Welcome to 10 Things to Buy, a monthly shopping list that helps you shop smarter by focusing on the 10 key items to add to your cart that month if your wardrobe is in need of a boost. As a Who What Wear editor for the past 11 years, I’ve spent many hours advising people on what to shop for during any given season, so you’re in good hands. Whether you’re shopping for cold weather, warm weather, a vacation, or a wedding, I’m here to offer up the most seasonally appropriate suggestions. Be sure to return at the start of each month for more.
We made it. It’s officially spring. The pollen is swirling, the restaurant outdoor patios are full, and our arms and legs are seeing the light of day again. Of course, spring shopping is also in full swing. As someone who starts shopping early, I’m even starting to add a few new summer items to my wardrobe before they sell out. April is historically the month in which we can really start wearing our new spring items, which is a beautiful thing, and I have my eye on 10 specific items that people with good taste are buying over the course of the month to wear now and later this spring and summer. Scroll on to shop the 10 smartest items to buy this April, from elevated accessories to basics to the only type of pants chic dressers are ordering this month.
Tailored Shorts
Forget cutoffs—this season, I’m shopping for tailored shorts that are as appropriate for a fancy brunch as they are the beach. Linen and poplin with finished hems and either pleats or flat fronts are at the top of my shopping list.
J.Crew
Lucia Short in Stretch Linen Blend
Posse
Rosalie Linen Shorts
Woven Leather Bag
The beauty of a woven leather bag is that it works for every season of the year and makes all of your outfits look expensive. Plus, it’s a bit more elevated than a raffia bag.
Madewell
The Handwoven Leather Shoulder Bag
Dragon Diffusion
Rosanna Bag
St. Agni
Brown Woven Petit Arc Bag
Lightweight Blazer
A blazer is one of my favorite spring “jackets,” and yes, you’ll find plenty of them in every closet belonging to someone with good taste.
Massimo Dutti
100% Linen Flecked Blazer
COS
Regular Longline Linen-Blend Blazer
Satin Skirt
The prettiest skirt trend of the season is satin skirts—especially ones that are trimmed with lace. They’re the perfect match for the aforementioned lightweight blazer.
THE ROW
Irene Silk Slip Skirt
J.Crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin
Nordstrom
Lace Trim Bias Cut Midi Skirt
Flat Leather Sandals
This is the month when I always start thinking about sandals. The first style I’ll be investing in this year is a new pair of flat leather sandals because that’s the style I wear most frequently.
Nordstrom
Babette Slide Sandals
A.Emery
Kinto Leather Sandals
Boatneck Tank
Boatneck tank tops are the most elevated tank style on the market. Crewneck tanks are great, but they don’t hold a candle to these.
ÉTERNE
Iris Ribbed Stretch-Cotton and Modal-Blend Jersey Tank
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top
Pull-On Linen Pants
Linen pants are always quick to sell out each year when the weather warms up, so I’d jump on them now. You’ll need them until approximately October.
H&M
Linen Drawstring Pants
Reformation
Olina Linen Pants
White Dress
Something else that routinely flies out of stock is white dresses. Smart shoppers know the prettiest styles will go first, so now is the time to order.
Reformation
Kaya Linen Dress
Chino Baseball Cap
One of my favorite accessories this time of year is a chino baseball cap—such as the Polo Ralph Lauren style Kendall Jenner and everyone else is in love with.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Sport Cap in Nubuck/Navy
Sporty & Rich
LA Baseball Cap
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Sport Cap in Carson Blue/Adirondack Navy
Pastel Shirt
White button-downs are certainly an essential, but this season, it’s pastel button-downs that everyone wants. Think pale pink, butter yellow, mint green, and baby blue.
Favorite Daughter
Ex-Boyfriend Solid Button-Up Shirt in Ballet Slipper
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford in Blue Eoe
Polo Ralph Lauren
Relaxed-Fit Cotton Oxford Shirt in Wicket Yellow