Spring is my favorite season of the year—I love the excitement of realizing the weather is finally warm enough to ditch my jackets and scarves for sundresses and sandals. But if you live in a climate where spring doesn’t necessarily mean warmer temperatures, immediately switching all your winter clothes out for your summer pieces isn’t really an option. Which is exactly why it’s so important to have a few transition pieces you can style according to the current state of the weather. Have a sundress you’re dying to break out? Wear it with jeans. Love your go-to denim shorts? Pair them with an oversize jacket. While the forecast can be unpredictable, there’s no reason your style has to take a hit. Ahead, I’ve rounded up all the spring wardrobe essentials you should have in your closet—and exactly how to style until summer finally arrives.
The Essential: Neutral Sandals
Wear With: A Button-Down and Trousers
Neutral sandals are a staple in my closet, and for good reason—there’s nothing they don’t go with. But since they leave your toes completely bare, you’ll want to pair them with a little more up top. A bright green button down will bring the look into spring while looking ridiculously chic buttoned halfway down with a tailored pair of trousers. Keep the look sleek with a structured leather purse.
Get the look: Steve Madden Block Heel Sandals ($79), Forever 21 Floral Button Up Shirt ($18)
The Essential: The Sundress
Wear With: Jeans and Booties
When I think springtime outfits, I think of sundresses. To ensure you don’t freeze, layer it over a white pair of jeans, and add some color with a pair of brightly-colored ankle boots.
Get the look: Who What Wear Asymmetric Hem Dress ($20), Madewell High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pure White ($128), Topshop Arrow Western Boots ($150)
The Essential: The Lightweight Coat
Wear With: Boyfriend Jeans and a Band Tee
Light jackets were pretty much made for spring, so this should be the first wardrobe essential you should add to your closet. A jeans-and-T-shirt combination is one of my go-to looks every day of the week, and topping it off with a duster jacket instantly upgrades it to Insta-worthy status.
Get the look: Boohoo Olivia Longline Duster ($23), ASOS Boyfriend Jeans ($32), Forever 21 Pink Floyd Tee ($20)
The Essential: Denim Shorts
Wear With: An Oversized Jacket
Denim cutoffs will always be a staple in my book, and this pair of distressed Bermuda shorts are versatile enough to wear with anything. Pair them with an oversized jacket and booties for a look that will protect you from any unexpected precipitation on your walks to class.
Get the look: BDG Distressed Denim Bermuda Short ($59), H&M Pile-Lined Corduroy Jacket ($40)
The Essential: A Blazer
Wear With: Black Skinny Jeans and Cool Accessories
Come spring, the weather is too warm for a coat, but I often find myself in need of more polished outerwear. Luckily, blazers are back and better than ever, which makes them the perfect solution. Throw them on over skinny jeans with a simple pair of sneakers for a casual day at your internship or a dinner with friends.
Get the look: Who What Wear Silky Blazer ($40), AE Denim X Jegging ($50)
The Essential: A Denim Skirt
Wear With: Your Favorite T-Shirt and Booties
I find that deciding what to wear on a night out in the spring is nearly impossible. You spend half the time hot, half the time cold, and it’s really annoying to keep up with extra layers. To avoid overheating (or freezing, depending on the situation), opt for a perfectly versatile denim skirt. Pair it with flats and socks to keep your feet comfortably warm, and add a T-shirt to keep things breezy on top. And if needed, grab a light denim jacket that you can easily tie around your waist later in the night should the temperatures start to rise.
Get this look: Topshop Moto Denim Mini Skirt ($55), MKNR Lone Saguaro Tee ($32)
The Essential: A Raincoat
Wear With: A T-shirt Dress and Combat Boots
April showers bring May flowers, right? If you live in an area that’s prone to spring rainstorms, throw this jacket over a T-shirt dress or jeans and your favorite tennis shoes to keep you dry and cozy during times of heavy precipitation.
Get the look: O’Neill Coley Rain Jacket ($60), Old Navy Knit Tee Dress ($15)
Obsessed with spring fashion? You’ll love these pastel looks.
Featured photo by @kaitlyn_perry.
