Few things get me revved up to shop like the arrival of spring. As soon as the skies clear, flowers start blooming and temperatures go up, I get the shopping itch bad. As it happens, I’m not alone. It’s the perfect time of year to clean out your closet, assess the state of your wardrobe and fill in the gaps. To find out what this year’s spring and summer essentials are, we asked stylish women in their 40s and 50s what they’ll be shopping for this season, and their answers did not disappoint. 55-year-old Darci Hether, an interior designer in New York City, shared, “My ‘uniform’ equation (much like my approach to interior design) is pretty simple: start with classic, timeless, key pieces and then add in fun, conversational, chic accessories to bring everything to life. The finished product: you get to show off who you are and your unique personality.” Our list below includes everything from lightweight shoes to everyday staples like sophisticated jeans, outerwear and even a comfortable bra. Keep reading to pick up a couple of pieces for yourself; these style mavens will not lead you astray.
1. Boden
A classic boat neck T-shirt. Interior designer Darci Hether (age 55) said, "I love a classic blue/white striped shirt — easy to dress up or down with the right accessories." This Boden top is one of her favorites; she loves the neckline and the longer sleeve length that makes it incredibly chic. The cotton-blend fabric feels substantial and has a beautiful drape. It's easy to dress up or down, making it a fabulously versatile staple. $45 at Boden.
2. Quince
A linen midi dress from Quince. This floaty dress is currently in Hether's cart in black. She likes that it's a classic cut that looks great on many body types, and loves the squared off neckline. If you prefer more color in the summer months, then rest assured it is also available in a range of spirited colors and patterns, including gingham and florals. $84 at Quince.
3. Levi's
A pair of shaping boot-cut jeans that look good on everyone. Megan O’Brien (age 41), contracts specialist at Peanuts Worldwide, is on the hunt for the perfect pair of jeans and has closed in on a pair of surprisingly affordable Levi's boot-cut jeans. It's the silhouette of the season, and these jeans are available in a range of washes and in standard and plus sizes, so you can find your perfect match with ease. She said, "I've been trying to transition out of skinny jeans, but I've been slow. A bootcut feels familiar but not a total departure. Levi's are classic for a reason and that reason is they make every butt look amazing." $50 at Levi's (regularly $75), $50 at Zappos (regularly $75), $45 at Amazon (regularly $75).
4. Zappos
A pair of woven slides. Author and educator Jessie Paddock (age 40) has her eyes on these slip-on shoes, after an extensive, months-long search for the perfect pair of kicks to add to her repertoire. She has landed on these because "They’re easy to slip on with a baby in my arms when scrambling out the door and feel a little more chic and less shlumpy than a bulky clog. My aim is to look like the 40-year-old my 20-year-old self would admire, not the one I feared I'd become." $135 at Zappos (regularly $150).
5. Gap
A pair of Gap's popular barrel-leg jeans in some new prints. HuffPost Shopping managing editor Emily Ruane (age 42) now has a veritable stack of these popular and oft-sold-out barrel jeans from Gap. She said, "After being influenced by a colleague (!) to buy Gap's high-rise barrel jeans in the 100% cotton dark rinse wash and wearing them literally all winter long, I swiftly invested in two new pairs for spring during a recent sale — an almost-sold-out floral print and this khaki railroad stripe. (They definitely look slightly more yellow in the photo on Gap's website.) I'm obsessed with both of the new prints, which offer everything I love about the original pair — they're fitted but not tight and have a generous (but not comical) amount of room in the leg. As always, what I am shopping for in a new season is simply a slightly remixed version of an item that I already wear constantly." Note: Both of Ruane's pants pictured here are either sold out or available in extremely limited quantities. The dark wash, which I also own and love, along with a wide variety of other colors and patterns, is still available in a range of sizes and lengths. $44 at Gap (regularly $90).
6. Urban Outfitters
A pair of comfortable slouchy pants. Influencer Larissa Mills (age 54) told HuffPost what she's looking for this season. "This summer, and summers in general, are about ease... For me, that usually starts with a great pair of glasses, easy loose pants you can throw on to head to the beach or a night out, multiple tees and tanks, simple (and flattering) workout wear, and great skin. Oh! And a great book," she said. Mills recommended these baggy pull-on pants. They have just the right amount of swagger while still looking effortlessly put together. The soft cotton pants have a relaxed mid-rise silhouette with an elastic waistband that will feel like sweats but look good enough to hit the town. $69 at Urban Outfitters.
7. Ann Taylor
An eye-catching statement bag for under $100. Hether also recommended this striped bag from Ann Taylor. "If you stripped away all of the accessories I wear on a daily basis, my outfit would be rather unremarkable... When I add in a statement necklace (or earrings), fun shoes, a great bag and a red lip, my outfit comes to life," she declared. $97 at Ann Taylor.
8. Amazon
A striped headband for under $10. Hether is coveting a headscarf that works triple duty: around the neck, as a headband or wrapped around the handles of her handbag. This striped number at Amazon is sophisticated and adds a hint of whimsy without feeling costume-like. $10 at Amazon.
9. Anthropologie
A pair of bestselling wide-leg pants that look good on everybody. Like everyone else we know, Hether is a big fan of Anthropologie's Colette wide leg pants. (My mother, who is in her mid-60s, lives in hers.) Hether called them her favorite workhorse pants and finds they go from work to weekend seamlessly. "I currently own [five] different pairs of this pant in various colors and fabric weight. This pant looks great on every body shape. Currently waiting to receive this pair. It's the perfect spring-to-summer fabric weight." They're available in standard, tall, petite and plus-size silhouettes. $138 at Anthropologie.
10. Quince
An ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere cardigan. Having a solid cashmere cardigan on hand is essential year-round, whether you're using it as a layering piece or want to wear it on its own. I (age 41) have this cashmere cardigan from Quince in black, and I love it so much that I am looking to add more colors to my collection. I have been wearing it over turtlenecks and under jackets all winter long, and now I'm ready to pair it with light tees, shell tops and tanks for a decidedly Audrey Hepburn-inspired look. The sweater has a really classic silhouette and a nice drape that looks fabulous on everyone. I feel great in it. It comes in a wide range of colors and is surprisingly durable without sacrificing comfort. $80 at Quince.
11. FitFlop
A pair of sky-high sandals that are almost alarmingly comfy. Some of you may have heard my previous rants about these beloved FitFlop clogs. I am a lifelong devotee! Lately, I've found myself needing a pair of warm-weather house shoes, and I don't want to sacrifice comfort for style. I had been eyeing these cool toe-post sandals, and finally got my hands on them last week. I'm pleased to report they're every bit as comfortable as the clogs, and look like the '90s platforms of my dreams. They're surprisingly chic and easy to style; they look just as cool paired with pajamas as they do with some trousers and a button-down. I feel like a midlife Olsen twin in these beauties. They're available in a few different colors and are an absolute must — the comfort cannot be beaten. $85 at FitFlop.
12. Quince
A stretchy silk tank that will become your favorite layering piece. Hether loves this washable silk shirt, calling it a "classic silhouette staple piece that can take me from spring (under a cardigan) to summer. Pair with a great statement necklace(s) and a head scarf." Wear it under a cardi or blazer for office days and pair with a swingy skirt or casual trousers and a kitten heel when you hit the town. $60 at Quince.
13. Nordstrom
A belted trench coat to weather the seasons. O'Brien is about to pull the trigger on this short, belted trench at Nordstrom. It has a classic double-breasted construction and all the iconic features of a classic trench, like notched lapels, belted cuffs, front welt pockets and a removable tie belt. "It's been a few years since I had a good, reliable trench," said O'Brien. "I like when there is some pleating, to give the lower half a bit of body. It feels like it could be worn by itself." $248 at Nordstrom.
14. Cos
A pair of minimalist kitten heel mules. Made of soft, smooth leather with a dash of refined '90s minimalism that we love, both Haley Thompson (age 41), senior designer at Oner Active, and I have been dancing around these conical kitten heels from Cos. She's already gone ahead and purchased a pair in the dark wine shade, and they're the perfect sculptural addition to her spring and summer wardrobe. Now it's my turn to splurge. Thompson shared, "I couldn't resist these because they're easy, chic, minimal and effortless. I also love that it's a fresh color for spring and a nice break from black or brown." After debuting them on Easter, she also reported that they're surprisingly comfortable and look good worn with different types of outfits. $199 at Cos.
15. Knix
A delicate, vintage-inspired pointelle pajama top. I have had a lifelong obsession with pointelle, and it's coming to a head this spring. I want pointelle pajamas, pointelle tanks, pointelle skirts...you get the picture. This adorable baby tee from Knix is as dreamy and retro as it gets, like the kind I wore as a child in the early '90s. I am eyeing it (along with the matching shorts) and know it has the potential to be the perfect summer pajama set. Though knowing me, I'll definitely be wearing that top out and about. You can get it in a few different colors, but my head has been turned by this floral print. $45 at Knix.
16. Amazon
A medallion-style pendant necklace. Bold necklaces are dominating the season, and Heather is currently wearing many different versions of a chunky gold medallion necklace like this one. It's modeled after an antique coin and made of metal with a gold tone finish that is nickel- and lead-free. It's a statement piece that won't break the bank and will add a lot of oomph to your look. $19 at Amazon.
17. Gap
A pair of whimsical jelly sandals. Mills also shared these fun jelly sandals from Gap that are available in a range of bold colors that are sure to make a splash, in women's sizes 6-10. $23 at Gap (regularly $40).
18. Gap
A sleek, lace-trimmed skirt with a vintage designer influence. Lace-trimmed, romantic, fluttery clothes are trending this spring and summer (thank you, Wuthering Heights), and those of us who have been cosplaying as Victorian ghosts our whole lives are ready to rise. I've been eyeing this lace-edged skirt at Gap for a minute and am ready to add it to my cart. It comes in blue and cream, though I'm leaning towards off-white. It's giving late-90s Prada without the price tag. This skirt can easily be dressed up or down, with a tee and flip-flops on the weekend and flats and a cardigan for an office day. You can get it in regular, petite or tall sizing. $63 at Gap (regularly $80).
19. Sequin
A marine-inspired necklace. A great piece of jewelry can make or break an outfit, and this delightful necklace, recommended by Mills, looks much more expensive than it actually is. Whether you're on vacation or spending a warm day in your city, this bauble will make you feel like you're in St. Tropez. It's made with 22-karat gold-plated brass, semi-precious and glass stones and strung on a cool nylon cord. It's a great high-low piece that will also make a great gift. I need one of these immediately. $298 at Sequin.
20. Sam Edelman
A pair of metallic, woven flats from Sam Edelman. "Love these in gold!!" enthused Hether. "They will go with everything! How cute will these go with jeans? I do wear a lot of jeans, and when I do, I like to 'dress them up' with dressier footwear (no tennies)," she added. These luscious shoes have a Mary Jane-style tie at the top and come in a few different colors, though this gilded one is especially festive and summery. $140 at Sam Edelman, $140 at Zappos, $140 at Nordstrom.
21. Moda Operandi
A pair of bow-bedecked taffeta pants. Mills also recommended these Chan Luu barrel pants. They're made with gorgeous taffeta fabric that gives these pants the perfect amount of swish. Available in two colors, these silky pants have a subtle sheen and a wide-leg silhouette, while the belt loops and adjustable ties at the front and back ensure a perfect fit. These pants are available for pre-order at Moda Operandi and will ship in early summer. If you're looking to get ahead of a trend, this is a great way to do it. $275 at Moda Operandi.
22. Sézane
An internet-famous trench coat that will never go out of style and is worth the investment. Available in a lovely range of colors and patterns, this coat has legions of devoted fans across the internet (and in the newsroom). When HuffPost reporter Brandi Buchman (age 40) revealed that she's on the hunt for a trench coat, she emphasized that it has to be "classy but casual and functional. And LINED." Our colleague, Lydia O'Connor, quickly chimed in and said that this Sézane trench "is my most-worn coat! I like a trench with minimal bells and whistles. It's also warmer than it looks." It has a casual, oversized silhouette that feels definitively French, a classic collar, a gorgeous check lining and is made with water-repellent material, making it as functional as it is a beautiful garment. $355 at Sézane.
