I Shop for Spring Basics Early—7 Key Items I'll Be Wearing in NYC in a Few Months

There's nothing quite like an 11-degree day here on the East Coast to make you fixate on spring fashion. I can tell you that the official first day of spring is March 20, something that the entire population of New York is apparently googling this very chilly week. I only had to go as far as typing in "how many days until" for auto-complete to suggest "the first day of spring" closely followed by "the first day of summer," which is energy I appreciate. So here I am—working from bed in a giant sweater with the heat cranked up and my dog doing her best impression of a hot water bottle—imagining all the things I'll get to wear in just a matter of weeks.

The desire to establish my 2025 spring basics has taken hold. I'm thinking about everything from the classic pieces I need to re-up on (a light jacket, perfect jeans, and a fitted white tee to layer—perhaps with long sleeves) to the trend-driven accessories (slim sneakers and bowling bags) that are set to be my "wear on repeat" items all year long. This pic of Luna Isabella—my favorite Dutch gal living in Barcelona and a great fashion follow if you're into happy style that's grounded in reality but is a little bit fun—is guiding the way. Here are the seven easy essentials inspiring my spring shopping list.

Cropped Trench

I love a trench and already own two great long versions that I wear regularly: an oversize, beltless style from the Uniqlo men's department and a super-polished option from Australian brand Camilla and Marc. What my spring wardrobe is telling me it needs is a shorter style that's a little less dramatic. This Sézane style feels just right, but there are loads of good options floating about.

Slim Sneakers

The sneakers du jour are low, slim, and vintage inspired. I own and love these Adidas OG SL 72s in burgundy with butter-yellow detailing, which somehow go with absolutely everything.

Easy Mid-Wash Jeans

I want my spring denim to be… not anything, really. Not baggy, not exactly straight, and definitely not skinny. Not faded or dark. Not particularly distressed or polished. I want jeans that are cool in the sense that they're not leaning into any major trend—just delightfully easy, versatile, and nondescript.

Bowling Bag

I love when trends and classic fashion overlap. As buzzy as bowling bags are right now, this vintage-inspired accessory is never out of style. If you don't already own one, it's truly the perfect bag to buy now and wear forever. The fact that it fits a little fold-up umbrella truly makes it the perfect bag for spring.

Striped Button-Down Shirt

Spring means layering, and for me, that means reaching for a button-down shirt more days than not. Last year, an oversize white Nanushka shirt that I snapped up from the men's section during its sample sale became my go-to, but a workwear-inspired striped blue style is on the cards for me in 2025.

Baseball Cap

I don't think I've ever worn caps as much as I have this winter. I love them for taking a little of the edge off my polished outfits—the instant off-duty style cue. My preference is always a more '90s-inspired, worn-in cap, something that's got the faded look of being discovered in your parents' garage on a trip home.

White T-Shirt

A fresh white tee just feels so good. Since layering is the name of the game for spring, I'm veering away from the ultra-relaxed styles I'm already stocked up on and looking for some slightly more fitted, ribbed, and tuckable styles with both long and short sleeves.