The Basic That Makes Every Outfit More Interesting

Welcome to The Great Try-On—our digest of everything you'll need for your most stylish season yet. We identified the ultimate spring capsule wardrobe, which consists of seven practical hero items. A few of our editors tried on each of these wardrobe builders, with head-to-toe looks styled by our editorial director, Lauren Eggertsen, so you can see how they look IRL. From the trousers everyone's talking about to the skirt that goes with absolutely everything, we hope that these photos and the candid reviews of each item will help you shop for a seasonal wardrobe filled with essentials and trend-forward pieces you'll wear for spring and beyond.

Spring weather has a sense of humor, which is why I’ve fully leaned in to the cozy-but-breezy knit as my transitional essential. Heavy coats are too much, T-shirts not quite enough—cue the spring knit, which somehow always gets it just right. This season, our team tried out a range of knits to see what’s actually worth wearing. Ana reached for a brushed-cashmere style that felt like a warm hug on cooler mornings, Eliza went for a classic V-neck (hello, cashmere polish), while I had fun playing around with a knit polo that was surprisingly chic. These styles were fun and cozy, which made even the grayest spring day feel a little sunnier. Scroll on to see how each sweater styled out and shop the ones we’d recommend without hesitation.

We're starting off strong. For those of you who are looking for a knit with character, we have a winner for you. Every little detail on this bright-red moment drew us in, and fashion editor Sierra Mayhew couldn't resist giving it a try.

Sierra's take on this knit: "Everyone on set ooh’d and aah’d when this bright knit came out to play. Sweaters are often overlooked this time of year, but they look pretty good if I do say so myself. I love that this style has pretty gold buttons, and the subtle logo patch had a lot of people asking me where it’s from. It’s a nice style to wear with hot pants or throw over your shoulders when styling a fun dress or jeans."

Styling tips: While most would expect to see a sweater like this paired with baggy jeans, shock them all by trying out a pair of hot pants. Micro minishorts deserve a spotlight this season as the perfect styling piece that people shouldn't overlook if they want to make a statement. This is a knit that also looks good thrown over the shoulders on a warmer day.

Shop the knit: Bally Polo Sweater ($850)

If retro is your vibe, you're going to love this Bally polo sweater for a bright pop of red that exudes sophistication and comfort in equal measure. Made from a luxurious 70% cashmere and 30% silk blend, it features button fastenings along the front for an extra touch of elegance. This soft and lightweight sweater is perfect for layering or wearing on its own (buttoned up or down) offering a refined, polished look.

Next up, we have the knit that’s about to land on every New Yorker’s capsule-wardrobe wish list. Strong basics that can be worn on repeat are a staple for senior fashion editor Eliza Huber, and she’s test-driving this one to see how it holds up.

Eliza's take on this knit: "I'm very picky when it comes to knitwear, especially cashmere. A cashmere sweater is one of my all-time most-worn items, which is why I've tried and tested so many of them, knowing exactly what feel I like and don't like. This Toteme knit? I liked. The fit, especially, is perfect for my tastes—great for layering a white tee under, my go-to knitwear trick, and just right if you like a little bit of midriff to show. At the same time, it's not so cropped that you couldn't tuck it into a pair of stovepipe jeans or cigarette pants if you wanted to. I wore it with a white tee (duh) and lace-trim skirt, an easy outfit I've repeated multiple times this spring. Did I mention it's deliciously soft? Yeah, run."

Styling tips: Every fashion person loves a visible white tee peeking out under their favorite sweater right now. Whether your look is intended to be casual or you're planning on getting all dressed up, this is simply how it's done. Mixed metals also came to be a highlight in this look and are always a great way of making an outfit feel experimental or different.

Shop the knit: Toteme Cashmere Sweater ($630)

Owning a Toteme cashmere sweater is a fashion person's dream for good reason. This timeless wardrobe essential is crafted from 100% pure cashmere. The sleek, slip-on style is designed for effortless sophistication, offering a clean, minimalist look that can be dressed up or down. With its soft, luxurious feel, it provides the perfect balance of warmth and breathability, making it ideal for layering or wearing solo. This sweater is crafted with care, ensuring long-lasting quality.

Finally, this fun and bold knit that you'll want to swap for your overworn T-shirt this spring. Associate features editor Ana Escalante tried on this brushed-cashmere moment and is already thinking about the next time she will wear it.

Ana's take on this knit: "I’ve never gotten as many compliments on a sweater than when I stepped in front of the camera while wearing this fuzzy J.Crew number. Not only is the creamy, almost limeade-like color of this knit a winner in my book, but the short sleeves make it the perfect transitional piece to wear beyond the spring. No need to roll up your sleeves if the temperature is a bit warmer than you thought it would be—this short-sleeve sweater does the magic for you."

Styling tips: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Your favorite knit for spring will always look cool with a statement belt and classic denim. If you're bold like us, you're pulling out your white styles now long ahead of Memorial Day Weekend because when the weather is warm, there's truly no better time for a pair of white jeans.

Shop the knit: J.Crew Brushed Cashmere T-Shirt ($148)

J.Crew's Brushed Cashmere T-Shirt offers a luxe, cozy twist on the classic tee. Crafted from 100% brushed cashmere, this piece is the result of a yearlong design process, using longer cashmere fibers for a soft, fuzzy finish. The best part is it comes in so many fun, vibrant colorways. The subtly shrunken fit and classic crewneck make it a perfect, elevated basic. When reading the product details, we couldn't help but notice that J.Crew ensures sustainable practices in cashmere production that benefit both the environment and farmers in Inner Mongolia.