Fashion The 5 Key Pieces You Need for Spring By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on February 25, 2014 @ 11:07AM Pin Share Tweet Email Trending Videos Photo: Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Rummaging your closet for spring outfit ideas? No fear! We've narrowed the search down to the five key pieces (and cute accessories to boot!) you'll want to invest in for an easy breezy style update this season. Consider these smart options--we promise they'll be your closet's new MVPs. For more styling tips, pick up the March issue of InStyle, available on newsstands and for digital download now. MORE:Here's How to Find Your Perfect JumpsuitNicole Kidman in the March InStyle: "I'm Very Country at Heart"Exclusive! Take a Tour of Carolina Herrera's Home[instyle_context_cmad url="http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2014/WRN/021314-march-issue-digital-download-200.jpg"] 01 of 09 Denim Jacket Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works : You already know how versatile it is. The trick is to make this wardrobe workhorse feel a little more thoroughbred. Look for of-the-moment details: a band collar, zippers instead of metal buttons. Then, for a pleasing contrast, pair it with silky floral shorts and saunter into the winner's circle. Jacket, 3×1, $395, intermixonline.com; Tee, 6397, $165, shopbop.com; Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $98, bloomingdales.com; Sunglasses, Illesteva, $280, illesteva.com; Silk-cotton, J. Crew, $148, jcrew.com; Sandals, Circus by Sam Edelman, $45; at Lord amp Taylor 02 of 09 Striped Dress Time Inc Photo Studio (3) Why it works : You can take a blue-striped classic shirtdress anywhere. Red and white accessories will always look right with it—but add one pattern you won't see on a flagpole, like this abstract-print scarf. Scarf, Yarnz, $195; at Ron Herman, 323-651-4129; Dress, Chinti and Parker, $255, chintiandparker.com; Leather, A.P.C., $720; at A.P.C., 212-966-0049; Sandals, Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn, $150; kdbrooklyn.com 03 of 09 Striped Dress Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works : For a Coco Chanel in Biarritz vibe, select a dress with horizontal sailor's stripes and a long, skinny silhouette. Give the look polish with an envelope bag in place of a straw tote, or wildflower flats instead of espadrilles. Sunglasses, Le Specs, $59, zappos.com; Rose gold finish, Sarah Magid Jewelry, $98,sarahmagid.com; Satchel, Lauren Moffatt for Lauren Merkin, $395; laurenmerkin.com; Dress, Kate Spade Saturday, $120; saturday.com; Flats, Marais USA, $156; maraisusa.com 04 of 09 Flowy Pants Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works : A fluid material, like silk, creates a beautifully slouchy drape. Choose a top that's equally relaxed, like this drop-shoulder T. If you're craving a bit of structure, try crisp lace-ups in linen and leather. Scarf, A Peace Treaty, $220, apeacetreaty.com; Top, J Brand, $195, at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores; Necklace, Bluma Project, $60, blumaproject.com; Pants, Clu, $187, at Blue 1, 631-237-1796; Cross-body bag, Coach, $268, at Coach; Lace-ups, Aquatalia by Marvin K., $375, aquatalia.com 05 of 09 Flowy Pants Time Inc Photo Studio (3) Why it works :Don't be afraid of combining a bold pattern with a loose silhouette. Elastic at the ankles keeps the volume in check. Top with a honeycomb mesh jacket that echoes the breeziness of the bottoms. Jacket, Milly, $595, millyny.com; Satchel, Kate Spade Saturday, $250, saturday.com; Pants, Olsenboye, $25, jcpenney.com; Tank, Kymerah, $192, kymerah.com; Leather, Dolce Vita, $159, dolcevita.com 06 of 09 White Jacket Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works : Tired of your tough black moto jacket? Time to trade it in for something a little lighter and frothier (note the openwork detail on this number). Girl it up with satiny pastel trousers and sexy heels. Sunglasses, Carrera, $129, at select Solstice Sunglasses stores; Necklace, Auden, $328, audendesign.com; Jacket, Ann Yee, $435, annyeecollection.com; Top, Bailey 44, $174, bailey44.com; Pants, $285, at Atrium, 713-520-0206; Clutch, Joanna Maxham, $325, joannamaxham.com; Pumps, Diane von Furstenberg, $325, at Diane von Furstenberg, 646-486-4800 07 of 09 White Jacket Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works :Restraint is the secret to this ladylike look. Nothing distracts from the pristine silhouette—no collar or lapels, no scarf, no frills. It's just pure shape and simple lines. Punctuate with black-and-white accents. Jacket, French Connection, $298, bloomingdales.com; Top, $295, at Barneys New York; Skirt, Atea, $315, ateaoceanie.com; Bag, Clare V., $460, clarevivier.com; Bangles, Elk, $48 each, elkaccessories.com; Heels, the Blonde Salad x Steve Madden, $169, stevemadden.com 08 of 09 Flippy Skirt Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works :Especially graceful in a longer length, this skirt is also super-comfy thanks to the forgiving folds of fabric. Balance the romantic bottom half with more graphic pieces, like a striped top, a bold bag, and textured heels. Sunglasses, Michael Stars, $78, michaelstars.com; Necklace, T+J Designs, $88, tandjdesigns.com; Top, Camilla and Marc, $280, at Roam, 203-625-0200; Bag, Rebecca Minkoff, $395, at Nordstrom; Skirt, Obakki, $250, obakki.com; Heels, Delman, $598, delmanshoes.com 09 of 09 Flippy Skirt Time Inc Photo Studio (4) Why it works :A shorter hem gives this look a playful feel. Go with a top in the same spirit, like this frankly fake, totally fierce animal-print pullover. The next best thing to bare feet: strappy flats that showcase your brilliant pedicure. Top, Sea, $235, shopbop.com; Skirt, Rag & Bone, $450, at Rag & Bone, 212-219-2204; Bag, BCBGeneration, $128, bcbgeneration.com; Cuff, W. Britt, $425, wbritt.com; Sandals, Kooba, $150, available in March at zappos.com