Alright ladies, let’s talk about transitioning! And I don’t mean like, moving from one phase of life to the next—like how I somehow missed the memo that we’re all dating and getting engaged now instead of getting blackout Thursday through Sunday. It’s fine, I’m fine. When I’m talking about transitioning, I’m talking about how to dress as we move from winter to spring. It’s that wack-ass time of the year where it can be snowing one day and the summer solstice the next. Sh*t’s tough, talk about first world problems. But, who am I if not your expert consultant on all your first world problems when it comes to fashion? So, let’s dive into the best practices (am I like, Tony Robbins???) for transitional dressing as we move into the spring season.
Dressing For Work…
Oasis blazer with tie detail in red
When it comes to transitional dressing, the key is to layer. I’m telling you this now and you’ll hear me say it again: layer, layer, layer. I know I sound like your Grandma telling you how to dress for the movies, but listen up, cause meemaw was onto something! First off, let’s discuss footwear. The weather is about to be NASTY, like lots of rain and random snow, all conveniently when you least expect it. That being said, you don’t want to wear your best Tory Burch flats on your commute to work, then have soaked gross feet all day. Like, as if your 9-to-5 wasn’t already miserable enough. So, if you have an office or at least your own desk, keep a pair of work-appropriate shoes at work. This way, you can wear your weatherproof shoes to and from work, and then just change once there.
Next, even though it’s going to start getting warmer outside, the likelihood that the office temperature will follow suit is slim to none. You know your good friend Karen from accounting who’s been going through menopause since you first started is going to keep the temperature in the office sub-zero. That being said, wear an office-appropriate top under a cardigan or a knit blazer. This way, you can remove your jacket so you’re not dying on the subway, but also have it with you once you get to the office.
For The Weekend…
When it comes to the weekend, your go-to hero piece is going to be a loose knit sweater. A breathable open knit sweater offers you an additional layer that’s also not suffocating. Depending on the weather, you can wear a cute fitted turtleneck or basic tank under your loose knit sweater. This way, need be, you have that extra layer available. But, considering you shouldn’t actually be freezing, it will provide just the right amount of added comfort and warmth.
Another tip is to wear a cute flannel over a tank or a graphic tee. I know flannels tend to be more “fall” but if you pick a light-colored one then it easily works as a stylish option for spring. Adding a flannel is the perfect solution so you don’t have to worry about carrying around an extra layer with you because it can be conveniently tied around your waist and still look cute af. In fact, your outfit might even become even more cute with it around your waist. Win-win.
For Going Out…
Dressing transitionally for going out is probably the trickiest occasion to dress for because there’s really no way to predict how long the bar lines will be or what the temperature will be like once inside. That being said, you’re always going to want to have a jacket as part of your going out outfit. But, the thing is, you don’t want to depend on the jacket to make your outfit. Hopefully, the bar you’re going to is classy enough to have a coat check, so you can be hands-free to drop it low on the dance floor. A great outfit idea during this time of unpredictable weather is to wear a cute crop top with a sheer long sleeve top layered over it. This way, you’ll have an extra layer over your otherwise bare crop top, but once you’re all hot and bothered by your own killer moves on the dance floor, it’s thin enough to just take off and slip into your handbag.
There you have it, layering 101. No one wants to be freezing cold, but more importantly, no one wants to be sweating like a pig. So don’t put yourself in a bad situation by wearing a chunky turtleneck during this transitional time period. Rather, take a cue from the one and only Jax Taylor and opt for a chunky cardigan over a tank or tee instead.
Images: Tyler Nix / Unsplash; Asos (2); Free People (3); Nordstrom
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
In case you haven’t noticed, the world is like, probably basically ending and the climate is all over the place. One day, it’s 60 and sunny, and the next, there’s a storm that meteorologists have named something ridiculous, like a Polar Shit Nova Bomb. The only entity that currently changes its mind more than the weather is Arie Luyendyk Jr. The only difference is that when Arie decides to create a shitstorm, it results in a few sponsored content partnerships and increased television ratings, and when Mother Nature does it, it ruins all of our clothes. It’s about time you stock up on some transitional clothing for when the weather is confusing af, and here’s the shit you should buy.
Get Waterproof Shoes That Aren’t Rain Boots
The worst part about this shitty end-of-winter, beginning-of-spring weather is that even when it’s not actually raining, the ground is kind of a war zone for your shoes. Obviously, you can’t wear your fav suede booties, but unless there is literal water actively falling from the sky, you really can’t be wearing your rain boots, either. It’s probably solid to invest in a pair of sneakers or casual shoes that can survive rogue puddles. When I originally saw these sneakers in Nordstrom, I had no idea that they were waterproof, which is exactly what you want when it comes to weather wear.
Topshop Crush Waterproof Contrast Sole Sneaker
If You Absolutely Have to Wear Rain Boots, Don’t Be All Like, Uncool
It’s like, kind of impossible to wear rain boots without looking like a mommy blogger who forces her kids to wear the same clothes as her. Luckily, there are tons of Jeffrey Campbell rain boots that don’t suck. Just like, wear cute socks with them. Please.
Jeffrey Campbell Hurricane Weather Boot
Tie Shit Around Your Waist
I totally understand if you’re hesitant to tie clothes around your waist. It’s a very “eighth grader who just started her period on a class trip” move. However, everyone with half a brain knows that wearing layers is basically your only option when the weather is bipolar, and carrying an extra sweatshirt around when you’re too warm to wear it is fucking exhausting. Thankfully, wearing a flannel around your waist with a denim or leather jacket and a basic base layer is an actually cute, extremely versatile look. Chambray or denim shirts are perfect for this, since they’re transitional clothing that basically goes with everything.
Madewell Chambray Classic Ex-Boyfriend Shirt in Mazzy Wash
Quantity Over Quality
Listen, I know it can be tempting to wear that velvet top a few more times before it looks really out of season (who knows how much longer crushed velvet is going to be a thing, anyway), but when the weather is all over the place, you’re better off wearing two breathable layers than one really thick one. Quantity over quality is probably already your stance on wine, so why not try adopting it into other areas of your life, like transitional clothing? Think open cardigans and tank tops instead of thick sweaters. Cardigans are ideal for throwing over clothes that prob shouldn’t be worn until it’s warmer out, but that you’re going to wear anyway because you don’t give a shit.
Urban Outfitters BDG Jesse Oversized Cardigan
Get Wintery Shit in Springy Colors and Materials
You’ll probably still want to wear a scarf some days in the spring, but a chunky blanket scarf that weighs as much as an Olsen Twin will make you sweat the second there’s a slight change in weather. Lightweight springy-looking scarves are usually floral and ugly, so you’re going to probably want to invest in a scarf (or some kind of cold weather accessory) that’s made out of a breathable material. Lululemon’s Vinyasa scarves are the perfect transitional clothing accessory, because they’re very versatile and will keep you warm without making you gross and sweaty.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Image: Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho / Unsplash
