8 minutes
As the winter chill begins to wane and the first signs of spring emerge, it’s time to think about your winter-to-spring wardrobe transition. The unpredictable weather this time of year always makes getting dressed so hard. Mornings and evenings may still be cool, while daytime temperatures can rise significantly. One day may be sunny and warm, while the next could bring rain or even a late-season snowfall. Back in my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, we’ve seen plenty of blizzards in April and May. By this point, we’re very sick of our coats and sweaters.
(Sick of your clothes? That’s my cue to pitch clothing rental. I’ll make this quick: when you have access to an infinite closet, you never get bored of your closet, even at the tail end of a long season.)
Now back to your winter-to-spring wardrobe. Whether you’re owning or renting, some fresh inspiration is due. Of course, layering is a common strategy for dealing with changing temperatures. You already know you need cardigans and lightweight jackets. We’ve got plenty of those for rent at Armoire if you want to add some variety. But even with those on hand, getting dressed is still a struggle. What’s missing?
I brought this question to our in-house team of stylists at Armoire. They know the struggle is real, so they planned for it and worked with our buyers to stock up on three staples they recommend for your winter-to-spring wardrobe. Here’s to easier mornings and stylish afternoons!
Trench Coats
One versatile and timeless piece that effortlessly bridges the gap between seasons is the classic trench coat. Trench coats are a wardrobe staple for a reason—they are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re heading to the office, running errands, or enjoying a weekend brunch, a trench coat can effortlessly elevate your look. The key lies in their adaptability to various styles, occasions, and weather conditions.
The timeless design of trench coats makes them a valuable addition to any closet. With their classic double-breasted front, waist belt, and distinctive epaulets, trench coats exude sophistication and elegance—and that’s just the look we’re going for when we ditch the puffer coats and beanies.
But trench coats are not just a fashion statement; they’re also incredibly practical. Many are designed with water-resistant materials, making them suitable for unpredictable spring showers (or snow, for my fellow Fargoans). The lightweight fabric allows for easy layering, ensuring you stay comfortable as temperatures fluctuate during the transition from winter to spring.
Styling Your Trench Coat for a Winter-to-Spring Wardrobe
Effortless Casual Look: Pair your trench coat with a simple white t-shirt, distressed jeans, and white sneakers for a laid-back and chic ensemble. This casual look is perfect for weekend strolls, coffee dates, or casual outings with friends.
Office Chic: Take your trench coat to the office by combining it with tailored trousers, a crisp blouse, and classic heels. It’s also one of few coat styles you can wear over a power suit. The trench coat elevates a workwear ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication to your professional look.
Weekend Brunch Vibes: For a relaxed weekend brunch, throw your trench coat over a floral or pastel-colored dress. (Spoiler alert: you’re going to see a heckuva lot of floral dresses this spring. More on that in an upcoming article) Complete the look with boots or flats, and you’ll be ready to embrace the spring sunshine in style.
Sporty Edge: Give your trench coat a sporty twist by pairing it with leggings, a fitted top, and stylish sneakers. This athleisure-inspired outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfort and fashion. Add a baseball cap and sunglasses and you’ll look like a movie star dodging the paparazzi.
As winter bids farewell and spring takes its place, the trench coat emerges as the perfect transitional piece for your wardrobe. By experimenting with different styles and pairings, you can effortlessly infuse a touch of spring into your winter wardrobe while staying chic and comfortable. Embrace the elegance of the trench coat, and let your style bloom along with the season.
Cropped Wide-Leg Bottoms
Cropped wide-leg bottoms are a fashion-forward choice all year round that effortlessly combines comfort and style. Their versatility with footwear makes them an ideal choice for transitioning from the colder months to the milder days of spring. From boots and sandals to ballet flats and heels, everything looks great with a cropped wide-leg pant. As temperatures rise, let your ankles get some fresh air!
Cropped wide-leg bottoms come in all kinds of fabrics, including wintery velvet and corduroy. For spring, however, you’re going to send those back to Armoire and swap them with lighter fabrics. Choose materials like denim, cotton, linen, or blends that provide breathability, allowing you to stay comfortable as the weather warms up.
Styling Your Cropped Wide-Leg Bottoms for a Winter-to-Spring Wardrobe
Effortless Chic: Pair your cropped wide-leg pants with a fitted blouse or a tucked-in T-shirt for a polished yet relaxed look. Add a pair of block-heeled sandals or mules to elevate the ensemble. This easygoing outfit is perfect for casual outings, brunch, or a day of shopping.
Casual Cool with Denim: Cropped wide-leg jeans are a perfect casual option for spring. Team them up with a graphic tee or a slouchy sweater for a laid-back vibe. Complete the look with sneakers or ankle boots for a touch of urban chic.
Boho Bliss: For a bohemian-inspired spring look, choose cropped wide-leg pants in a flowy, lightweight fabric. Pair them with a peasant blouse, oversized sunglasses, and espadrilles or sandals. Accessorize with layered bracelets and a wide-brimmed hat for a free-spirited feel.Embrace the comfort and ease of cropped wide-leg bottoms while exploring various styling options to suit different occasions. The loose fit allows for easy movement, making them a practical choice for everyday wear.
Sweater Dresses
As winter bids farewell and the blossoms of spring begin to unfurl, the sartorial shift from heavy layers to lighter, more breathable fabrics becomes inevitable. Sweater dresses, with their cozy charm and versatile appeal, serve as the perfect transition piece to navigate this seasonal change.
Sweater dresses are a fashion gem known for their adaptability, making them a go-to choice. Their inherent coziness makes them ideal for those lingering cool spring days. Crafted from soft, knit fabrics, these dresses provide warmth without the bulk, ensuring a comfortable transition from the colder months into the gentler embrace of spring.
Bonus: sweater dresses effortlessly bridge the gap between casual daywear and more polished evening looks. With the right accessories and styling, a sweater dress can seamlessly transition from a cozy work outfit to a chic ensemble for a night out on the town.
Styling Sweater Dresses for a Winter-to-Spring Wardrobe
Effortless Elegance: Opt for a knee-length or midi sweater dress in a neutral tone for a timeless and elegant look. Pair it with ankle boots or block-heeled shoes and add a statement belt to accentuate your waist. This ensemble is perfect for casual workplace settings or weekend outings.
Playful Layers: Transition your sweater dress into spring by layering it with lightweight jackets or vests. A denim or utility jacket adds a casual flair, while a trench coat provides a more polished touch. Complete the look with sneakers or loafers for a trendy, layered effect.
Bohemian Bliss: For a laid-back, bohemian look, opt for an oversized, chunky sweater dress. Style it with knee-high boots, and add a wide-brimmed hat for a touch of flair. This relaxed ensemble is perfect for weekend getaways or casual outings.
If it’s closer to winter than spring, you may want to wear opaque tight with a bulkier sweater dress. As the days get longer and warmer, you can ditch the tights and style your sweater dresses with tall socks and boots or short socks and ankle boots. As the snow melts away for good, reach for a lighter-weight knit and a more delicate shoe.
Honorable Mentions
Transitioning your closet involves incorporating pieces that strike a balance between warmth, flexibility, and breathability. Here are some other key garments to consider adding to your winter-to-spring wardrobe to make getting dressed a breeze:
Denim Jackets: A denim jacket adds a casual, effortless vibe to any outfit and provides just the right amount of warmth for transitioning weather. This season, try a variety of lengths and shapes—you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Midi Skirts: Midi skirts made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon or satin are perfect for transitioning seasons. Pair them with a sweater and boots for colder days or a tank top and sandals for warmer days. And throw on that denim jacket too!
Layering Tanks and Tees: Stock up on basic tanks and tees in neutral colors that can be easily layered under sweaters, cardigans, or jackets. These versatile pieces can be mixed and matched to create various looks for transitioning weather.
Color + Prints: Embrace the spirit of spring by incorporating pastel-colored and floral-printed garments. ICYMI: peach fuzz is the Pantone Color of the Year and preppy styles are poppin’ like your collar. That means stripes are in order. A vibrant touch to your wardrobe may be just what you need to keep it on-point for the transition season.
Let us welcome the change of scene,
From winter’s slumber to spring’s serene.
In nature’s embrace, a timeless art,
In the new season, a masterpiece starts.
