The sleek, ever functional leather shoulder bag has proven to be unfussy—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish.

Shop more shoulder bags here.

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.

Shop more fancy clogs here.

A version of this story appears in the April 2021 issue of Marie Claire.

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Sara Holzman
Style Director

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. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.