I don’t know about you, but while I’m working on refreshing my spring wardrobe (as I impatiently wait for this Midwest weather to warm up consistently), I’ve also been considering versatile, office-ready pieces. While I work from home and could technically perform my duties in my pajamas, I’ve put considerable effort into these past six months to dress for my own success. I’ve learned to enjoy getting dressed up for the workday.

Whether I’m taking a Zoom meeting in my home office or writing from a coffee shop, I want to look and feel the part, but I also don’t want to waste time and money investing in all the wrong things. So, I turned to a few trusted fashion experts to help me curate a spring-friendly capsule wardrobe fit for the office and beyond. Check out the 12 closet staples that stylists agree are must-have workwear for this season below.

Best Stylist-Approved Work Capsule Wardrobe

Tailored and Colorful Blazer

A blazer is a workwear standard, but with spring here, stylist Tara West suggests having fun with the closet staple. “I like to lighten the mood with a fresh color like powder blue, sage green, or a lilac,” she tells us. “A quality blazer will accentuate your frame nicely, ensuring you look put together and professional while staying comfortable for the office. A beautiful suit blazer can also be styled with a white button-down and your favorite jeans for a casual Friday look, or opt for a head-to-toe ensemble with matching pants, a silk blouse, and pumps for a more formal take.”

Classic White Button-Down Shirt

West says, “A polished white button-down is an office essential,” considering there are so many ways to style it. There are also “lots of different cuts and fabrics to choose from for such a basic piece, but the execution of this classic silhouette makes all the difference. Opt for an office-appropriate, spring-ready white button-down that is not oversized and has a blend like cotton and polyester. This will hold up better throughout the day and won’t wrinkle after a few hours. This piece also layers beautifully under a light cardigan, blazer, or vest for breezy spring days.”

Polished Jacket

Aside from blazers, don’t be afraid to experiment with more structured and unexpected jackets. According to personal stylist Laura P. Barker, “It’s undeniable that a jacket finishes your look. Wearing a jacket can command presence; it can make you feel strong. And as a bonus, it can keep you warm in those air-conditioned offices.” She suggested trying elegant and tailored options “with a bit of stretch for an effortless vibe.”

Tie-Neck Blouse

Barker insists on taking your blouse to the next level with an elegant tie-neck detail. “You can wear it tied in a bow or hanging long. It’s classic enough to pair with a suit for a corporate environment or with white wide-leg jeans and a bold shoe for more creative fields.” It gives a subtle “classic and feminine” vibe.

Low Heels

“Sleek low heels add polish and elevate your work look,” notes Barker. “It’s effortless, comfortable to wear all day, and still gives you little height, which is never a bad thing. You can really have fun and show your personality with your shoes, even in a professional setting.”

Everyday Work Bag

“When’s the last time you updated your work bag,” Barker playfully asks. “A beautiful quality work bag is an essential for your work capsule as it will be the finishing touch to your look.” She recommends choosing something that fits your personal style but is still roomy enough to carry your work essentials during your commute.

Trench Coat

According to Emmy award-winning celebrity stylist Brenda Cooper, “If you consider, which I always do, that every outfit tells a story, the design and history of the trench coat never fails to send a message of confidence, credibility, and authority. We can all benefit from a little of that in the workplace, right? Wear it with a black pencil skirt and black pumps, or try a pair of dressy slacks and a black suede heeled ankle boot or jeans and loafers for a more preppy look.”

Elegant Laptop Bag

“An important capsule piece for spring is the bag/tote you choose to carry,” advises Cooper. If you’re lugging around your laptop, you’ll want your bag to be equally chic and practical. “A well-made, high-quality (which doesn’t mean it has to be highly priced), and elegant computer bag or tote will send a message of competence and attention to detail.”

The Updated Button-Down Shirt

Along with a crisp button-down, why not try one with “some embellishment, giving it just enough pizazz to make a statement,” shares CEO of Acton Style Group, Amy Acton. It could have a bejeweled collar, frilly sleeves, or a sophisticated pattern. “For business casual, wear it untucked with black leggings, a blazer, and boots or flats, or you can wear it French-tucked into jeans for that effortless, cool, casual Friday vibe. For the power player, tuck it into a midi-skirt or dress pants and pair it with some killer pumps.”

Stylish Trousers

“Try pull-on trousers with elastic in the back of the waistband,” suggests Acton. “Think of them as your undercover agent—stealthily delivering major style without sacrificing comfort. They can be dressed up or down. They look polished and can seamlessly work with almost everything.”

Knit Sweater

“A soft, luxe sweater is the hero you never knew you needed,” asserts Acton. “It’s cozy and polished. Try it in a soft pastel shade. Toss it on with your sweats for that WFH zoom or drape it over your shoulders for days in the office when you just can’t gauge what the temp will be. You can pair it with any pants or trouser jeans for a look that is acceptable for any business casual environment, or wear it belted at the waist with a body-skimming pencil skirt.”

Black Pants

Style expert Maggie Gillette Sowislo insists on not forgetting the basics. “Chic black pants are a core workwear piece no matter what type of industry you work in,” she explains. “They work well with every color and can be paired with nearly any style of top, making them something you’ll grab again and again. This stretch version from Quince is easy to wear and nearly as comfortable as leggings but much more polished.”