Creating A Timeless New England Spring Wardrobe

Spring in New England is magical, but unpredictable. Early to mid spring you can have a heat wave one day and snow the next. By April there is plenty of rain and by June you have ninety degree days followed by thunderstorms and even tornado warnings. With all this weather you will need to have clothing that can transition from blustery winter days to hot summer ones. Layering is key. On a beautiful warm spring day you can have a chilly morning and evening with a hot afternoon so being able to add or remove layers will help.

For spring in New England I have quite a few classic staples from rain boots and overalls to linen dresses and denim jackets. Several of the items listed here made it on my top twelve spring essentials list back in 2020, which you can read here. These are the must have items in my spring capsule wardrobe.

Timeless linen dresses

Linen is lovely and durable. It breathes well on a hot day, but also keeps you warm on a cooler day as well. I love linen for spring and summer because it is so beautiful and classic.

Cozy cardigans for layering

As I mentioned above, layering is key. Having an assortment of classic cardigans are smart for work as well as an afternoon spent outdoors or running errands. A cardigan can be worn over a dress or blouse as a top layer or underneath a heavier jacket. I have several in blue, pink, and beige for various occasions and outfits.

Floral prints for dresses and blouses

Floral prints are simply spring. I love wearing florals year round, but they are very welcome this time of year in more fashionable circles.

A trench coat

A spring classic. Trench coats are perfect for layering on a day in the city or to the office. A beige or brown trench is a classic, but you can also wear a pop of color for spring like my pink trench coat that makes an appearance when I’m looking to add a pop of color.

A sunhat for spring days and gardening.

Protecting your skin on a sunny day is essential if you’ll be reading out in a park or attending to your garden.

A button down midi or maxi skirt

I love adding skirts to my wardrobe in spring. They’re dressy and classic for work, but also fun for a date night too.

A denim jacket

A New England staple, having a denim jacket is great for the country or for layering over your favorite spring dress. I suggest owning one dark wash and one light wash for various occasions, but a denim jacket pairs with everything. If you only have room for one new spring essential this year, I hope it is this one.

A classic white dress

Never out of style, a classic white dress is perfect for springtime.

A gingham dress

Along with florals, gingham prints (especially in pastels), are perfect for spring and make a great Easter look or for frolicking in a flower field.

Rainboots (tall and ankle boots)

Ankle rain boots are in this year and supposedly tall rainboots are out, but I will never remove these classic wellies from my closet. If you walk out doors a lot during the spring you will need these for a rainy day.

A trusty pair of denim jeans

A classic for sure. The cut and style does not matter as long as you feel confident in them and they fit you well.

A striped button down shirt

This fits the “coastal granddaughter aesthetic” perfectly, but this classic striped button down has been in style for decades and has not gone out of fashion yet. You can make it casual with jeans or dress it up with a skirt. Perfect for work or the weekend.

Lace up tennis shoes

A comfy casual pair of kicks will get you walking. Spend as much time outdoors appreciating all the flowers and changes in the weather.

A puff sleeve top

Trendy, but also a lovely look to bring back every spring.

A striped dress

Keeping with that coastal look, a striped dress is classic for a day by the shore. As the weather gets warmer New Englanders flock to the shoreline towns and beaches.

A basket bag

A classic spring bag to carry your daily essentials.

Denim overalls

For those outdoor days in the garden.

A polka dot dress

Another spring style I simply cannot resist. A classic polka dot top or dress is always in style.

Something red, white, or blue (or all three) for Memorial Day.

Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many New Englanders, but it is still spring. You don’t have to wear all three, but something in red, white or blue is always on point for any Memorial Day parade or picnic.