15 Investment Pieces Your Spring Closet Needs

Escaping the office-only pigeonhole, blazers are both one of the hottest items to invest in right now and a capsule-closet essential. Turn to Japanese label Auralee for an ultra-chic style that’s both relaxed and refined. Cut from a wool, cotton and linen blend, the brand’s oversized design will make all your favorite spring looks feel fresh. Meanwhile, Saint Laurent’s boxy wool and silk style is primed to become a staple in your office rotation.

Flip flops can sometimes feel a little too casual in formal city settings, but not with the right styling – pair The Row’s cult ‘Ginza’ pair with a crisp shirt dress or tailored shorts and they’ll instantly feel elevated enough for a business meeting or lunch. The same goes for A.Emery’s ‘Kinto’ sandals in off-white leather, which will look so chic with a tonal skirt and lightweight cardigan.

Tank tops are a utilitarian staple and serve as the perfect foundation piece to countless looks beyond sports and athleisure. Case in point: Flore Flore’s butter-yellow ‘Esmé’ tank is made from organic cotton-jersey and looks great paired with cargo pants and denim shorts alike. Meanwhile, Alaïa’s open-knit version is an elevated choice for evening. Wear it with the matching skirt and thong sandals for rooftop drinks.

White dresses are often overlooked in favor of their trusty black counterparts, but they’re just as versatile – not to mention indisputably chic. Turn to Toteme for an effortless style you can wear from daytime events to dinner with a few styling swaps. Exclusive to NET-A-PORTER, this ‘Garderob’ maxi is made from crepe and has a beautiful, gathered bodice that’s super flattering. Elsewhere, Veronica de Piante’s ‘Mila’ style in fluid silk also promises longevity in your closet – wear it with strappy sandals or loafers for a minimal ’90s feel.

Consider classic straight-leg jeans the new denim default for your capsule wardrobe. For the ultimate investment, look to all-American brands with cult followings, such as Agolde, which produces as much of its denim as possible in its hometown of Los Angeles. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, the brand’s bestselling ’90s-inspired high-rise jeans are faded and whiskered to resemble an authentic vintage pair. Meanwhile, Citizens of Humanity’s ‘Delfina’ jeans (another NET SUSTAIN highlight) are a no-brainer thanks to their timeless and flattering shape. Wear them with a white or light-blue button-down and ankle boots – or a camisole and kitten-heel mules for after-dark appeal.

Find the perfect pair of wide-leg pants and you’ll treasure them for years to come. Not only does the flattering fit and inherent polish make for the ultimate confidence booster, but they’re among the few pieces that can transition seamlessly between settings (simply swap your daytime loafers or sneakers for a pair of heels). Our fashion team loves Loulou de Saison’s ‘Sbiru’ style in pleated wool –wear them with a crisp shirt and an oversized leather jacket for a fail-safe smart-casual look. Likewise, The Row’s silk-twill ‘Dender’ pants are designed to take you from the office to after-hours – simply swap shirting for a lace camisole.