There's nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into your first pair of open-toed shoes of the season, or wearing your newly acquired anorak without needing to layer a parka over it. Signs of the spring thaw are close at hand, and we couldn't be more eager to embrace the warmer days with some fresh style spins on a few old favorites. But transitional dressing is more than just packing up your winter coat; It involves some smart sartorial strategies that will leave you looking relaxed rather than overzealous. So, we tracked down five ladies who offer some clever new spins on early spring dressing.
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1. Use a colorful scarf for warmth and looks—You might be itching to wear your Breton stripes and a light denim jacket, but you'll still need that extra bit of protection. A jaunty scarf adds a crucial pop of color but also keeps your neck toasty.
Above, clockwise from left: Celine Rey, image via Celine Rey, image via Lookbook.nu; J. Crew White Nolita White Denim Jacket, $98, available at J. Crew; A.L.C. Striped Boatneck T-shirt, $124, available at Barneys New York; Carven Printed Silk Scarf, $110, available at Net-A-Porter; J. Brand Oil Slick Jeans, $131, available at Bluefly; Jeffrey Campbell Wingtip Oxfords, $108, available at Free People.
2. Keep your old standbys by your side—Switch in tights in varying degrees of heft with your stand-by trench + cutoffs + shirt combo, and you'll have an outfit you can wear 9 months out of the year. Ditch the wool stockings for tights in a lighter, sheerer fabric for an updated springtime look.
Above, from left: Rhiannon L., image via Liebmarlene; Kimchi Blue Femme Trench, $98, available at Urban Outfitters; Delia's Bailey Jean Shorts, $34.50, available at Delia's; Madison Harding Rockaway Perforated Wedge Booties, $295, available at Shopbop; Fred Perry Lauren Men's Leather Satchel, $299.15, available at ASOS.
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3. Opt for a sexy leotard to show some skin—Sheer panels help you flash your assets without freezing them off. Keep it ladylike (and cozy) with a nubby cardigan, and add boyish pants to balance it out.
Above, from left: Betty Autier, image via Le Blog de Betty; Current/Elliott The Boyfriend Jeans, $368.53, available at My Theresa; Stuart Weitzman Woodstock Boot, $305 available at Shop The Shoe Box; American Apparel Gloria-V Bodysuit, $40 available at American Apparel; Forever 21 Joanna Cable Cardigan, $32.90 available at Forever21.
4. A calf-length skirt is the right length—Throw on knee socks or a pair of smart stockings, and a fuller-length skirt should be warm enough for you to go skimpier on top. Bring out those cropped jackets and little sweaters!
Above, from left: Clothes and Stuff, image via Lookbook.nu; Charter Club Ponte Knit Skirt, $49.99, available at Macy's; Oasis Cropped Blazer, $119.66, available at ASOS; Prada Studded Platforms, $712, available at Bluefly; ASOS Suede Look Plaited Belt, $20.69 available at ASOS; J. Crew Linen V-Neck T-shirt, $29.50, available at J. Crew.
5. Dig out those neutrals and wear them all at once—Beiges and soft colors might have seemed impractical in the winter (you remember how quickly a white pair of pants get ruined in the slush), but they make a heavy outfit seem lighter. For chillier days, pile on the neutrals to combat the cold.
Above, from left: Trixy, image via Les Attitudes; Kenneth Cole Linen Scarf, $58, available at Kenneth Cole; Levi's Striped Cropped Trucker Denim Jacket, $34.99 available at Kohl's; Vince Sheer Drape Neck Tee, $135 available at Saks Fifth Avenue; Topshop Zip Back Hareem Trousers, $70 available at Topshop; Michael Kors Mystic Tall Boots, $259.99 available at Bluefly.