The most confusing time for fashion is during the transitional months where it isn't warm just yet but it isn't cold either. The exact time that this happens varies by where you live, but we all know this time well. It's that peculiar time where true spring/summer clothes aren't right yet, it isn't time to break out the sandals, buuut, a warm coat isn't necessary either. These are the days where you can see one person on the subway wearing shorts sitting next to someone in a puffer coat. It's...just...so...confusing. Truthfully, I spend more time being cold in the spring than I do in the winter because I rarely get my outfit right. Long sick of my coat, I push the spring season and then freeze.
Navigating transitional fashion isn't easy. The best advice out there is to layer, which is good advice, for sure, but there have to be other ways we can do it to make sure we are putting together a stylish look that will work for this 'tweener time when we have no idea how to dress.
Transitional Style: Outfit Ideas for Early Spring
Seeing that the transitional season is just about here and possibly already there where you live, I have put together outfits along with some advice you can use to get your spring transitional style right.
Outfit #1
So much of surviving transitional is to be armed with cardigans because they can function as lightweight coats or jacket replacements. Another tip, have shoes on hand that aren't sandals but aren't boots, like some flats, slingbacks that are a bit more open yet still cover the toes. Shoes like this can give a colder weather type outfit look more spring-like without looking out of place. Lastly, layer tops under your cardigans that have some arm coverage so you can comfortably remove your cardigans if necessary.
I styled these black and white mini-dot pants from CeCe with a long sleeve top from Eileen Fisher that I layered under a red cardigan from J. Crew. I finished the look with a pair of black flat slingbacks from Sigerson Morrison, a black teether necklace (perfect for moms) from Chewbeeds and a bag from Coach.
Outfit #2
During the transitional months, I love wearing a navy blazer. For me, it's my preferred outerwear piece. I throw it on with jeans and I feel done. If you are looking for a more tailored look, a blazer can be a fine substitute for a cardigan. Additionally, a large scarf can add some added warmth for when the day takes a turn and gets cooler.
In the outfit above, I styled this navy blazer from J. Crew with a pair of cropped flare jeans from GRLFRND and grey wrap front knit top from Something Navy. I finished the look with a camel scarf from Nordstrom, a cognac bag from Tory Burch, tortoise earrings from Zoë Chicco and peep-toe booties from Bueno. While open-toed, peep-toe booties can be a good choice during transitional months because the foot is still well covered.
Outfit #3
Depending on where you live, the transitional time from winter to spring may be razor thin. It may not be prudent to buy a lot of clothes for this time of year, however, a few pieces that work well during the transition may be helpful. These may not be things you can wear in the dead of winter or the height of summer but exclusively fall in that transitional period either between summer and fall or winter and spring.
I styled this dress from Boden that is lightweight and has long sleeves; perfect for transitional months. Next, I added a pair of booties that can be taken from your winter wardrobe and styled with this dress to make it a bit more early-spring. I finished the outfit with a burgundy bag Madewell.
Outfit #4
The reason I styled the look above with a burgundy bag is because another way to make outfits look more transitional is to not style them with bright, summery colors. This tip may not keep you warm, but it will help you not look like you are pushing the season too hard.
Another example of this is with the outfit above. Sometimes it can be hard to wait to wear something more summery, like these pants from Halogen. They would be perfect on a hot summer day with a white t-shirt or tank top and fun sandals. For transitional weather, however, adding some darker colors and more transitional clothing pieces make these pants look right for the season. I styled the pants with a lightweight navy wool sweater and flats from Caslon. I added these silver hoops and added a small pop of color with this teal green bag from Staud.
Outfit #5
This black dress from Felicity & Coco is another piece that can be taken into the warmer months with the right accessories, however, it can be used now just by pairing it with some pieces some winter and some lightweight layering pieces.
In the outfit above, I added these cognac boots from Calvin Klein and a denim jacket from Vince Camuto. For easy-to-remove warmth and a pop of color, I included this scarf from Polo Ralph Lauren, an orange crossbody bag from A.P.C. and a simple necklace from Lana jewelry.
Creating a transitional style is a combination of layering right pieces in the right weights and color palettes. I hope these tips help you.
