I remember when I lived back east, I would always have such a hard time during February/March. Snow was still on the ground, but the stores were stock full of spring. What was a girl to do? I’d love to say that I mastered the art of transitional dressing while still in my 20’s, but, frankly, it’s taken me a few extra decades of living in LA to really nail it. Since we only have two seasons here, transitional dressing is the norm. It’s really all about layers and incorporating upcoming spring trends with your winter staples. Here are a few tips on how I plan to tackle transitional dressing for this winter to spring season.
A Colorful Sweater Transitions Easily from Winter to Spring
Ok, it’s February so you need to still be warm, but you’re itching for a little spring color, right? Not to worry, I’ve got you covered.
The green cashmere sweater on the left is from Rag-Bone (find it here). The cashmere will keep you toasty while the color is literally Pantone’s color for 2017 so it couldn’t be more timely. The shape is boxy, but cropped so it feels fresh, and is really flattering. Pair it black pants and boots while the snow’s still falling and white jeans or a gauzy skirt or dress once the weather warms up. The sweater in the middle from J. Crew (find it here) combines two of my favorite things: cashmere and stripes. The colors pop with vibrant energy, very spring, but again, the cashmere will keep you from getting pneumonia. The sweater on the right, also from J. Crew (find it here), is just a great color for when the winter blues are getting you down, but since it’s cotton, you can wear it all spring and summer.
Stripes Are on Trend for Spring
As you know, I love stripes and wear them all the time. Occasionally, like this spring, it makes me actually fashionable. I am down right obsessed with this striped dress from Proenza Schouler (find it here).
The strategically placed stripes suck you in in all the right places, creating the kind of gorgeous curves that completely put to rest that old adage about avoiding horizontal stripes. While it’s still winter outside, pair this dress with black boots which you can switch out for a great platform or sexy stiletto once the weather warms up. This dress is expensive, though, so if you like it, check out this versions by Opening Ceremony (find it here). It’s about a quarter of the cost, but still super fabulous.
Cropped Pants Take You from Winter to Spring
I have been wearing ankle length pants since high school when I used to crop my Levi’s. It’s a look that I happen to love. It’s also a great way to transition from winter to spring. While it’s still cold, add some boots to keep your legs warm and a chunky turtleneck, but once spring has sprung, break out your fun flats.
The jeans on the left, by Tory Burch (find here), combine two trends for spring: cropped and a touch of “India” with the embroidery. The look in the middle, by Frame (find here), is a fantastic transitional look. The striped polo is right on target for spring, but, again, still warm enough for winter. And pairing it with the cropped flared jeans and ankle boots feels both fresh and fun. The look on the right by Vince (find here) continues the trend that we’ve been seeing for awhile of seasonless suede. The lighter color makes these pants an ideal transitional piece. Pair them with black boots and a sweater for winter, and fun tennis shoes and a t-shirt for spring.
If you embrace a little color, crop or stripe, it’ll make the long winter days not so bleak. I promise. And before you know it, spring will be here.