I'm a Modest Dresser—6 Crucial Wardrobe Essentials I Rely on Come Spring

As a modest dresser, I live for the colder weather, as it calls for a whole lot of layering. I can comfortably wear a sweater, blazer, jacket, and boots in bliss without looking like Joey Tribbiani from that one Friends episode (you know the one). When spring starts to approach, layering is still possible, but the weather for the most part brings warmer temperatures, so there are a few essentials I rely on to keep me both covered and comfortable. 

While I won't be layering heavy knits, most of my essentials consist of lightweight materials that can easily be worn together or separately. If you're also a modest dresser or are just looking for some ways to incorporate modest style into your spring wardrobe this year, then keep scrolling for my six go-to pieces. I've even included some outfit inspiration to show how I've styled them in seasons past so you can start planning your outfits right now.

1. Blazers

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

I'm going to miss my coats, but a lightweight blazer is the perfect additional layer to go over T-shirts. Instead of heavier wool, I tend to lean towards lighter options in the spring since the weather is still cool enough for a little layering.

2. Lightweight Coat

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

A trench coat is always deemed the perfect spring coat, and I didn't get the hype until I got my own. It feels so light but perfect on those days when there's a little breeze. Plus, it goes with almost anything, trust me on that one.

3. Airy Blouses

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

Airy blouses are always my savior in the warmer months, as they pair easily with jeans or wide-leg pants when I'm not in the mood to do too much thinking for my outfit. I tend to prefer ones with interesting sleeves and detailing, but there are basic options on the market too.

4. Cardigans

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

Autumn and spring are my favorite months simply because I can throw on a cardigan and walk out the door. There are a variety of more lightweight ones now, which I love as much as chunkier knits.

5. Button-Ups

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

I steal button-downs from my dad's closet like it's my job. Can you blame me? They're so versatile. You can wear them as a breathable top over jeans or you can copy my personal favorite styling trick, which is to tie them over dresses for the perfect breezy layer.

6. Dresses

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(Image credit: Yusra Siddiqui)

Dresses seem like an obvious option, but I still had to add it in here. If you're looking for comfortable dresses, try to look for fabrics like cotton or poplin instead of chiffon or viscose, which many tend to come in.

Next: our guide to the key trends for spring summer 2021. 

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.