A new season doesn't mean you need to buy all new things — but if you want to, we won't judge! (Gap, J.Crew, Amazon)
Isn't the shift from winter to spring just the most exciting time? With longer sunny days and flowers in bloom, it's hard not to feel a little giddy about the change in seasons. But figuring out what to wear? That's where things get tricky. Mornings are brisk, afternoons feel like summer and without the right layers, you're either shivering or overheating.
Turns out there's a bit of a science to crafting a transitional wardrobe. You absolutely can be comfortable all day long, but it's best done with a bit of savvy sartorial strategy. I chatted with three fashion experts; they shared their best tips for transitioning from winter to spring. As Fashion and Beauty Director of Trendalytics, Kendall Becker wisely tells us, "Transitional styling is all about effortless swaps that refresh your look without a complete overhaul." That's right — there's no need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe (though you'd get no shade from us if you did). Little tweaks to your closet can make a world of difference.
These expert-approved tips will keep your wardrobe feeling fresh — plus I've handpicked some standout finds to help make the seasonal shift effortless.
"Layering is the key to all transitional weather," celebrity stylist, Ariel Tunnell tells us. Fellow stylist Tracy Shapoff agrees. She suggests that a cozy sweater or a lightweight jacket can be your best friend during this slightly confusing time of year. "I love to drape a sweater over my shoulders with a button-down shirt, and jeans. This will give you the option of using the sweater or just having a chic and refined outfit," Shapoff adds.
I personally love a mid-weight cardigan, like this J.Crew option, because it can be styled in so many ways. I can button one up over a flowy dress for a cozy, feminine look, keep things casual and leave it open over a simple tee, or as Shapoff recommends drape it over my shoulders for a preppy touch — the possibilities are endless.
And let's not forget about the oversized button-down — it's my go-to during these in-between temps, and Becker agrees it's a classic that shouldn't be underestimated. It's the ideal high-50s to mid-70s layer that isn't stuffy but still keeps you covered, either worn under a pullover or a tailored blazer or as an outer layer on its own. Plus, the relaxed fit of this Gap option means you can tie the front for a fun twist, either with pants, a skirt or over a dress, if it gets really hot!
Just because the seasons are changing doesn't mean you have to completely overhaul your style! With a few simple swaps, you can keep rocking your favorite outfits. Ditch your bulky puffer or a heavy wool coat, and grab a lightweight trench or a packable topper instead. They give you the same stylish vibe without all the weight! And for sweaters, it's time to put those chunky wool ones on hold until next winter and reach for lighter, layerable options (highlighted above), which are more versatile.
Another one of my favorite easy switches when warmer weather rolls around is swapping darker denim for lighter washes. A cute white pair of jeans or light blue ones just screams spring and feels fresh after wearing indigo and black all winter. The best part? You can likely do this with pieces you already have hanging in your closet. But if you are looking to add a new denim style to your rotation this spring, we, of course, have you covered with our editor's favorite jeans.
And here's another simple swap from Shapoff: "Switching up your bag is a great way to refresh your look while wearing the same outfit." While a suede bag looks so luxe in winter, you can lighten things up with an airy canvas style. I'm partial to this Cluci shoulder bag because it's large enough to hold more than just the essentials and the neutral shade is a balanced antidote to the more colorful pieces in my spring wardrobe.
"Refreshing your accessories doesn't mean retiring them completely. Instead, small styling updates can keep them feeling current and seasonally relevant," Becker tells us. One of her go-to styling hacks is adding a cute bag charm to your go-to purse. She notes that adorable accessories have seen a whopping 234% increase in buzz on social media this year because it's such a quick (and affordable) way to make an old bag feel new.
She also tells us not to tuck those knee-high boots away just yet! Instead of pairing them with jeans or tights as you would in the winter, try rocking them with bare legs and a cute mini or midi skirt or dress. As much as I love my black boots in the winter, come spring I tend to favor lighter styles like this tan Sam Edelman pair because they look more in balance with the pastels and brighter prints in my warm-weather wardrobe.
Tunnell also has a great tip for upgrading your shoe game — wear cute socks with your ballet flats and loafers. I already like to wear an unexpectedly colorful sock to dress up my laid-back jeans and sneakers but I plan to try her styling hack with my dressier shoes this season, too. It will add a fun twist to my outfit while still keeping my ankles cozy until the weather fully warms up.
Nothing brightens my day like slipping into a flirty dress when spring finally rolls around! Midi and maxi dresses are definitely one of my go-to styles as we transition to warmer months. The longer silhouette keeps my legs covers (both for warmth and to hide pasty winter skin) while still looking cheerful and sunny.
While I love a flirty dress, let's be real, we definitely don't want to venture out in freezing temperatures with bare shoulders and open-toed shoes. Instead, it's all about the layering. Top these dresses with a lightweight sweater or a cardigan — or even over a fitted turtleneck for a chic twist. For an edgier look, pair them with a stylish leather, denim or trench jacket. As for footwear, it's not quite sandal weather yet, but these dresses would look so cute with sneakers, dressy flats or those tan knee-high boots that I can't get enough of.
Adding color to your wardrobe is the easiest way to transition into spring. It might sound a bit obvious, but as Shapoff puts it, "Since we usually use darker colors throughout the winter months, adding in pops of color in a cardigan sweater, shoes, bags and other accessories will help make a simple outfit more exciting and feel like springtime."
This year, you can expect to see some beautiful color trends like pretty wisteria purple, soft peach, light olive and, of course, the ever-charming butter yellow (as seen in the Naadam cashmere sweater, recommended above).
But hey, if colorful clothes aren't really your thing, don't stress! You can still brighten up your neutral outfits with cheerful accessories — especially jewelry. "I use more fun materials as it becomes warmer, whether that be colorful beads, pearls, turquoise stones, unique charms, ceramic or other organic materials," says Shapoff.
Colorful sneakers are also high on my spring shopping list, especially after seeing how stylish the Scandinavian ladies look in them. No matter how you choose to sprinkle some color into your wardrobe, remember, it's all about adding those little touches that bring a smile to your face.
