Spring Wardrobe Bargains

With the weather starting to feel more and more like spring (despite a recent big snowstorm!!), my thoughts turn away from sweaters and boots and towards short sleeves and pastel colors. Although I haven't gone shopping in person yet, I've started browsing online to see what affordable new styles I might need to add to my spring wardrobe. (I sometimes add more expensive classic pieces, but at heart I'm a frugal Yankee who loves a bargain.) Here are some of the great, inexpensive looks I've come across for spring!

(Note: A lot of the new spring clothes that retailers are showing are in dark colors, but I'm only including lighter colors because that's what I personally need - and want - to add to my wardrobe for spring.)

Tops

When you need a top that's casual, but not quite as casual as a t-shirt, this short-sleeve printed v-neck top from Macy's ($15) in a springy shade of coral is just the right look. 

When a casual t-shirt is what you want, this ribbed square-neck t-shirt from Macy's ($15) in a soft sage green is a little more tailored and stylish than a standard tee.

Another casual look that's a step up from a t-shirt (and distinctly more feminine) is this cute chambray flutter-sleeve top from Macy's ($16). Dress it up with a short tailored skirt or dress it down with a pair of capris. 

Your wardrobe should include some sleeveless tops to go under a jacket or sweater for spring and be worn alone in summer, and this split crew short-sleeve tee from JC Penney ($32, on sale for $18, $15 with 4HOMEBUY code) is a great basic to have on hand. Available in five shades, and in petite sizes. 

Wrap shirts are a great figure-flattering style, and this v-neck short sleeve wrap shirt from JC Penney ($32, $26 with 4HOMEBUY code) has a flared silhouette that's especially forgiving. I love the almost elbow-length flared sleeves. Available in 6 shades: 2 solids, 2 florals, and 2 polka dot. 

Satin dresses up anything, including this waist-defining shirred front blouse from Old Navy ($35, on sale for $18). Dress it up with a pencil skirt or down with skinny jeans. 

If you prefer a sleeved top, try this 3/4 sleeve button down shirt from JC Penney ($37, on sale for $25, $20 with 4HOMEBUY code). Available in multicolor gingham (shown), blue plaid, or blue or pink-and-white florals. Also available in petite sizes. 

Great for casual layering over a tank, tee, cami, or sleeveless shell, this oversized striped shirt from Old Navy ($40, on sale for $20) is available in blue, green, or tan stripes. 

Skirts

If you like a slightly longer skirt, this midi pencil skirt from JC Penney ($32; $26 with 4HOMEBUY code) is for you. With an elastic and drawstring waist, and made from rayon and Spandex jersey fabric, it's cute and comfortable. Available in navy print, coral print, navy and white stripes, and basic black. Also available in petite sizes.

Businesslike but with some pizzazz, this asymmetrical houndstooth wrap miniskirt from Kohl's ($40, on sale for $24) is only available in petite. (Note: If you wear petite sizes, Kohl's carries a LOT of petites, so go browse!) Pair it with the matching cropped blazer below for a truly stylish look.

For a slightly longer (just above the knee) business look, check out this curved waistband pencil skirt from JC Penney ($44, on sale for $30, $24 with code 4HOMEBUY). Available in black, white, blue, or rose. Also available in plus sizes. 

 

Longer, fuller skirts are still in style, so choose from one of the many colors and prints of this Bohemian elastic waist skirt (with pockets!) from Amazon ($37). Or choose a similar three-tiered style ($35).

Pants

Capris are a great casual look for spring, and if you still have a little winter weight to shed (I certainly do), you'll love these secretly slender mid-rise capris from JC Penney ($22, currently $18 using 4HOMEBUY code). Available in more than a dozen shades, including neutrals like tan and black, prints, pastels (yellow, sage, light blue, and pink), and brighter shades (red and orange). Also available in petites and women's sizes, and in tall sizes in a few colors (turquoise, navy print, navy, and black). 

Cargo pants are a great choice for working around the house or garden. These comfort-waist utility capri pants from Kohl's ($36, on sale for $25) come in a variety of neutrals and nearly-neutrals (like olive and mauve).

Skinny fit jeans are a great look on many figures (they're like wearing a girdle without having to wear a girdle!). Try these high-rise cropped skinny jeans from JC Penney ($49, on sale for $30, currently $24 with 4HOMEBUY code), available in tan (shown), white, and peach. 

If you prefer less fitted and less casual, look at these wide-legged linen pants from Chadwick's ($33-$45), available in seven shades. 

These high-waisted linen blend wide-legged pants from Old Navy ($40, currently on sale for $14) are a great basic to carry you from late spring into summer. Top with a bright solid-color top and cardigan, and of course add in a great pair of shoes. Also available in blue stripe and other solid colors. 

Dresses

This basic sleeveless sheath dress from JC Penney (regularly $54, on sale for $32, and for a short time with the code 4HOMEBUY only $26) comes in nine colors, including lavender (shown), coral, pale yellow, and mint green, as well as a coral print and a lavender and blue floral on a white background. A great addition to your wardrobe that can be accessorized in many different ways with sweaters, jackets, and scarves.

I have never gotten as many complements on a dress as I have on this tummy-concealing wrap dress from Amazon ($30). It's comfortable and flattering, and comes in 26 colors. The polyester/rayon fabric is super packable, so it's a great travel dress. Toss on a sweater or shrug to carry you into the cooler evening. 

Swing dresses are another universally flattering style, such as this floral swing dress from Kohl's ($43, currently on sale for $34). Available in a dozen different prints. 

A slightly longer version of the above, this sleeveless smocked swing mini dress from Kohl's ($40, on sale for $33) can be worn alone or topped with a jacket or cardigan. Available in six prints and two solids. 

This sleeveless pintuck dress from Kohl's ($30, currently on sale for $18) is loose-fitted and comfortable, and would look great with sandals or white tennis shoes (and also with a great hat). Available in prints, solids, and stripes. 

Jackets and Sweaters

Perfect to throw over the sheath dress above, this white elbow sleeve shrug from JC Penney ($46, on sale for $27, $22 with code 4HOMEBUY) features openwork along the sleeves and hem for a touch of femininity and visual interest. 

To go over a print sheath dress or top, choose a solid color elbow-sleeve cardigan from Chadwick's ($25-$30) available in 7 different colors and in petite sizes. There's also a 3/4 sleeve version ($30-$35) available in 5 colors and in petites.

Pair this houndstooth cropped blazer from Kohl's ($68, on sale for $48) with the matching miniskirt above, or wear it over a brightly colored top and neutral pants or skirt for a businesslike but fashion-forward look.

This 3/4 sleeve single-button cropped blazer from Kohl's ($50, currently on sale for $35) is a great wardrobe basic, available in several bright colors and several neutrals. Wear with a skirt to work or with jeans for a night out with the girls (or the guys). 

If your wardrobe has lots of solid-color tops, add some fun florals with this open front jacket from Walmart ($39), available in several florals as well as several solid colors. 

Accessories

When the spring sun comes out, don't forget a great hat, like this straw sunsaver bow hat from TJ Maxx ($20). 

For a more functional, more practical hat, go for this wide-brimmed, packable straw hat from J. Crew ($25). 

This time of year, you're always putting on or taking off a layer - a sweater, a windbreaker, an overshirt - so you need a cute tote to toss it in to keep it neat. This fun multicolored beach tote from Target ($25, on sale for $20) is big enough to hold what you need it to without being unwieldy. Also available in pink-and-blue.

If all you need is a small cross-body bag big enough for your phone, keys, and credit cards, this multi-pocket shoulder bag from Walmart ($8) fits the bill nicely. Available in light blue, pink, or several neutrals. 

If, like me, you need something in between the previous two in terms of size, check out this flat leather crossbody bag from TJ Maxx ($25). Available in denim blue or poppy red, it has multiple zip pockets and a long, adjustable strap. 

To add a pop of spring color to almost any outfit, add this colorful stretch braided belt from Old Navy ($23). 

A floral print scarf adds both color and warmth to a solid outfit, and can help transition a summer or winter look to spring. Amazon has a collection of oversized scarves inspired by artists including Van Gogh and Monet ($18-$22).  

 

When the weather starts to warm up, I take my shoes off frequently, so spring means slip-on shoes! These basic canvas slip-on sneakers from Old Navy ($24) are easy-on, easy-off. Or for a pop of color, get these red casual slip-ons from Amazon ($20). 

The first really warm day of spring means sandal weather, so polish your toes and pop on these cute and casual multi band flat sandals from JC Penney ($24, $19 with code 4HOMEBUY).

It's amazing how just adding one or two new pieces to your collection can feel like your whole wardrobe is fresh and new. Find a piece or two that really speaks to you and see how updated your outfits feel!