This weekend is the first official weekend of spring and at some point you’re going to feel the compulsive need to clean. In between scrubbing down surfaces and doing the laundry, take a long, hard look at your closet. Is it filled with junk that doesn’t spark joy? Think about paring down, and focusing only on the essentials: the clothes and accessories that will simplify your routine. Things above the fray of seasonal trends. The Cut searched far and wide to find spring basics that stood out for their overall quality and value; pieces that will stand the test of time and become reliable wardrobe staples for years to come. Starting at as little as $10, our picks include the perfect white tee, a sexy yet comfortable bra, chic silk blouses, and an elegant tote that you can carry to the office. Scroll through to see them all.
Lightweight Sweaters
When your outfit calls for something more than a cotton T-shirt but a button-down feels too stiff, these lightweight tees are exactly what you need. Tucked into a skirt, culottes, or pants, they’re professional and pulled together.
Uniqlo & Lemaire cashmere blended half-sleeve sweater, $39.90 at Uniqlo; J.Crew Collection featherweight cashmere pocket T-shirt, $178 at J.Crew.
Lazy-Morning-Friendly Dresses
As the weather warms up, you can get ready faster in the morning. Simply throw on a simple dress and add a blazer for the office.
Mango fitted dress, $99.99 at Mango; Theory soft crepe wrap dress, $375 at Spring.
A Good Jacket
Spend a bit more on a solid transitional jacket. This Zara leather style is thin enough to provide warmth but not so thick that it adds unnecessary bulk. Rather get something that works over work clothes? A classic trench always looks good.
Zara leather jacket, $199 at Zara; Gap classic trench, $138 at Gap.
An Inexpensive Tee
At just under $10, you could grab one in navy, black, white, and gray and be set for summer.
Mango flecked cotton blend tee, $9.99 at Mango.
Pretty Blouses
Can you ever have too many good shirts? No. Here are three ideas to update your current rotation: a navy one with exaggerated cuffs, a cream-colored one with gold buttons, and a striped, oversize number.
& Other Stories navy wide cuff shirt, $95 at & Other Stories; Babaton Gilderoy blouse, $145 at Aritzia; COS long oversize striped top, $99 at COS.
A Sexy Everyday Bra
For the woman who doesn’t want a ton of padding or fuss with her bra, this smooth one is great under tees and sweaters but also looks sexy peeking out of a button-down.
Calvin Klein Underwear Icon Bare stretch-satin underwire bra, $40 at Net-a-Porter.
Life-Proof Pants
Tailored to hit just above the ankle, these pants are made with a temperature regulating, wrinkle-resistant fabric. It’ll last through the longest, sweatiest spring day.
Everlane Go Weave crop trouser, $115 at Everlane.
Comfy, Elegant Flats
There’s no point in limping around at the office when you can get sophisticated flats that look just as good as any heels.
Massimo Dutti Babouche flats, $120 at Massimo Dutti; MICHAEL Michael Kors Claudia embossed slingback flat, $120 at Neiman Marcus.
Chic Heels
That said, if you do need to replace your stilettos, here are two options you can get a ton of wear out of. Nasty Gal’s minimal red sandals look equally good with jeans as they do with cocktail dresses while Diane von Furstenberg’s black pumps can go from the weekday to the weekend.
Nasty Gal Guest List party heel, $68 at Nasty Gal; Diane von Furstenberg Myriam suede pumps, $348 at Shopbop.
Personal Jewelry
When you need your accessories to whisper and not scream for attention, a simple gold necklace combined with classic pearl studs is the way to go.
Matte bar necklace, $35 at Modern Citizen; Brooks Brothers pearl studded earrings, $88 at Brooks Brothers.
Cool Jeans
With their cropped leg and high waist, they’re a fresh update on your go-to weekend staple.
Madewell Cali demi boot jeans, $128 at Madewell.
Clean, White Sneakers
Still not over them? These mesh ones feel appropriately lightweight enough to wear through the summer.
Nike Juvenate mesh sneakers, $85 at Net-a-Porter.
Sophisticated Skirts
Whether you prefer a slimmer silhouette or a wrap style, a non-black neutral skirt will come in handy in warm weather.
M.M. Lafleur Greenpoint skirt, $140 at M.M. Lafleur; Topshop premium wrap skirt, $95 at Topshop.
Classic Sunglasses
Add lipstick and you’re ready to face the day.
Warby Parker Laurel sunglasses, $95 at Warby Parker.
A Chic Bag
Looking to splurge on a unique tote? This Trademark style is a fun tweak on a classic shape and can lug all your stuff. If you’d rather spend a lot less, this Zara option has a beautiful gold detail that looks far more expensive than it costs.
Trademark Marcel Shopper, $698 at Trademark; Zara tote with metallic handles, $49.90 at Zara.
