We saw a break in the dreary weather this morning, and it had me dreaming of spring. I am looking forward to the sun peeking through the clouds again and warming my sitting room. Even if the weather outside isn’t quite ready for songbirds and budding trees, my winter wardrobe could use a could reboot.
I’ve recently seen all the stores sharing their spring wardrobes and thought I’d share my go-to pieces that I like to wear as we transition from winter to spring.
COLORS
Most popular question ever! Do you go bright? Do you embrace the jewel tones of the holidays? Do you stay dark and moody?
Navy, or any blue really is my go to color for transitioning from winter to spring.It works for early spring, but is still dark and subtle for winter weather. It compliments most skin tones, and can be considered a neutral or as a stand out color.
Creams and whites are also my other staple colors for this time of year. They are soft on pale winter skin, but also give a crisp, clean appearance. Just like the freshness of spring’s arrival, creams and whites naturally give an airy feel to any outfit.
THE BASIC WHITE TEE
There’s something to be said for a basic tee, and believe me not every tee is the same. This time of year I like to take inventory of my basics, especially my basic white tee shirts. Simple is best for changing from winter to spring. Just like nature, you don’t see vibrant colors or eye catching patterns just yet. Everything seems quiet, sleepy, muted. Your wardrobe should reflect that as well.
Wear with jeans, a soft zip-up hoodie and your favorite sneakers for running errands around town; or be a bit more put together for a lunch date with a friend by pairing your basic white tee with colored pants, a jean jacket, and mules.
THE OPEN CARDIGAN
The transition from winter to spring can bring unexpected temperatures, so I always come prepared with layers. Since temperatures can start and end the day on the cool side, but indoors the heat is still cranked up I lean towards open cardigans. I stick with soft cozy fabrics to wrap around me if I catch a chill, but love the ability to let the fabric waft in my wake. The duster is the perfect cardigan for this time of year. It still has that cozy sweater feel, but its swingy to give that light airy appearance.
Wear with your favorite tee shirt and leggings, a long necklace and ballet flats for a pretty casual look; or dress up with a lace cami, jeans and booties for a dinner out.
THE JEAN JACKET
This is a wardrobe capsule piece that I couldn’t live without. I invested a long time ago in a fitted jean jacket that I still wear 10 years later. Honestly, having more than one has crossed my mind multiple times, I need to pull the trigger and snag another one of these. I like mine to have a bit of stretch to them and taper in at the waist. Jean jackets can traditionally be boxy covering the feminine figure, but if you can fin done that tapers in a bit at your true waist it is much more flattering.
Wear with a pair of colored pant, basic white tee shirt, and sneakers for an around-town outfit; or pair your jean jacket with a tee shirt dress and booties for a cute brunch date. Don’t forget the floral scarf to ward off the chill. To be a bit more dressy, layer your jean jacket with a lace cami, ankle pants, and mules. You really can’t go wrong with a well fitted jean jackets. Think of it as a pair of well fitting jeans, it goes with everything.
THE STRIPE
As the weather begins to break from winter to spring, I always feel the need to refresh my look. Tossing in a simple pattern, like the stripe gives a bit of contrast to the day-in day-out solids I’ve been wearing since November. Its not vibrant enough to be full on spring, but it hints at lighter days and reminds me of boats every time.
Stripes really are a neutral and can be paired with florals, geometric designs, or bright solids leading into warmer months. I love the look of a pinstripe with a muted floral infinity scarf. Fabrics can play a big role in the feel of an outfit. A striped layering tee says cozy while a striped button-down is a bit more formal.
Wear with colored jeans and booties, and don’t forget to carry your jean jacket incase it gets chilly.
THE PONTE ANKLE PANT
As the sun starts to peek through the winter haze more and more, I always get the urge to bust out my skirts and dresses. It isn’t quite warm enough to bare the legs and let’s be honest, I’m not ready for anyone to see them yet either. Everyone loves a good white, but I bet you weren’t talking about my legs–HA! The ankle ponte pant is “peeking” spring, but you won’t freeze while you do it! You can typically find them with a bit of stretch which is always forgiving coming out of the holiday months, and makes for an extra cozy feel.
Wear with your favorite oversized cowl neck sweater from winter and slip on a pair of mules, or if you can’t keep those on like me, a pair of ballet flats. This ankle pant pairs well with a striped button down and light scarf, or with a lace cami and duster open cardigan.
I hope this helps you stay stylish as we transition from winter into spring. I know that I will be looking forward to warmer weather letting my ankles peek out while staying cozy in my long open cardi!
