Smart Casual Staples for Spring

With the frigid and windy AM we had in Boston today, it’s hard to believe this is the first day of Spring! I wanted to round up some pieces -some old, some recent – that I’m looking forward to wearing once it’s no longer puffer weather. None of these are particularly exciting, but I feel my best in classic, smart casual outfits and these are some of the best staples to mix & match for such looks!

Tops & Jackets

Striped tee: I got this AYR French Fry Tee last year in xs and it’s a nice and relaxed fit with sleeves that aren’t too long for petites. Have also been eying their Port Tee!

Cozy pullover: Still love my Everlane alpaca sweater in the perfect almond neutral, and my second most worn similar pullover is the Quince fisherman cashmere (also in a 100% cotton version). I usually wear either of these with a thin scoop neck undershirt, which also helps to minimize the need to wash often.

Blazer: The Uniqlo boyfriend blazer is excellent for work and relaxed weekend looks, especially for the price. Banana Republic has a slightly more fitted option, with great reviews and a good value as well. I find these light taupe colors to be most versatile, followed by navy, ivory or camel.

Quality Tee Shirts: My 2 favorite tees are Everlane for regular cotton, and COS for a thicker, more premium quality cotton with structure. I size up in both to XS. I now have 3 of the COS tees but will say some colors are more structured and some are softer – the “Light Beige” (off white) pictured on my clothing rack is my favorite and quite soft.

Striped button-down: a forever staple piece. Banana Republic makes a classic fit one at a great value, and Everlane makes a luxe washable silk one. The one pictured in the video is this oversized Old Navy shirt which in XS Petite is long enough for me to wear with leggings. It’s pretty oversized but looks chic with the sleeves cuffed up!

Structured Short Jacket: H&M twill jacket is pictured below – I’ve shared this a few times on LTK when fully stocked, so hope some of you were able to grab your size! It’s a bit boxy in fit and I need to fold / shorten the sleeves, but I love it. A&F has a few similar options in smooth fabric or boucle texture stocked in xxs, or the J.Crew sweater jacket in Ivory can create a similar look with a more casual feel.

Trench Coat: a spring to fall staple I reach for year after year. My most ideal trench style right now is a midi length, slightly oversized style with drape fabric…but haven’t yet found one that is petite-friendly. I did end up buying the popular Oak & Fort oversized trench because I love the relaxed cut and the fabric, but heads up, it’s very oversized and long on me in XXS.

For a structured mid length trench coat, though, the J.Crew Icon Trench is water resistant with a removable hood and hits me by the knees (I can even do 00 regular in J.Crew outerwear because their petite sleeves run short). I personally am liking longer lengths, and the Sezane Scott Trench is another quality option that hits more midi length on me but has longer sleeves.

Vest: These are leaning more into summer, but I’m excited to break em out again! From last year I have this black Madewell softdrape vest in 00 and also a white linen one. The most petite-friendly linen option I’ve found so far this year is this J.Crew vest in 00 with the adjustable back strap.

Bottoms

Light Wash Jeans: Levi’s wedgie straight. These are a slim straight fit + classic light wash jean (not too much fading or bleach) that I’ve owned for a few years now. My current size in these is 24 x 26 which requires no hemming and works with many types of shoes.

I also ordered these Madewell Emmet jeans in Kieran and am looking forward to trying! I have their Emmet pants from a while back and the petite fit was great. These have a slightly wider cut leg and ankle length.

Tan Trousers: My picks are the Amazon trousers in Khaki Thin featured here, or the Gap trousers which are basically a nicer quality version with sturdier weight fabric and beautiful drape. Both have a tailored front and elastic back waist. The only reason I would recommend the Amazon over the Gap is because the Amazon XS Short fits a little smaller at the waist and shorter in length than the Gap 00 Petite. If you can fit Gap sizing well, these pants are currently 40% off and an excellent value IMO!

White Trousers: My picks are A&F crepe (I sized down to 23 short) for a good everyday option in medium-thicker weight fabric, Aritzia Effortless in their new “Shorter” length (note: white is a tad sheer), or the Amazon trousers in White Thin for a budget friendly option. The Amazon ones are indeed thin, so you definitely need to wear skin toned undies.

Shoes & Accessories

Flats: As I age, I’ve been much more interested in practicality and comfort and less so about feeling “taller.” My flats in the video Jeffrey Campbell but I think a simple rounded square toe option like this Nordstrom leather flat looks chic and updated. I’m also VERY into Mary Janes lately and love the look of these Dolce Vita flats with buckle strap and these Madewell flats with elastic strap.

Sneakers: My Adidas Sambas and New Balance sneakers are the ones in regular rotation. For the Sambas, a mens 4 = womens 5/5.5. For the New Balance style, I am either a womens 5.5 or a kids 3.5 (with thinner socks) or kids 4 (with thicker socks).

Reversible Belts: I know I’m biased, but these Edited Pieces mini belts continue to be the finishing touch that I reach for several times a week!

Light Colored Bag: I don’t use this word lightly but I’ve been obsessed with my Demellier Midi New York tote – the quality, pebbled leather, and petite-friendly size are *chef’s kiss.* For a more understated option that is versatile with simple casual outfits as well, my Songmont bucket bag continues to be a go-to.