7 Spring Fashion Essentials at Kohl’s, Per a Stylist

After a long, cold winter, there’s no better feeling than the newness of spring—new high temperatures, new sunset times, and above all, new fashion trends. In our micro-trend-saturated media landscape, it can be hard to keep up with what the cool girls are wearing at any given moment, so I turned to fashion stylist and Kohl’s Trend Expert Kenzie Welch to break down what’s in this spring. 

With more than one million TikTok followers, Welch is not just an authority on trends, but also how to make them accessible to everyone. Below, she gave me the scoop on all of the trending aesthetics and styles I should have on my radar—and how to shop them at budget-friendly prices. The best part? If you add Welch’s picks to your cart by March 25, you can snag 15 percent off with the code SAVINGS. Keep scrolling for under-$50 jeans, a preppy alternative to loafers, and more from Kohl’s.    

Stylist-Approved Spring Picks From Kohl’s

SO Oversized Two-Button Blazer

The first trend Welch touched on is the continued popularity of the capsule wardrobe—a.k.a., a handful of versatile staples that you can easily mix and match. “People are really searching to build those basics in their wardrobe,” she told me. “They really want to have that strong foundation of their clothing.” A blazer like this classic option is a capsule wardrobe essential. (And don’t be deterred by the juniors’ label—it’s one of Welch’s favorite layering pieces for spring.)   

Sonoma Goods for Life Straight Cuff Jeans

A pair of comfortable, high-quality jeans like these by Sonoma Goods for Life is another must-have when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe. “Cuffed denim is a great style to incorporate in the spring and summer because you can wear it with a nice flip flop or heel and they add a bit of elevation instead of just doing a plain jean,” Welch explained. She generally recommends sticking to medium or dark washes for year-round wear, though light jeans can still be a great option during the warmer months. 

Nine West Removable Hood Anorak Jacket

Welch also filled me in on the fisherman aesthetic trend, a riff on the laidback coastal vibes that have been popular for the past couple of years. Think: nautical stripes, netting-like knitwear, and utilitarian jackets. For example, this Nine West anorak is an ideal lightweight layer for spring. With details that lean into that workwear-inspired fisherman look, it’s spring’s answer to last fall’s barn jacket obsession.  

Eastland Yarmouth Loafers

Similarly, boat shoes are back and better than ever, according to Welch who called them “a big seasoned staple that I think a lot of girls are going to be wearing.” The Eastland Yarmouth Loafers are a fresh, updated take on the boat shoes of your middle school days, featuring a rounded toe and daintier, ballet flat-adjacent silhouette.  

Intempo Leopard-Print Sleeveless Dolman Top

Welch revealed that her followers and clients are ready for a return to maximalism this year. “The girlies want color,” she told me. “You spent the last two years really building a foundation for your wardrobe, and now you’re like, alright, I want to have some fun.” In other words, experiment with mixing those capsule wardrobe staples with bold pieces in unexpected prints and colors. On sale for just $22, this on-trend leopard-print top is the perfect example of a statement piece you can throw on with your favorite jeans.   

Intempo Long Polka Dot Boyfriend Blazer

Or, swap your basic blazer for this black-and-white polka dot style. Not only are polka dots having a major moment right now, but the oversized fit of this blazer gives it an effortlessly cool vibe that can take you from the office to happy hour at a chic restaurant. Fully lined and made with a comfortable stretch fabric, it looks and feels way more expensive than it actually is. 

Sonoma Goods for Life Oversized Boyfriend Shirt

You can even give your button-down a maximalist makeover with the Sonoma Goods for Life Oversized Boyfriend Shirt in a pink- and coral-striped print. The sherbet shades scream spring, but this top still has that timeless tailored look you want from a button-down. To put it Welch’s words, “This is going to be really a fun season for getting dressed because you’re going to see a blend of both of those worlds meeting together, where people are mixing in their basics with really fun pieces.” 

Head to Kohl’s to get in on the spring fashion fun without breaking the bank, and don’t forget to place your order ASAP to save a few extra dollars.