Home > Four Great Basics You Need For Spring

Four Great Basics You Need For Spring

Creating a capsule wardrobe has always been my key to “stylish success”. A capsule wardrobe, by the way, is a small collection of favourite pieces in your closet comprised of basics in neutral colours. You can style these pieces with each other to create a myriad of looks supplemented with great accessories and pops of colour.

This spring, I added a few key basics to my capsule wardrobe to complement the pieces I already have: an oversized trench coat in khaki, a perfectly-fitting pair of grey skinnies and the navy silk shirt of my dreams, both c/o Mott & Bow.

What I love about these four pieces is that dressed up or down, they always look great.

Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses
Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses

The Oversized Trench

A great trench elevates every single spring outfit, so much so that the classic trench is one of my favourite pieces of all time.

This year, “oversize” is in, which is particularly great as you can layer more under a trench that has a bit more give. This extra warmth is so welcome on those spring days that cannot decide if it’s still winter or spring.

The oversize fit of this Zara trench is chic and effortless. It actually fits more like a vintage trench coat which I love and will tie me over until I get the Burberry trench of my dreams.

DETAILS

Trench Coat – Zara | Harper Silk Shirt c/o Mott & Bow |Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans c/o Mott & Bow | Snakeskin Boots – Zara |Mama Bag – Fendi | Jacky Sunglasses c/o François Pinton Paris | Pearl Earrings (similar) – Howard Fine Jewellers |Belt – Aritzia

Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses
Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses

Grey Skinnies For The Win

Grey, in my opinion, is a highly underrated colour. This neutral looks chic paired with so many colours, and the distressed tone of these skinnies give them a cool edge.

Why are grey jeans a perfect basic for spring? Their soft, neutral colour isn’t as harsh as black, and the casual feel lends itself well to other quintessentially spring pieces like boyfriend tees, crisp white shirts and light sweaters in soft pastel colours.

Mott & Bow, a New York based denim brand, sent me these Orchard skinnies in Medium Grey and I’m obsessed, truly. The fit, the colour, the softness – all perfect! I’m also pretty happy about Mott & Bow’s philosophy of providing great denim at reasonable prices. They also pride themselves on their low-waste manufacturing process.

Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses

The Classic Silk Shirt

Finding the perfect shirt has been hard over the years. For a long time, options for women were quite fitted. I have a larger bust, and these shirts just didn’t work, always pulling at the buttons across the chest. Not a good look.

Finally, looser fit options became available like this Harper Silk Boxy Fit blouse – another winner c/o Mott & Bow. The luxe silk elevates this wardrobe staple to “next level” status. If there is one item you need in your closet, it’s this one.

Why do I love it? The fit is loose and comfortable without looking sloppy, the quality is amazing, and the colour is deep and rich. I cannot recommend this enough. I love it so much, that I’ll be ordering up both the white and black versions.

Those of you who are interested in this shirt, it fits true to size (I ordered a small).

Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses

The “No Pictures, Please” Oversized Sunnies

These classic “Jacky” sunglasses c/o François Pinton flatter every face shape, provide more than enough protection from the sun, and give you that totally awesome “I’m avoiding the paparazzi” look.

Originally created for Jackie Onassis in the 60s by Monsieur Pinton himself, these oversized tortoiseshell frames are classic and flattering. I love every single thing about them. Currently on the hunt for a black pair…

If you would like to score a pair for yourself, you can pick them up at Merivale Vision Care or they can order you a pair in the colour of your choice.

Dominique Baker Wearing Mott & Bow Orchard High-Waisted Skinny Jeans and Harper Silk Blouse Fendi Mama Bag François Pinton Jacky Sunglasses

No matter what you choose for spring – classic or trendy – it looks best when it fits properly. Ignore the vanity sizing so prevalent today and go for flattering comfort. If an item almost fits perfectly, find yourself a great tailor. That right there is a game-changer.

And on that note, enjoy this fine spring weather!

*Photography: Salt & Streets Photography

Dominique Baker
Dominique Baker

Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

8 Comments

  1. Dorcas
    April 16, 2019 / 11:34 am

    This is good. Very good. Though, I avoid dark colors these days, I think Grey is ok, and I love the silk blouse. Especially the loose ones. It’s such a plus for we “busti-licious” demoiselles. 😊.
    Beautiful boots and bag.

    • Dominique
      Author
      April 16, 2019 / 12:47 pm

      Bustilicious! HAHA! I’m using that! Yessss – I’m super happy with this whole look at that shirt is the shirt of my dreams! Thanks for the kind comments!

  2. Dorcas
    April 16, 2019 / 1:23 pm

    Yes. Thanks for replying. 😊

    • Dominique
      Author
      April 17, 2019 / 11:10 am

      Of course, Dorcas! You’re welcome! xo

    • Dominique
      Author
      April 17, 2019 / 11:09 am

      Wooooooo!!! Thanks for the kind words, Gary!! I snagged those boots at Zara. Strangely comfortable!!

  3. April 17, 2019 / 12:15 pm

    You look so amazing in all these photos! I want these sun glasses!! Great read and thank God the weather is getting better now.

  4. Dorcas
    April 17, 2019 / 1:04 pm

    Oh, that’s good to know, cos I got Hubby to look at those boots too, and guess what? He was wowed. They are so beautiful.

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