The Only 5 Fashion Buys You Need to Look Current This Spring

All of spring's styles, boiled down to five must-get purchases.

The lists have been rolling in for months, each one detailing everything you need to buy for spring. It’s overwhelming —Prints! Athleisure! Boho! Gingham! Mesh! — and tough to sift through.

But don’t worry: Your wardrobe doesn’t need a complete overhaul. A simple refresh will do the trick! Here are five prime buys to invest in for spring. Choose one (or all!) for a quick new-season pick-me-up. Even better: We’ve found options for wallets both light and loaded. It’s all you need to feel on top of trends right now, without looking like a fashion victim. Happy shopping.

1. A long sleeveless jacket.
The difference between this season’s standout and a typical vest is length. Look for one in a lightweight material that hits around mid-thigh or longer. Layer over your outfit for a chic transitional piece.

OUR PICKS:
Lust: Brunello Cucinelli double-breasted vest, $3,245 at Neiman Marcus.
Must: Topshop jacket, $130 at Nordstrom.

2. A sporty sandal.
The ‘athleisure’ trend is still picking up steam, but don’t think you need to figure out how to wear track pants with sequins just yet. Keep it simple and invest in a flat sandal with sporty leanings — mesh, leather, rubber. Go strappy or simple (think: gilded slides that recall old-school Adidas shower shoes).

OUR PICKS:
Lust: Guiseppe Zanotti lugged-sole sandal, $710 at Intermix.
Must: Ciara leather and metal plate sandal, $225 at Vince.

3. A fringed bag.
The boho trend is back in a big way, and the easiest way to dip your toe into it — without going all bellbottoms-and-flower-crowns — is with a swish of fringe.

OUR PICKS:
Lust: Gucci fringe tote, $2,500 at Neiman Marcus.
Must: Remi & Reid Hammertime clutch, $48 at Third Street Habit.

4. A long pendant necklace.
Swap your dainty gold chain for a pendant necklace. Aim for one that’s sculptural or geometric — and remember, the longer the better.

OUR PICKS:
LUST: Marni necklace, $400 at Net-a-Porter.
MUST: Indego Africa Sudeste geo pendant necklace, $138 at Anthropologie.

5. A pair of wide-leg pants.
The new season is all about proportion. For the sartorially brave, this means roomy culottes; for others, it means a voluminous pair of wide-leg, full-length pants. Aim for ones that are high-waisted so that the cinched silhouette balances out the large leg.

OUR PICKS:
LUST: 
Tome cropped taffeta wide-leg pants, $600 at Moda Operandi.
MUST: Vivienne Westwood Red Label wool and silk high-rise wide-leg pants, $288.75 at The Outnet.