It feels like just yesterday we were talking about transitioning our warm-weather basics into fall, no? Well, pat yourself on the back because we made it! Snow is a melting, birds are a chirping and contrary to whether or not Mother Nature agrees, spring is “officially” here! But as far as the weather goes, I like to refer to this time of year as “sprinter”–otherwise known as no-man’s land for making outfit decisions. You know, those days where the temperature varies twenty degrees from when you wake up and when you leave the office? When you just can’t fathom putting on your puffer jacket another day, but also feel it’s a bit premature to start rockin’ your heel-showing mules? Yep, sounds like sprinter.
If there’s one fashion “rule” I’ve come to accept and abide by over the years, it’s that there are no rules. Sure, nobody wants to be the girl showing up to the office feeling seasonally inappropriate because of her outfit selection. But, I’ve come to learn that with a few tips and tricks–thinking outside the box, embracing your unique layering game, and incorporating just a dash of color–you can easily weather this odd style transition.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite transitional style looks that straddle both winter and spring seasons, as well as allow you to embrace spring trends and get more mileage out of your winter staples. Enjoy!
No need to retire your plaid prints now that the snow is disappearing. Once reserved for chillier temps, we are now seeing this classic print and pattern all over spring runways. It’s all in how you style them. Keep the look light by swapping your loafers and booties for a sneaker and your black skinnies for a fun, light trouser-style pant. Bonus points if they are pastel (double points for lavender–a huge color this spring!).
Your denim mini doesn’t need to be reserved for 80-degrees-and-sunny. Try it with a pair of non-opaque tights and your favorite booties. I love this short skirt, long bomber jacket play-on-proportions. Who’s with me?
Add a burst of energy into your basic work ensemble and trade your neutrals for a pop-of-color. Among all of the bold colors reigning supreme this spring, yellows and reds may take center stage.
The dresses that are tucked deep inside the bowels of your closet collecting dust? Remember those? Brush ’em off and throw a long-sleeved knit over for an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for the weekend or a day at the office.
To hell with the rules–it’s not too early for white denim. Though (for some) it may not be sandal weather quite yet, it’s warm enough to start showing your ankles. A pair of cropped, wide-legged trousers, your favorite loafers and a turtleneck sweater is the perfect look for easing into warmer temps.
Really not a rule follower (who made them up, anyway)? Nothing says “spring” quite like a fresh, monochromatic look comprised of light, airy neutrals. I’m talkin’ white on white, done right. Add in one of your winter staple jackets, like leather, wool or velvet to your head-to-toe white look–which will offset it from being too summery and make your winter toppers feel seasonally fit.
Something about this masculine-meets-feminine ensemble just feels “cool.” Is it just me, or do the rising temps get anyone else excited to rock your sneakers? This spring, juxtapose your favorite tomboy sneaks with a fresh, femme white blouse.
There’s no spring staple quite like a trench coat. Back in a big way this season–a trench is the perfect substitute for the wool coat you’ve been counting down the days to retire. Pair with your LBD or over your flared jeans for a modern take on an otherwise-classic piece.
You got your pedicure, now what are you waiting for? I say, as long as the snow is melted and there’s no frostbite in the forecast, show off your toes! Incorporating sandals early-on during these seemingly weird, transitional months can be tricky. Opt for a subtle peep toe or open-heel mule and keep it wintery on top, like this striped sweater and black cropped flares look.
Can’t wait to sport that summery jumpsuit? As long as you’re creative with layering, it’s not too early! While gingham may be a strong, summer print, it can be easily transitioned by layering a chunky turtleneck underneath.
The weather during these transitional months can be a bit bi-polar. One minute you’re hot, the next you’re cold, so proper layering is key. Try an open collar white button down over your basic black turtleneck. Top it off with a denim jacket and you’re good to go no matter what mother nature blows your way.
!function(doc,s,id){ var e, p, cb; if(!doc.getElementById(id)) { e = doc.createElement(s); e.id = id; cb = new Date().getTime().toString(); p = ‘//shopsensewidget.shopstyle.com/widget-script.js?cb=1521817976996?cb=’ + cb; e.src = p; doc.body.appendChild(e); } if(typeof window.ss_shopsense === ‘object’){ if(doc.readyState === ‘complete’){ window.ss_shopsense.init(); } } }(document, ‘script’, ‘shopsensewidget-script’);
L.K. Bennett Dana Block Heel Mule • LK Bennett • $149.97
Topshop Slouchy Stripe Sweater • Topshop • $60
J.Crew – Dion Cotton-gabardine Trench Coat – Beige • J.Crew • $200
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Fluted-lapel wrap cotton blouse • Diane von Furstenberg • $134
The Modern Loafer • Everlane • $168
J BRAND Joan High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans • J Brand • $198
Leith Cozy Ribbed Pullover • Leith • $35.40
Madewell – Denim Mini Skirt – Black • Madewell • $90
Topshop Windowpane Plaid Trousers • Topshop • $68
–
Image sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19