This post: Winter-to-spring outfit ideas (+ the wardrobe pieces every classy woman needs to keep her look on point.)
Here in the South, transitioning from winter into spring is a bit tricky on the wardrobe.
Do I dress for spring?
Or is it still winter?
Right now, we’re getting a generous taste of both seasons- sometimes within a single day.
Having a few wardrobe essentials for this “transition season” enables a busy woman to dress well with confidence, regardless of the fickle weather.
Here’s my mantra for winter-into-spring style transition:
Invest in wardrobe pieces which are multi-seasonal and high quality.
With that in mind, I’ve hand-selected a few classic pieces from my favorite shops.
These are items and brands that I personally wear a lot, and include everything from high-end brands to inexpensive favorites.
Another big mantra around here is dress well.
The outfit ideas + wardrobe pieces featured here are ideal for the woman who prefers a slightly preppy + professional look.
Just click the images in this post to shop these brands, or look for similar pieces at your local department or consignment shops.
Blazers & Cardigans
How they’re versatile:
- Both blazers and cardigans are a perfection layering solution at this time of year.
- They can be paired with a variety of tops and bottoms, creating a nearly endless number of outfits.
What to look for:
- I opt for high quality materials (wool, cashmere, fleece), flattering cuts, and pieces which aren’t too bulky to layer well.
- Blazers and cardigans should add a pop of color or interest to your outfit; even on a cold day, they should subtly nod toward spring.
How to style blazers and cardigans, winter-to-spring:
- Dressy blazers are great for pairing with a short-sleeved or sleeveless dress on cold days.
- Cardigans or a classic denim jacket are perfect for finishing off an outfit on a chilly late-winter or early-spring day.
Kristy’s favorites:
Winter-to-Spring Dresses
How they’re versatile:
- Dresses are absolutely timeless and, generally speaking, an all-season wardrobe piece.
- With a little creativity, you can take a dress from fall through spring, casual to dressy.
What I look for:
- Warm materials: ponte, wool, velour, fleece.
- Long-sleeves; or sleeveless to wear with a blazer or cardigan.
- Styles that can easily be layered, if necessary.
How to style dresses for cold spring outfits:
- Pair knee-length or midi dresses with tights and boots; for a more sophisticated look, opt for pumps and black or nude hose.
- Wear a statement necklace, and always carry a handbag that matches your purse.
Kristy’s favorites:
Breton Tees
How they’re versatile:
- Bretons are absolutely timeless and will add a classic vibe to any wardrobe.
- Just FYI: Bretons are French, nautical-inspired shirts which originally date back to the 1850’s.
What I look for:
- Well-made designs that drape well and aren’t clingy.
- High-quality material that washes well; Bretons are “casual wear” and will need to withstand many washings.
How to wear Breton tees, winter-to-spring:
- I layer short-sleeved Bretons with jackets and cardigans to accommodate changes in weather.
- Long-sleeved Bretons are perfect with a favorite pair of jeans or skirt, and can be worn over a cotton shirt for added interest.
Kristy’s favorites:
Lightweight Sweaters
How they’re versatile:
- Lightweight sweaters provide extra warmth without being too warm. They are an ideal transitional wardrobe piece.
What I look for:
- Quality materials: cashmere, wool, cotton, and blends of all the above.
- Lightweight, feminine designs; not too chunky or heavy.
- Soft or bright colors.
How to wear sweaters, winter-to-spring:
- I like to layer sweaters over a favorite cotton shirt, or simply wear them with a favorite skirt (more on warm-enough skirts later in this post).
- For a dressier look, I enjoy thin, slightly fitted sweaters than can easily be worn under a blazer. (Personally, I like mock-turtle necks for a sophisticated air.)
- Pair an over-sized sweater with a pencil skirt or pair of fitted jeans.
Kristy’s Favorites:
Warm-Enough Skirts
How they’re versatile:
- Skirts can be casual and even appropriate as active-wear, but they do lend an air of class and femininity.
- If you choose to wear skirts, they can be as versatile as you need them to be!
What I look for:
- Flattering cuts for my body type.
- Warmer materials: thick denim, wool, fleece, flannel; fully lined skirts are warmer, as well.
- An overall design that I love and don’t mind wearing many, many times; I collect a variety of tees, blouses, and sweaters, but I’m more of a minimalist when it comes to skirts.
How to wear skirts, winter-to-spring:
- I almost always wear tights or warm, knee socks with my knee-length skirts during cold weather months.
- Ankle boots are the rage right now, but I love a knee–high pair of boots with a knee-length skirt.
- For church or dressier occasions, I wear a quality pair of hose with my A-line or pencil skirts.
Kristy’s Favorites:
Winter-to-Spring Accessories
Every season calls for accessories.
Here are a few pretty things to keep you warm without stifling your inner spring-time.
What would you add to this list?
What’s one wardrobe essential you find yourself wearing over and over in this winter-to-spring season?
(Don’t forget to check out my post, The Productive Woman’s Habit of Dressing Well.)
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