Top trends to wardrobe staples: All the spring fashion must-haves of 2024, according to style experts

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Brett Ferdock/CNN Underscored
Brett Ferdock/CNN Underscored

Now that it’s officially spring, we’re ready for a wardrobe refresh and to dive into the season’s fashion. From our cult-favorite nightgown dress to the fashion world’s obsession with bows, we’ve consulted professional stylists, fashion influencers and our own editors about the best pieces to add to your wardrobe. Ahead, you’ll find all the women’s fashion and men’s style must-haves for spring, along with some super-cute shoes and accessories too.

Our favorite spring fashion staples

Giving your wardrobe a refresh doesn’t mean breaking the bank. We love browsing Amazon and Target for cute, seasonal pieces that we can get delivered quickly or pick up on our next errand run. The best part? You can shop these retailers for the whole family and make sure everyone is ready to hit spring break in style.


Amazon Essentials Women’s Pull-On Knit Midi Skirt

Amazon
Amazon

Available in 13 colors and patterns (including 2024’s color of the year, Peach), this easygoing midi skirt is a perfect transitional piece that you can dress up or down.




A New Day Flutter Short-Sleeve Mini Poplin Dress

Target
Target

Sundresses finally get to come out of hibernation, and we can’t wait to wear this cheery hot-pink number. It even has an inside pocket, which is pretty much a requirement for us.




Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Comfort Stretch Cotton Chino Pants

Amazon
Amazon

Associate editor Daniel Rathburn has stocked up on several pairs of these everyday slacks that have a flattering straight-leg cut.


$47 at Amazon



Goodfellow & Co Men’s Joshua Slide Sandals

Target
Target

Maybe flip-flops are your thing, but we think slides are the much cooler option for guys. This affordable pair is available in tan or black, to go with anything.




Kids4ever Girls Chiffon Dress

Amazon
Amazon

With Easter around the corner, make sure your little one is prepared with a darling new dress. This one is made with comfortable cotton chiffon and comes in 12 colors.



Women’s spring fashion

Pretty pastels and fun florals remain perennial spring favorites, but other trends are also making waves in women’s fashion this year. Theres a focus on transitional footwear, smart layering pieces and comfortable, flowy silhouettes.

The maximalism of winter’s mob wife aesthetic is transitioning to the new season through eye-catching prints and fun layers — which you’ll always want to be prepared with given the season’s often unpredictable weather.


Hill House Cosima Nap Dress

Hill House
Hill House

House dresses are one of the highlights of spring fashion — they’re the epitome of comfort and style, after all — and we especially love this option from Hill House that features a smocked bust and pockets. It’s cute, comfy and classy all at once.




Gap Denim Utility Shirt Jacket

Gap
Gap

With the season’s fickle temperatures, layering is a must. Keeping a trusty shacket (that's a shirt jacket) in your rotation will help you stay prepared for those cold but not too cold days. A collared denim one like this puts a fun spin on an ordinary jean jacket too.




R.Vivimos Long-Sleeve Floral Print Retro Bohemian Midi Dress

Amazon
Amazon

This dress was a viral hit, and after testing it last year, it still holds as one of our all-time favorite spring dresses. Its forgiving fit and soft fabric truly makes it comparable to a nightgown, which we love.




Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Drop-Waist Maxi Dress

Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch

A maxi dress is a versatile piece to have through the seasons. Simple yet elegant, we love the ruched detailing on the bodice of this dress. We can imagine wearing it to Easter brunch or to a spring wedding.



Men’s spring fashion

Men’s wardrobes are often dominated by basics, but this spring we’re seeing more vibrancy and flair being added into the mix. Whether you’re gearing up for an adventure or just need something new to wear to the office, consider adding a fresh print or unexpected color to your closet.


Uniqlo Dry Pique Polo Shirt

Uniqlo
Uniqlo

A polo shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe, which is why we recommend stocking up on this moisture-wicking short-sleeve shirt that comes in eight colors.




Fair Harbor The Anchor Men’s Swim Trunks

Amazon
Amazon

You’ll get plenty of use out of these swim trunks throughout the spring and summer, which feature a built-in liner and come in 10 patterns.




Goodfellow & Co Men’s Every Wear Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Target
Target

An under-$10 tee that comes in a bunch of color and size options (standard, men’s big, men’s tall and men’s big and tall), we love the quality, and choices, you get for the price.


$6 at Target



J.Crew Relaxed Garment-dyed Heavyweight Twill Shirt

J.Crew
J.Crew

Lightweight layering is a smart idea for spring. A boxy fit button down like this best-selling style can act as a light shell or mid-layer, offering enough coverage without adding bulk.


$70 at J.Crew


Shoes and accessories

From sandals that are comfortable for walking to sunglasses that go with everything, spring shoes and accessories are the finishing touches that can make or break an outfit. Thankfully, there’s plenty of cute sunnies and sandals to choose from that are equally as useful as they are attractive.

And if there’s one styling tip we’ve learned this year, it never hurts to add a bow.


Urban Outfitters Satin Hair Bow Barrette

Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters

Bows are everywhere right now, thanks to the coquette trend, and we think the easiest way to incorporate them into your wardrobe is by rocking a hair bow. This satin option is perfectly oversized to make a statement.




Birkenstock Arizona Big-Buckle Sandal

Birkenstock
Birkenstock

Birkenstocks are an essential shoe for springtime. They have everything going for them — comfort, function and style. The glossy leather finish and metallic hardware on these sandals are neutral enough to go with anything, and, yes, we even encourage you to wear them with socks.




Warby Parker Nancy Sunglasses

Warby Parker
Warby Parker

Available with prescription and nonprescription lenses, these Warby Parker sunnies will keep your eyes protected from UV rays in style. The oversized frames are available in four cute colorways for spring.




Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal Sandals

REI
REI

For the adventurer, these sturdy, waterproof sandals can handle nearly any terrain. They’re a favorite among hikers but work just as well for urban expeditions too.



Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.

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