How to Dress for Transitional Weather Without Buying Anything New

Seeing as transitional weather is inherently temporary, it’s one of those things that you don’t really want to shop for. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have to deal with it. Transitional weather is very much a thing, and that time period between winter and spring when it’s not quite warm yet but not exactly freezing either can be complicated to navigate—sartorially, at least.

Can you wear a coat? Is it to early bust out the florals? Is faux-fur off-limits? How about sandals? While the answers to the above are yes, no, no, and it depends, today I’ve made it much things much simpler. Rather than worrying about what you can and can’t wear, all you have to do is emulate the below outfits, which, if you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, are predominately comprised of pieces you already own. Of course, if you’re missing any or simply feel like doing a little shopping while you’re at it, not to worry because we’ve included that option too. Just keep scrolling to get started.

Look 1

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416177886-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Add a little warmth (and a pop of color) to your jumpsuit look by layering a turtleneck underneath. When it comes to shoes, anything goes, but simple ankle boots are always a safe bet.

Get the look:

Look 2

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416184339-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

By swapping some of your winter layers (aka all those sweaters and your Heattech) with a simple white T-shirt, you'll both look and feel more appropriately dressed for transitional weather. 

Get the look:

Look 3

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416190842-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Itching to bust out that spring dress already? Go ahead. Just style it with a trench and ankle boots and you're good to go.

Get the look:

Look 4

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416201587-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Rather than with jeans or trousers, pair a long blazer with opaque tights and over-the-knee boots for a look that works from day to night.

Get the look:

Look 5

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416211690-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

When in doubt, trench it out. One of my favorite ways to style a trench coat at this time of year is with a black sweater, white jeans, and black boots. It's the perfect combination of winter and spring basics.

Get the look:

Look 6

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416228488-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Did you hear? This spring, leather separates are trending hard, which means you won't have to give up your leather (or faux-leather) pants as soon as winter ends. Style them with a flowy white blouse and your footwear of choice, and you're good to go. 

Get the look:

Look 7

winter-to-spring-dressing-278411-1552416237678-main

(Image credit: Szymon Brzóska/The Style Stalker)

Remember that fleece you bought back before it really became winter? You can finally wear it as a jacket again, rather than just one of many layers. Pair it with any color combo of jeans, a tee, and boots that work with the one you own.

Get the look:

Up next? What I'm buying to dress just a little bit cooler this spring.

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.