Old Navy’s Lead Designer Shared the 6 Easy Spring Basics Everyone Needs

I not only love spring weather, but the slower pace of life the season brings (you know, stopping to smell the roses and all that jazz). I like to apply a similar sentiment to my spring fashion, leaning into easy but never-boring basics. Sarah Holme, Old Navy’s Head of Design and Product Development, gets what I mean.

“Spring fashion is all about optimism as we step out of the colder months and look ahead to sunnier days,” Holme exclusively shared with InStyle, saying “winning” is “snagging the best wardrobe basics that are made to last and fit to perfection.” Of course, I had to find out which wardrobe essentials she was referencing, and I’m sharing them all with you.   

Designer-Approved Spring Picks:

Statement Jeans

Holme is “denim-obsessed,” and is looking toward unique detailing—like “understated embellishments” and “floral appliques”—to elevate her spring collection. This tweak offers a fresh take on traditional styles, while keeping things uncomplicated. Editor tip: Pair your decorated denim with a basic blouse to let your bottoms do the talking. 

Classic Tees

Speaking of effortless tops, Holme never underestimates a fundamental white tee. “This is a classic that instantly makes your outfit look styled and elevated,” she said, calling out the shirt’s boxy silhouette and cropped length. She’s right: The simple top is crisp, clean, and reflects vibrantly against the sun. No wonder celebrities like Meghan Markle and Jennifer Garner frequently style the spring staple.   

Breezy Button-Downs

While button-down shirts are in Holme’s year-round wardrobe, she opts for linen options in “beautiful summer-ready prints” come spring. She’s onto something, being that the fabric is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, keeping you cool during warmer temperatures. She masterfully turns an office staple into an everyday basic by pairing linen-blend blouses over swimwear with denim shorts.   

Transitional Cardigans

Spring weather is anything but predictable, so Holme recommends layering instead of “feeling stuck in one season or another.” Layering doesn’t only add “dimension to any outfit,” but it’s also a “functional fashion solution,” according to Holme. Master the seasonal style trick in a best-selling vibrant cardigan, available in nine attention-grabbing shades.

Comfortable Leggings

While spring staples are often dainty enough to wear to a picnic, Holmes believes there’s space for a weekend warrior: leggings. Not only are they versatile enough for all of the season’s activities (anyone up for a bike ride?), but they “feel like a hug” while looking like “you’ve got it all together,” said Holme about the StudioSmooth style. Elevate them with sleek white tennis shoes, a linen blouse like the one above, and a sling bag for the perfect farmers’ market getup.  

Easy Pullover Sweatshirts

Sweatshirts are typically correlated with cooler months, though they can seamlessly integrate into spring fashion if styled with a maxi skirt or light-wash jeans. This V-neck version has become Holme’s “go-to-choice” thanks to the “incredibly soft” and “modern look.”