Skip to Content

Make a Smooth Spring Transition With These Key Pieces

This post may contain affiliate links*

For some, spring is the most wonderful time of the year — and possibly also the most sartorially challenging. In the midst of making plans for a spring getaway and tidying up the house post-holiday, it’s worth considering the best way to transition your wardrobe from blustery, chilly climes to considerably less uncomfortable weather.

Transition wear is an age-old conundrum that befalls most of us at some point. But there are stylish spring clothes out there that can make the most of that in-between period that’s not quite freezing and not quite balmy. Here are a few that will make every day a little more comfortable and a lot more stylish.

Spring Clothes to Invest in Now

1. Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are timeless, of course. But they’re also easily among spring’s most essential pieces. Added to your capsule wardrobe, you’ll find a good denim jacket goes with everything from cute spring dresses to long-sleeve tops to maxi skirts. Use yours to tone down dressy ensembles or to layer over tanks and tees for a shot of additional warmth.

The right style is purely classic — not too long, not too cropped, and free of trendy adornments. Try Levi’s Classic Trucker Jacket.

2. Sweater Blazer

Save this

Enter your email below and I'll email this post to you!

Sweater blazers are perfect in so many ways: they’re sleek, flattering, smart and tailored. You can wear it in myriad ways, whether as a complement for a silk blouse and a pair of matching pants, or with a T-shirt and a pair of jeans. You’ll feel cozier than you would in a traditional blazer, yet more polished than you would in a standard sweater.

The best-selling J. Crew Factory Sweater Blazeradds instant sophistication to any transitional look.

3. Tall Boots

Tall boots may scream winter, but they’re actually a fabulous transition piece to wear as temperatures shift away from barely tolerable. The right pair will keep your legs toasty when you wear a dress or a skirt. And, they look right at home with a pair of leggings and an oversized chambray button-down shirt on a cool day.

Simple, sleek styles, like the Antonia Leather Boot from Italian Shoemakers, are ideal. Just avoid pairing them with ultra-summery styles, where the distinction may be too glaring. Try a neutral dress and, for a pop of color, a sunny scarf.

4. Striped Shirt

The ubiquitous striped shirt is a springtime staple unlike any other. Get a head start on the season’s best looks by swapping the cool-weather jewel tones for crisp, casual stripes.

You can pair the striped Weekday Long-Sleeve Stripe Top with jeans, a blazer, and a pair of sporty canvas sneakers. The result is a quick, off-duty look that’s equal parts stylish and comfortable.

5. Wide-Leg Pants

A wide-leg silhouette has the added advantage of being both warm and breezy — like those weather conditions you’re trying to negotiate. The right pair isn’t too baggy or overwhelming to your frame, but instead gracefully opens from hip to ankle to provide you with a little extra wiggle room.

A pair of Madewell Pleated Wide-Leg Pants is adorable with the aforementioned denim jacket and striped top.

6. Open Cardigan

Layers, layers, and more layers — that’s the storyboard for your spring fashion inspiration this year. Those layers are sure to keep you comfortable in the face of an unexpected brisk wind or sudden drop in temperature.

An open cardigan is a smart choice because you can cinch it closed with a sleek belt, wear it over multiple tops, and toss it on over anything from a dress to skinny jeans. We love the LOFT Soft Open Cardigan.

Spring Transition-Wear Strategies

Outer Layers

There’s a reason we have layering pieces on our must-have spring clothes list! One of the best ways to weather-proof your outfit is to layer. And here’s how to do it without ruining your look.

Dress for the occasion first. Then, layer up according to the venue and how you’re getting there. If you’re driving to an indoor venue, you probably only need a light jacket to get you from the parking lot to the door. If you’re walking, you’ll need two extra layers — like a wrap and a blazer.

Hosiery

Hosiery can be a girl’s best friend no matter what the season. Your options range from winter-thick (tights) to spring thin (practically see-through) — which means a versatile collection of hosiery can take any outfit from too-cold to just-right.

Hats

There are ways to wear stylish hats without feeling like a baseball player or a dude in a beanie. Overstock.com has one of the widest ranges of hats I’ve ever seen — surely you’ll find a style you love.

Scarves

A scarf is your portable blanket, and you can wear them year-round. For spring, look for lighter-weight infinity scarves that work over long- and short-sleeved tops alike.

Alex Dwight

Thursday 14th of April 2016

Trending and Fashion styles. I love them all. Thanks for keeping me up to speed on what's hot and what's not.

Blake Woodruff

Tuesday 5th of April 2016

Wide legged trousers are in style now? Dang, who knew I was doing it so right back in high school with my JNCO jeans!

Lillian Schaeffer

Tuesday 5th of April 2016

These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice to get some lightweight knits for the transition from winter to spring. I've had some troubles trying to find something stylish to wear during this time in the past. I'll definitely try to find some cute lightweight sweaters that I can pull out when the weather is still a bit chilly. Thanks for the great post!

Sophia

Wednesday 2nd of March 2016

Awesome Outfits and accessories.

Comments are closed.