5 Effortless Early Spring Essentials

Over the years, I’ve built a wardrobe of go-to essentials—straight-leg jeans, a white tee, classic flats or boots, a gray cashmere sweater, a blazer, my Prada cat eye sunnies and my slouchy black Proenza tote. My style stays rooted in this core uniform, but each year, I refresh it with easy, mood-boosting pieces that reflect how I’m feeling. I take a high-low approach—it’s not about where you shop, but how your clothes make you feel. 

Here are five effortless pieces lifting my spirits into early spring and beyond:

The slouchy suede tote.

If you’re a millennial like me, you fell into one of three categories outside of the office in your twenties: music festival boho, nantucket nautical or hunt country prep. At least, if you lived in the DC area that was it, in my opinion.  For me, it was music festival boho, which was very Free People heavy. At the time I would have referred to myself as Boho chic (lol). Yay for me, this feels like the year that boho chic is making its comeback thanks to Chloe. Anywho, grab all of the suede accessories you can and wear them from now through the sunny summery months, starting with a slouchy suede tote! It’s funny because most people lean towards suede in the fall, but I see suede as a perfectly suitable year-round material when paired with (how surprising) jeans and a t-shirt. Don’t blame me, blame Coachella. 

Easy-going denim 

Lately, polished comfort defines my style, and jeans are my go-to. As a mom of two, balancing business and #tradwife life, their versatility is part of my DNA. Denim shapes keep evolving, and this season, I’m loving the floor-length barrel.

The floor-length barrel pairs effortlessly with low-profile sneakers or dainty flats for day and pointed-toe boots or strappy sandals for night. For me, jeans must work with most of my shoes, which comes down to length and shape. While I swear by an above ankle-grazing cut for versatility, a floor-length barrel goes further than you’d think. Just add a crisp white tee, a belt, and any of the shoes above—you’ll look updated, elegant, polished, and comfortable.

Pro tip: slip on a pair of your favorite flats and measure the inside of your pant leg from your crotch to floor to find your perfect inseam. Many brands list the inseam measurement online in the fit and sizing portion of the item description. I use flats for this because if you can wear your jeans with flats you can wear them with anything.

Bright and lightweight cashmere sweater

Now that we’ve covered jeans, let’s talk about pairing them with a lightweight cashmere sweater. I emphasize lightweight because it’s endlessly versatile and wearable year-round—worth the investment. Think about it: how many chunky sweaters layer smoothly under a blazer or drape effortlessly over your shoulders at dinner?

Whether you reach for a lightweight v-neck, cardigan, crewneck or polo, once it’s in your daily rotation, you’ll wonder how you lived without it. I keep my foundation simple—jeans with a tee or sweater—but for 2025, I’m opting for unexpected colors like emerald green, lilac, or ballet slipper pink. And of course, my go-to tomato red is still strong. Whether worn alone or draped over your shoulders (or as a neck sweater IYKYK), these shades add an instant dopamine hit. 

East West Sunnies 

I keep a handful of sunglasses by the door, ready to match my mood as I head out. They vary in price, shape, and size, and I add to the mix annually or biannually. This spring, I’m loving pillowy frames with an east west shape. My eye keeps landing on bold, colorful pairs to elevate my simple uniform, but you can always find a classic black or tortoise option with the same cool effect.

The major style factor that I am loving about these shades is that they are equal parts modern and retro. You’ll see a rectangular shape or oval shape circulating at the moment and my favorite frames are solid green, black, translucent plastic or tortoise. Bonus points for colored lenses!

High vamp shoes 

High-vamp shoes are stepping into the spotlight for spring 2025, bringing a fresh, modern edge to classic silhouettes. High vampy is a fancy way of saying no toe cleavage, which I think across the board feels very unsexy and matronly, but I have to say that I feel oh so cool when I wear them. With their extended upper that covers more of the foot, they create a sleek, sculptural look that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly chic.

Whether in the form of ballet flats, pumps, or heeled sling backs, this style offers a refined contrast to the ultra-bare sandals of past seasons. High vamps also elongate the leg in an unexpected way, making them a perfect pairing with everything, even a pair of floor length barrel jeans. Go for buttery neutrals for a minimalist vibe or a tried and true denim wash for a look that always delivers.

Find these spring essentials in the ALH Style Shop. If you want to learn more tune into my ALH Style Instagram for Lives, tips and links!

SEE ALSO: How to Shop Like a Pro: The Era Edition