Dressing for Seasonal Transitions
Spring Style Tips for the In-Between Days
Springtime in New York City… a wonderful time for renewal and regrowth. As we slowly make our way out of the cold, darkness and into the promise of longer, warmer, sunnier days, we look forward to strolling through parks, afternoon brunches and lounging in the botanical gardens. But the transition from winter to spring isn’t always seamless—especially when it comes to how we feel, and how we dress.
Our Moods and the Weather
The in-between seasons can play a large role in impacting our day-to-day emotions. Ultra warm days can inspire hope and optimism, but they can also bring about a strange resistance to letting go of hibernation. On the other hand, chilly, overcast, rainy days often feel like winter’s lingering grip—calling us back into rest, and sometimes dragging our energy down with it. This emotional push and pull manifests itself when we wake up and get dressed everyday.
Fashion in the Gloomy Months
The stretch from January through March—and sometimes well into April—can feel exceptionally gloomy for fashion. For months, our wardrobes are defined by practicality: sweatpants, heavy wool coats, and puffers become the norm. Comfort and warmth are often the driving force of our daily clothing and take priority over expression.
So when daylight saving time rolls around and we get that first glimpse of summer there’s often a hesitation. Shedding the layers can feel uneasy and oddly vulnerable.. after all, we have been covered for months, who knows what’s under all that clothing.
Dressing for the Shift
As temperatures fluctuate—tempting and teasing our desires for a new season—it becomes more challenging to decide what to wear before stepping outside and facing the elements. One moment it’s spring, the next it’s winter again. The inconsistency can throw off not only our outfits but also our confidence in an instant. What we wear has the power to lift our mood, enhance our self-esteem, or, on tough days, leave us feeling out of sync with ourselves and others around us.
That’s why I’ve written this guide—not based on trends, but as a tool. A gentle, go-to reference for those who get stuck when nothing feels quite right to wear.
Almost every outfit in both the spring and fall can be elevated and accompanied by a classic trench and a pair of leather boots. Both of these ubiquitous staples offer protection from unpredictable weather and are versatile enough to be styled according to the day's temperature and condition. Take the trench for instance, originally designed for WWI soldiers to protect against the harsh conditions of the trenches, it has evolved into a wardrobe essential with lasting relevance. Although an odd concept to think about (from a military essential to fashion mainstay) the trench coat continues to fulfill the utilitarian needs of protection and durability. Its enduring and timeless appeal is proved through countless variations of the trench in both styles and fabrics.
A leather riding boot is an essential fashion accessory that pairs well with almost any bottom of your choice. During transitional seasons, this boot works best with long, flowy skirts, high-waisted shorts, and long dresses. The pairing of shorts and boots makes for the perfect combination for the in-between seasons—a little bit of winter, a little bit of summer = voilà, spring!
Investing in well-fitted, high-quality pieces can go a long way, making all the difference and preventing multiple similar items from cluttering your closet. Having just one or two solid jackets and boots can make getting dressed feel effortless, contributing to a confident and weather-ready look. For spring, look for trenches with removable liners, waterproof/windproof features, and breathable fabrics.
In NYC, especially, it’s rare to have enough time to go home after every obligation—whether it be work, errands, museums, or time with friends. Commuting home to change can disrupt your flow and add stress or chaos when transitioning from day to night.
Consider fabrics for both daytime and nighttime settings For fabrics that transition best from day to night, select natural options like silk and cotton, and synthetics like acetate and chiffon.
Adjust the neckline of your blouse depending on the setting Keep it fully buttoned for a professional look, or unbutton it for a more relaxed, casual feel.
Pack a small tote bag, or leave room for a change of shoes and accessories.
Carrying statement earrings at all times can easily dress up an outfit for the evening.
Not only will these small tricks make your life smoother, but they can also prevent overconsumption. Oftentimes, we convince ourselves that we need a whole new outfit to feel refreshed or renewed, and while that’s sometimes true, it's often the subtle changes in accessories and the way we wear our garments that make a greater impact. Buying pieces that we truly love and that suit us can result in positive feelings like confidence and security when we present ourselves to the world.
When considering periods of weather change throughout the day, mix and match the following articles of clothing to achieve the perfect body temperature:
Shorts/boots
Midi skirts/long-sleeve tops
Turtleneck/mini skirts
Maxi skirt/tank tops
Shorts/sweaters
Regulating Body Temperature
Add Warmth:
1. Thermal tops and bottoms for extra layer of warmth.
2. Keep light scarves on hand for chilly mornings and nights to cover the neckline.
3. Socks or tights with loafers or ballet flats.
Cool Off:
1. Wear menswear button-ups, open or closed, based on comfort.
2. Simple collared blouses layered under sweaters, which can be draped over the shoulders.
3. Lightweight blouses with buttons that can be undone throughout the day.
Shades of brown, beige, grey, black, and white work across all seasons. However, any color can be suitable for any season, depending on the fabric, cut, and style. For spring, shades of blue, muted purples, blush pinks, pale yellows, and cream are wonderful colors to embrace.
Experimenting with different fabrics allows for greater flexibility in your wardrobe, making it versatile enough to carry you through all seasons. A well-rounded springtime closet blends a variety of fabrics and contrasting textures, offering both style and functionality.
If you typically run cold… opt for a tweed wool cropped jacket paired with a lightweight denim skirt, or an acrylic chunky cardigan layered over a linen maxi dress—this combination will keep you warm without sacrificing breathability. On the other hand, if you tend to run hot, chiffon or silk blouses are perfect for layering, as they allow your skin to breathe, and pairing them with heavier bottoms like jeans or wool trousers creates a balanced silhouette that’s both practical and stylish. You can also play with texture combinations to add depth to your outfits. For instance, try mixing smooth materials like leather with a contrasting knit or pairing silk with wool—these contrasts not only elevate the look but also work alongside the changing weather.
I hope these mini guides help you navigate dressing through the changing seasons. While transitional periods can be uncomfortable and frustrating, there are many remedies that can allow you to think creatively, experiment, & re-fall in love with the clothes in your wardrobe.
Above all, we are still so fortunate to witness nature pushing through and doing its thing… through all unpredictability —miraculously budding and blossoming right before our eyes.