Every March I’m eager for spring to make itself known and stay for a while. While we usually get the former, the latter can be tricky: this time of year where I live we can see eighty-degrees and sunshine or twenty degrees and snow, often in the same week!
These transitional months between seasons often present a wardrobe conundrum: how do you figure out what to wear when the temperatures fluctuate from day to day (or hour to hour)? I try to honor (and stay comfortable in) the season we’re in with lots of layers for varying temps, plus fabrics that honor my spring state of mind while still keeping me warm when it’s freezing out.
These are a few of the favorite pieces I rely on to see me through winter into spring and beyond.Â
Jeans/pants
These demi-boot crop jeans are so cute for warmer spring; the dark wash pairs easily with any kind of top. I love the button-fly detail; it reminds me of my favorite jeans ever. I also love and adore these Paige crops; they were one of my favorite additions to my wardrobe last year. Anthropologie’s wide-leg pants are reliably great in linen (soon) or cotton: easy to dress up and dress down, and comfortable in a wide range of temperatures.
Madewell // J. Crew // Anthropologie // Old Navy
Cotton sweaters
I love cotton sweaters this time of year, especially cables: they keep me warm on cold days while still looking spring-appropriate. This Madewell open stitch is fun and fresh. This retro v-neck has a nautical feel, just right for this time of year. And you can’t go wrong with a cable cardigan that’s easily shed on days that start below freezing but become quite warm by midday.
Madewell // Banana Republic // Eileen Fisher // Vero Moda
Sweater tees
With the look of a blouse and the comfort of a tee, these sweater tees offer the best of both worlds during this season of unpredictable temperatures: whether pointelle, linen blend, boxy, or puff sleeves, I’m reaching for sweater tees a lot on warmer days.
Stripes
This will be no surprise to anyone who has followed along here for a while: I love stripes! And I’m not the only one: these are all selling fast so snag one while you can.
Halogen // J. Crew // Old Navy
Colors
What better time to don a burst of color? I personally love this gorgeous soft coral, and this versatile sweater (I have several) is available in kelly green, blues, hot pink, red, and more. Orange also feels right for right now: this cheerful shade of orange could be just the thing for your spring.
Sneakers
I don’t think sneakers ever go out of style but they seem to be especially in this year. I’ve struggled to find some for myself (aside from my trusty Allbirds) because of my wide feet, but I love the look of these and would wear them if I could. Adidas’s Pure Cloudfoam Sneaker has a zillion rave reviews. These are also available in a green that is adorable. I’m told this is Kate Middleton’s brand, but alas, my feet are too big to take them out for a spin myself.
What are your go-to winter-to-spring transition pieces? Tell us all about your favorites in the comments!
15 comments
There are some great choice here for the different temps. I love layers also because the weather in western PA is also very temperamental. Have a great day and make wise wardrobe choices 🙂
I had to shovel this morning. It’s still winter in Wisconsin.
In Minnesota too. Lots of snow around. I don’t even look at my spring clothes until May – it just makes me sad otherwise.
We typically get the summer boxes out in conjunction with Mother’s Day. (Minnesota too) But it’s nice when you have some days where you don’t have to wear a coat to pick up the kids!
As a fellow wide-footed woman, may I recommend the Taos lace up sneaker, They have both leather and canvas, they come in wide, and they have the most supportive insole I’ve ever seen outside of a Birkenstock (but in a classic cool, low profile sneaker).
This is so fun, and helpful as I am trying to be more mindful about building some great basic pieces to own vs. the novelty things I am always attracted to first. I would add having a great basic blazer, lighter weight for Spring/Summer in black or navy, and even a fun pop color. These are perfect for my business casual workplace. J Crew Factory has some great options…I just picked up a gorgeous light blue twill weave that looks like it could have cost over $300 (I got in on sale for under $100).
https://factory.jcrew.com/p/womens/categories/clothing/blazers/herringbone-one-button-holland-blazer/BO492?display=standard&fit=Classic&color_name=sm-herringbone-blue-whi&colorProductCode=BO492
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Hi Tina, we’ll investigate!
The Walking Store carries wide sneakers. I love their comfy shoes. Unfortunately, they no longer have brick and mortar stores since Covid, but do have a great return policy!
People with wide feet unite! Or at least share shoe ideas. Did you know that Birkenstock makes sneakers? I bought their white leather “Bend” sneakers last year and I’m so grateful. I used to have to cushion my smallest toe with lambswool because the toe box of sneakers weren’t quite wide enough. . .no longer!
Thanks for the nudge on the Birkenstock Bend sneakers! I have worn Birks for 25 years and have been eyeballing the Bend since last year – I finally purchased a pair from their website tonight. FYI, if you like grey leather, those are on super sale for $90 (and another 10% off if you have an account/are a member of their website).
In early spring, I’m always looking for a lightweight rain jacket with a hood. Carrying an umbrella around is inconvenient and then limits me to one free hand!
I’m wearing long sleeve tshirts and cotton sweater cardigans. In Colorado, it is snowing one day and maybe 50 the next! And sometimes on the same day! I love LulaRoe clothes and they are great for layering. The cost is really economical too! I try to wear bright colors to make me feel cheerier. I love the bright peach colors!
I’m the type of person who finds something I like and buys it in every color. For spring, I’ve really been enjoying LL Bean’s pima cotton long sleeve tees, paired with an LL Bean fleece vest. They have so many lovely solid colors as well as stripes and they are super, super comfortable.
Rebecca, I love this approach! (Honestly it sounds like my sweater collection: same style in every shade.)