Essential #1: Voluminous skirt—Why not pick a skirt that plays with proportion this spring? We love the style in red for an extra dramatic option.
BDG Flannel Skirt, $19, available at Urban Outfitters, 1440 3rd Street Promenade (between Santa Monica Boulevard and Broadway); Santa Monica; 310-394-1404.
Essential #2: Fitted jean jacket—If you don’t already have this staple in your closet, we highly recommend you pick one up and use it in place of your favorite cardigan.
Denim Jacket, $69.50, available at The Gap, 370 North Beverly Drive (at Brighton Way); 310-274-0461.
Essential #3: Cropped Sweater—Swap out extra-long shirts for this sweet sweater that will go with all of your must-have high-waist pieces.
Jenni Kayne Bateau Cropped Top, $ 150, available at Jenni Kayne, 616 North Almont Drive (at Santa Monica Boulevard); 310-860-0123.
Essential #4: Lace-up boots—A sturdy, substantially heeled boot never goes out of fashion and is the perfect finishing touch to balance out a girlier look.
Aldo Bregon Boots, $78, available at Aldo, 404 North Beverly Drive (at Brighton Way); 310-550-7298.