Now that the weather is getting (slightly) warmer, it’s finally time to bust out those sundresses, flip flops and that teeny bikini that’s been stashed in your closet all winter long. In some areas of the country that funny season between winter and spring was skipped entirely and is already in the middle of an early summer, but for others it still feels like a chilly winter. To battle that springtime craving and balance out your wardrobe, we’ve pulled some of our favorite transitional pieces to show you how to wear them now and later—because nobody wants to be stuck in an overcoat this spring.
While sundresses might seem like a definite summer-only sort of ensemble, they’re pretty easy to wear year-round with the right layers and accessories. Pair a simple sundress (the less color the better here) with a heavy sweater, tights and booties for cold-weather wear, then sandals and a hat when it finally starts to heat up. Plus by layering a sweater over the dress, only a bit of the print peaks out of the bottom like a skirt, giving it just a touch of fun, summertime print.
Marni Edition Floral-Print Cotton Dress, $1,260, Mytheresa. Alexander Wang Double Face Cropped Pullover, $595, Alexander Wang. Jason Wu Daphne 2 textured-leather clutch, $1,195, Net-A-Porter. Lara Bohinc Solaris earrings, $308, Farfetch. Eugenia Kim Max, $300, Eugenua Kim. Gucci Round Aviator Sunglasses, $325, Shopbop. Lanvin Flat Wedge Sandals, £500, Harrods.
Light cotton or linen blazers are great for this funky weather period as they can be layered over sweaters and knits, tossed over thicker dresses or added to your favorite weekend jeans. As the weather heats up, the light material will be a great layer at night or inside without being too heavy or hot. Opt for lighter colors that can work as a neutral in both seasons.
Chloé Striped cotton and linen-blend blazer, $2,280, Net-A-Porter. Victoria Beckham Denim Deconstructed Super Skinny Denim Jeans, $310, Neiman Marcus. Proenza Schouler Zip Medium Textured-Leather Pouch, $381, Mytheresa. Givenchy Double-Strap Sandals, $770, Barney’s New York. Crippen Six Trouser, $250, Farfetch. Shaun Leane Large Cherry Blossom Branch Pendant, £790, Harrods. A.P.C. Bronze Leather Roma Flat Sandals, $340, Ssense.
A bright springtime print can help you instantly feel like warmer days are here, even if it’s still a little chilly. Colorful pants or skirts can we worn with sweaters, jackets and boots in the early spring and then topped off with a tank and sandals when the warm weather finally hits. Opt for bright colors that will keep you feeling like it’s the middle of April and not December.
Alexander McQueen Floral print leggings, $645, Lane Crawford. TIBI Silk crepe de chine camisole, $160, Net-A-Porter. Gianvito Rossi Posted Ankle Strap Sandal $720, Barney’s New York. Duo Cassini Mid-heel knee high boots, $315, Duo Boots. Vita Fede Thin Titan Crystal Necklace $600, Shopbop. Balenciaga Giant 12 Golden Envelope Clutch $1,095, Neiman Marcus.
Party dresses get the bad reputation that they can only be worn for one purpose—to party. But finding the right dress (sans sequins), that can be dressed up or down, can take you from casual workday to beachside blowout. In early spring tone down the bright color with dark monochromatic shades like black or gray, and play them up when partying poolside. Besides, a woman can never have too many party dresses—no matter the weather.
Dsquared2 patterned tube dress, $525, Farfetch. Helmut Lang Crop Back Tux Jacket, $575, Barney’s New York. Saint Laurent Ligne Classique Y leather tote, $2,350, Net-A-Porter. Tory Burch Wide Snake-Embossed T-Hinged Bracelet, $125, Neiman Marcus. Manolo Blahnik Chaos Ankle-Wrap Sandal, $725, Neiman Marcus. Zoe Diamond & Rose Gold Hoop Earrings, $1,990, Barney’s New York.
While a plain white button shirt can seem almost boring when compared to all the other awesome things in your closet, this piece is a serious must-have. Easy to pair under sweaters in winter, with a blazer at work, as a cover-up at the beach and tucked into a pair of springtime shorts –it’s the go-anywhere, do-anything, outfit-maker. Opt for lighter cottons as they are easy to layer and will stay cool in the warmer months.
Equipment Brett picot-trimmed cotton shirt, $170, Net-A-Porter. Donna Karan Collection Stretch Leather Tube Skirt, $1,890, Nordstrom. McQ Alexander McQueen Printed Cotton Sweatshirt, $435, Mytheresa. Alexander Wang Alla Open Toe Wedges, $650, Shopbop. Charlotte Olympia Sandy Beaded Starfish Sandal, $695, Neiman Marcus. Moschino stretch canvas floral short, $750, Farfetch. Jennifer Meyer Gold Small Leaf Pendant Necklace, $1,375, Barney’s New York.
