Boys Capsule Wardrobe: Key Staples for toddlers, tweens and teens

Written By Caroline Dilbeck

I’m so excited to share this boy’s capsule wardrobe for spring. If you’ve been following for awhile then you’ve likely seen my women’s capsule wardrobes for each season and I hope that this will be just as helpful. The boys capsule wardrobe for spring is super simple and makes it easy for you to buy clothes, keep up with laundry, and for kids to get dressed. If you are feeling like you can’t complete a task fully (like laundry) then simplifying through a capsule wardrobe is a great way to reduce your mental load. 

Click on any image for links to shop and outfit details.

Spring Capsule Items

SHORT SLEEVE TSHIRTS (5 PACK) | SS TSHIRT WITH POCKET | SS TSHIRT HENLEY | LONG SLEEVE TSHIRTS | POLO SHIRTS | WINDBREAKER | DRESS SHIRT - NON-IRON | PULLOVER | JEANS (DARK & LIGHT WASH) | JOGGERS (NAVY & GREY) | DRESS PANTS | EVERYDAY SOCKS | BELT | CASUAL SHORTS | DRESS SOCKS | CASUAL SANDALS - CROCS | CASUAL SANDALS - NATIVES | CASUALS SANDALS - KEENS | DRESS SHOES | SNEAKERS - CLASSIC | SNEAKERS - TRENDY

Since this is the first kids capsule I’ve shared (girls is coming very soon!), here are a few things to note:

  • I’ve recommended a number of clothes for each clothing type. For example, 5 t-shirts or 2 pairs of jeans. You can adapt as needed based on lifestyle but I recommend starting here.

  • I’ve linked my favorite brands and styles that work for both of my boys who are very different shapes and sizes. My favorite stores to shop for boys clothing are Target, Old Navy, H&M, and J.Crew Factory to give you an idea of price point. Remember to use this as a guide as oppose to right and wrong rules.

  • Keeping in the same color palette will allow you to create more outfits. I suggest a base of neutral shorts in khaki and navy, as well as a good pair of jeans before adding in patterns and bright colors. Classic neutrals first THEN trend will get you the most bang for your buck and make your wardrobe go further (and generate less laundry!)

  • Our go-to outfit for spring is a basic short sleeve t-shirt paired with shorts and either a pullover or windbreaker with sneakers. On cooler days we swap the short sleeve for a long sleeve t-shirt and jeans.

BASIC SHORT SLEEVE TSHIRT

I recommend 5 short sleeve t-shirts for spring. Start with neutrals like light blue, navy blue and grey before layering in stripes, graphic t-shirts and bright colors to make your boys capsule wardrobe for spring go further. Anywhere you see a short sleeve shirt, feel free to sub one of the 4 recommended long sleeve t-shirts for cooler spring days.

SHOP HERE

CLASSIC BUTTON DOWN

I love a classic button down in blue or white for spring. If your boy is size 4 and above I recommend investing in the non-iron version of this same shirt from Brooks Brothers. It will save your sanity. I also love how a classic button down can dress up shorts and jeans. We wear our button downs and polos to church on Sunday and they double as our Easter shirts when paired with a cute bow tie or tie.


SHOP HERE

PULLOVER

Coming in at under $30 this pullover is so versatile. I recommend getting in blue or grey and sizing up. We love having this extra refined layer for cooler mornings in the spring and the hoodless design makes it safe for young toddlers too!

SHOP HERE

SHORTS

I recommend 5 pairs of shorts for spring for boys. Start with khaki and navy blue to make them go further in your spring capsule wardrobe. Then layer in fun colors like light blue and bright red for spring. Our favorite pair of shorts are from Target coming in at a whopping $6 at the time of this post. Our go-to daily outfit in the spring is shorts, a basic t-shirts and either the pullover or windbreaker with sneakers.

SHOP HERE

JEANS

I recommend 2 pairs of jeans for the spring. These are a great price point and fit both of my boys who are completely different shapes and sizes well. 


SHOP HERE

CHINOS

I recommend one pair of dress pants (unless you are a school uniform family and then I recommend 4 pair). These are a great price point and fit both of my boys who are completely different shapes and sizes well. 

SHOP HERE

JOGGERS

I recommend two pair of joggers for spring in grey and navy blue. We love these for casual cool days paired with either a short sleeve or long sleeve t-shirts. They also go well with either jacket option. Great price point on these at around $10 each.

SHOP HERE

Tops

  • 5 SHORT SLEEVE SHIRTS: I recommend starting with solid tshirts in base colors like light blue, navy blue and grey, then layering in a graphic tshirt, striped shirt or henley tshirt. Here are two versions of a basic tshirt - one with a pocket and one without.

  • DRESS SHIRT: We love Jcrew Factory for dress shirts. Once your boys hit size 4, I highly recommend the non-iron dress shirts at Brooks Brothers (linked here). We usually have one that fits each boy at a time since they are an investment and we don’t wear them as often.

  • 4 LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS: Like the short sleeve shirts, I recommend starting with navy and grey and then layering in patterns or a graphic tshirt.

  • 2 POLO SHIRTS: I love these in light blue, navy or grey and recommend 2 for the spring season.

Bottoms

  • 5 CASUAL SHORTS: I recommend starting with khaki and navy as a base before layering in bright colors. This year we have khaki, navy, dark grey, bright red, and sky blue.

  • 2 JEANS: We’ve found Old Navy and H&M to be our best bet for boys jeans. Old Navy linked here and H&M linked here.

  • DRESS PANTS: One pair khaki

  • 2 JOGGERS: Grey and Navy

Outerwear

Shoes

Accessories

Outfit Ideas

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may also contain affiliate links for your shopping convenience.

Caroline Dilbeck
Previous

Girls Capsule Wardrobe for Spring: Key Staples for toddlers, tweens and teens
Next

What I’ve Read Lately: January Edition