5 Pieces I’m Wearing on Repeat This Spring

Why they work for me—and how to spot versions that could work for you

Each season, I find myself reaching for a handful of pieces on repeat—not because they’re the newest, the boldest, or even what most would call “basics,” but because they dial up my style and meet the demands of daily life.

These items suit my frame, my coloring, and my style identity. The reasons they work aren’t unique to me, though. In this article, I’ll share why each piece has earned a spot in my spring rotation and offer ideas for what to look for if you’re drawn to a similar effect but need a different shape, detail, or color to make it your own.

1. Polished utility jacket

This jacket has been a quiet hero in my spring wardrobe. Its cropped cut and structured shoulders align perfectly with my lines, and the mélange of blue hues flatters my coloring. Functionally, it behaves almost like a denim jacket—versatile, neutral-adjacent, and easy to layer—while offering a touch more polish. Plus, it provides just the right amount of warmth for spring’s unpredictable temperature swings here in Marin County.

Over the past month, I’ve worn it over a crewneck tee with a denim miniskirt and white sneakers for a look that feels both sharp and playful. I’ve thrown it over a striped midi dress to stave off the cold, and layered it with tailored shorts and a cotton poplin blouse for a coffee meeting.

If you’re looking for a topper with similar utility, consider a blazer, bomber, or structured cardigan that aligns with your coloring and body architecture. The key is finding something that offers light warmth, layers easily, and feels polished without being precious.

Here are three alternative polished jackets, each bringing its own kind of structure: directional and cool, soft and refined, or sharp and commanding.

2. Pulled-together tee

I purchased this sea foam green sweatshirt a year ago, and it’s been in regular warm-weather rotation ever since. With its sculptural sleeves, boxy cut, and substantial fabric that holds its shape, it strikes an ideal balance between relaxed and refined.

I’ve worn it French-tucked into high-rise white jeans with silver sandals and layered on different necklaces depending on the day. I’ve also paired it with navy shorts and sneakers for an easy yet pulled-together casual look.

If you’re looking for alternative takes on a pulled-together tee, here are three to consider: a ribbed v-neck henley, a punchy stripe with playful structure, and a sleek black staple with quiet edge.

3. Statement flat sandals

These sandals are one of my newest acquisitions, and they’ve already earned a spot among my most-worn pieces this spring. They add just enough shine to punctuate a look without overwhelming it, and the cool metallic tone works beautifully with the rest of my wardrobe. The flat silhouette makes them easy to wear for long stretches, which is essential on busy weekdays or event-heavy weekends.

If you’re looking for a flat sandal with similar impact, look for details that give the style personality. A clean silhouette with interesting hardware, a metallic or high-contrast material, or a subtle sculptural element can go a long way.

Here are three alternative flat sandals: soft and minimal, refined and structured, or playful and polished—each highly wearable for different style identities and palettes.

4. Dramatic necklace

This necklace’s sculptural shape and generous length add instant presence to whatever I’m wearing. It’s substantial without being flashy, and manages to look both modern and timeless.

This spring, I’ve used it to add a sense of drama to even the simplest looks, like a tank top and jeans, or my sea foam green short-sleeve sweatshirt with tailored shorts. It also layers well with other necklaces, like my cross pendant, without feeling cluttered or competing for attention.

Geometric silver links work well for me, but if you’re looking for a versatile necklace that suits you, start by thinking about your yin/yang balance and the kinds of details that harmonize with it. Are your best pieces clean-lined and angular—or soft, fluid, and organic? Do you need scale and structure, or subtlety and lightness?

Unsure what I mean by yin and yang in style? You can read more about it here.

Three distinct necklaces: rich and rhythmic, playful and a bit offbeat, or organic and sculptural—each easy to layer, each bringing its own balance of yin and yang.

5. Carryall with character

I purchased this denim tote a little over a year ago, and it’s been in steady rotation ever since—through every season. The soft silhouette, quilted texture, and washed chambray blue fabric give it a casual edge that offsets more polished outfits, while the silver studs add a sense of intention to more laid-back looks.

Because this shade of blue functions as one of my best neutrals, it works seamlessly with every color in my wardrobe. I’ve styled it with everything from sharp blazers to relaxed denim (yes, I’ve done denim on denim), and it holds its own every time. You can see a few examples of how I’ve worn it on Instagram here, here, and here.

If you’re looking for a bag with similar versatility, consider one in a material with subtle texture and a tone that functions as a neutral for you. For spring and summer, chambray, leather, or natural materials like wicker or raffia can all strike that same balance of ease and visual interest.

Here are three alternative bags with personality: one crisp and playful, one sporty, and one raffia with an architectural twist—each offering a different way to carry your style.

These five pieces are doing the quiet, consistent work of helping my outfits reflect my style. If you’ve found yourself reaching for the same pieces this spring, it might be worth asking why. Understanding what works—and why it works—is one of the most powerful ways to sharpen your style.