How I'm Refining My Wardrobe for Spring

Spring is the season of transitions. It’s the time when things are in the middle. Not completely warm, but the world is deforsting slowly and gradually.

One of the best parts of spring, to me, is that glorious time of in-between. But somehow, when it comes to fashion and our wardrobes, everything seems to be dragged to extremes.

It’s always either: Clean out your entire closet for spring cleaning! Or: RUN! — DON’T WALK! — to buy all the newest spring trends.

Either of these options can be harmful for your overal personal style health. Even though a spring closet cleanout comes from a place, if not done intentionally, it can cause you to overlook things that may deserve a second chance. Maybe a piece you feel differently about now. Or something that needs a trip to the tailor!

So, what do I reccomend? Experiment and refine! And yes, I’ve found that those things can and should work closely together.

Think of this less as a spring cleanout, but a spring edit. Which includes:

• Removing layers

• Putting away winter clothes

• Re-introducing your spring and summer pieces

• Having a try-on party with yourself (or friends!)

• Bringing out (and organizing) colorful accessories

• Taking forgotten pieces to the tailor or cobbler for a refresh

And of course, this can naturally lead to some thrifting, spring wishlist building and so on. But make sure you first take the time to try on (and remember!) what you have and reflect on how your personal style has changed over the fall and winter.

Because somewhere between repetition and experimentation, you’ll find refinement.

Note: This letter was not sponsored by Rent The Runway but I am doing a collaboration with them currently where you can get 50% off your next subscription with the code: RTRXCAPAS. I may earn a small commission from some of the links below.

Can you keep a secret? Purple has been my favorite color for as long as I can remember. And for some reason it’s always had a bad rep for being cringy or associated with the weird girls!?!

I mean, if the shoe (color) fits…

Despite my love for the color, I’ve never really taken the time to figure out how to wear it for myself.

But recently, I got a color analysis and it opened up my eyes a little bit; The options for wearing purple are ENDLESS! It can veer towards brown, pink, even blue (like where does periwinkle fall anyway?!).

Specifically, I’ve been exploring purple garments that are sheer or silky in some way. Lavender and lilac are an easy win for the spring, but the darker shades need a bit of a lighter texture to warm it up.

This Tibi skirt via Rent The Runway was ridiculously easy to style, even though I can’t remember the last time I wore this shade. I decided to go with a classic vintage blazer so I stayed a bit in my comfort zone.

The overall outfit has me thinking that this particular shade (a delicious deep plum) looks more like a neutral here than a pop of color!

At first I wasn’t sure on the shoes, BUT I soon realized that purple and silver are a match made in heaven, and that’s just one more reason to wear the color more. I love this silver pair from Sam Edelman that may not be sold anymore, but there’s some pairs floating around Poshmark still.

This may not seem spring-specific, but it is to me! I find myself gravitating towards statement necklaces way more when the weather gets warmer and I can shed my layers. Sometimes, it’s nice to have it just do all the talking.

Obviouslyyyy, the best place to find these is secondhand. But while I feel pretty confident in my thrifting abilities, when it comes to jewelry, I usually refer to the pros. I.e., there’s so many options on Etsy and Ebay but also your local vintage store.

I always think I’m satisfied with my spring jacket collection until I’m not.

Most of the ones I’ve been collecting over the years are heavy on the opulence: embroidery, interesting tailoring, fun buttons, satin textures. But I recently noticed myself drawn to a more casual archetype: the humble workwear jacket.

What first drew me in was the ease of it. I like simple garments that you can throw on and wear in different ways without adjustment or fussing. But I also like a fun contrast between something casual and something embelished.

That’s why when I started noticing workwear and utility jackets styled wtih midi silk skirts and little kitten heels…I knew the potential was there. This navy blue Claude Pierlo Jacket that I got from Rent The Runway is what helped me bring this sartorial curiosity into a full-on fixation. The color made it so easy to style and the cropped waist band just hit my waist perfectly.

I’ve always been of a fan of the androgony that a button down collared shirt can bring to an outfit, so this almost felt like a jacket version…but with a zipper. I dunno, something about it scratched the same itch!

And I’ve now worn it in various ways with skirts and baggy pants and it feels like a magical silhoutte that just immediately clicks into every ouffit.

Use my code RTRXACAPAS for 50% off RTR

Thank you for reading The Changing Room! Whether you’ve read a sentence or multiple posts, it means the world to me. I’m currently sending out a letter every Sunday — so be sure to subscribe if you haven’t, or tell your friends! Feel free to follow me on Instagram + TikTok for more content about style, fashion + more. You can also shop my closet here. Want to say hi or interesting in collabing? Reach out at arbela.hello@gmail.com.