At the end of each season, it’s handy to make a note on what you need when it’s that season again because it’s likely you’ll forget in 9 months. A mental note is fine, though I recommend physical or digital, like this!

I also have my introductory post about Spring 2020 to refer back to, so I can see what I was able to check off from that list, and evaluate the rest to see if I still want to add it to my closet.

This spring, I was looking for square blouses, white jeans, a white trench, white sneaks, pumps, black booties, and silver shoes. Of those, I found a white trench (though it’s technically off-white, but it serves that purpose) and great white sneaks (already featured many times since their arrival).

Prints are pretty thoroughly covered in my closet, so for next year, I want to fill in the spaces in between with more basics in solid colors.

White Jeans

I still haven’t been able to commit to a pair. I’m on the lookout potentially for this summer as well, but definitely by next spring.

1. Ideal white jeans would have a flattering high rise, comfortable denim, stretchy that doesn’t stretch out, and either ankle length or cute when cuffed.

2. I recently tried these from Madewell, and they weren’t quite right for me. The rise was too high (I’m surprised too) and the legs were a little too long, but the fabric was great.

Some white denim I’m considering:

1. Madewell’s high rise skinny / curvy would hopefully be the same or similar fabric, but a better fit.

2. Another skinny from Madewell with a slightly higher rise and raw hem (something I like).

3. Everlane has a high-rise stretch skinny / also in curvy that sounds good and is at a better price point.

Blue Denim Jacket

As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m still looking for the perfect blue denim jacket. I tried a current offering from Pilcro, as they have my favorite fit, but it just wasn’t the right color for my sartorial needs, so I returned it.

I’ll keep my eyes open for another one, but in reality I’ll probably just wait to see what other washes Pilcro comes out with. I’m also scouring Poshmark, and there are some good options there too.

Black Booties

I’ve looked at many great pair, but none have ticked all the boxes:

1. Shaft high on ankle and not too tight (so not low ankle or sock booties)

2. 1-2” block heel (not higher or kitten)

3. Leather/look (prefer not suede/look or distressed)

4. No gusset (just the shoe), preferably no details at all

Some options I’ve looked at:

1. The Marc Fisher Yale has a great toe, but I wish it was maybe a tiny bit higher and wasn’t a Chelsea. Probably would look good with all of my cropped pants though.

2. The Steve Madden Nadalie is almost perfect, except that the heel is a little high.

3. I actually really like the STATE Kelte, but I want an all black bootie and a higher shaft. That sole/heel is really cool though.

4. The Marc Fisher Jarli might be perfect. It might.

Pumps & Silver Shoes

I’m still interested in finding comfortable, flattering, versatile pumps to add to my shoe shelves, but they were really unnecessary this season. Banana Republic’s Madison 12-Hour Pump still looks good, but will probably wait until next spring.

As for silver shoes, I’m feeling less sure about this option for my closet. Not that it wouldn’t work, but I haven’t gotten that feeling as much lately that says “this would be really cute with silver shoes!” My sneakers, especially the white ones, have really taken over. (Maybe the answer is silver sneakers?) The Naturalizer Hartley is still the option I’m most likely to try.

Cashmere Sweaters

Cashmere, for spring? It may sound funny, but it’s a great fabric that’s warm in chilly weather but still breathes as the temps get slightly higher. Plus, it wouldn’t just be a spring piece, but an investment for fall and winter as well.

I wore my Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater constantly this spring and winter and, to be honest, I wanted to wear it more than I did. It’s been in my closet for a while (maybe 9 years?) and was my mother’s before that, and I want to start looking for a dupe before this one is unwearable (I will wear it into the ground). It’s been difficult to find one that isn’t too white, as I love the warm cream of the one I currently have, and I like its shorter length as well.

I’d also like some more colors (like red, yellow, olive) so I can wear them all the time with everything forever*.

Some sweaters that might work:

1. J. Crew’s Everyday Cashmere Crewneck doesn’t quite have the ribbing at the bottom I love, but looks soft and has many color. I like neon citron, natural, heather grey, deep moss, and bright cerise.

2. Everlane’s Cashmere Crew is also missing the ribbing, but comes in great colors. I like the camel, heather grey, red, cerulean, bone, and heathered jade.

3. The ReCashmere Vintage Crew from Everlane doesn’t have the same color range, but does look almost perfect in terms of shape and proportion. I like the bone, heathered sand, and icy fjord.

*Except in summer.

Basic Blouses

I’m not sure yet exactly what kind of basic blouses I want to look for slash get. I like the idea of a top I can easily tuck, knot, or wear loose, depending on the bottom. I want to find tops in black and white, but possibly some colors as well. I’d want them to have short sleeves that were comfortable, but not too big or too long.

I don’t really have any leads or ideas yet, but I am looking forward to the search!