The transition from winter to spring can make us antsy if you’re itching to get out of winter and feel that revitalized life that naturally comes with spring. We want to feel that in our wardrobes too! The problem is sometimes it’s still a little cold during the spring months, so how to do you channel spring vibes without freezing?
Last week I shared my wardrobe plan for cooler spring weather with a Mini Early Spring Capsule Wardrobe. Today I want to use pieces from it and share 3 outfit formulas you can use over and over to dress for the spring transition!
NOTE: Change the footwear depending on your weather. The outfit formulas still work! I wear these formulas in very cold months with taller boots, and I might add a scarf, and of course a coat if necessary. Read my recent post How to Wear an Item in Different Seasons for 3 tips to style items for winter or spring!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ and usually S/M or 6 in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
1. Bright Sweater or Sweatshirt + Jeans
I’ve shown this before but I’m showing it again because this is exactly the type of outfit I needed last spring for sunny days that had a chill in the air. Though my winter items were warm enough, they’re all mostly darker colors which didn’t feel right with the bright sun. A bright colored sweater like this that’s thick and warm is perfect for the spring transition!
You can also wear a bright or light colored sweatshirt for a more casual vibe.
Finish off the look with slip-on sneakers or rain boots!
If you haven’t heard me talk about this sweater yet, it’s a medium thickness with a tighter knit which keeps me nice and warm without the sweater feeling big and bulky. I absolutely love the color for this spring! It comes in a blue/yellow/white version also. On sale it’s a good-feeling sweater for a great price. See both versions HERE. I sized up to M for a more relaxed fit.
Shop the Look:
Sweater: Old Navy (exact–wearing size M)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar, similar)
Boots: c/o Nordstrom (exact–wearing size 8 in Zinc)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact–wearing size M)
2. Darker Floral Print Piece + Layers
These pieces weren’t in my mini spring wardrobe, but it’s still a great formula you can use. Some days during the transition from winter to spring can be gloomy. Some people have mentioned wanting to incorporate some spring vibes but not feeling quite right wearing bright or light colors. If that’s the case, try a floral print dress or top with a darker background and darker color scheme. I have several floral prints like this, and thanks to the tricks I shared in How to Wear an Item in Different Seasons, I can style them in darker outfits OR I can lighten them up on brighter days!
Here are some examples of how to style darker florals.
Shop similar pieces for the outfits in the widget below:
Shop more dark floral prints below:
3. White Top + Oversized Cardigan in Light or Bright Color + Jeans
Last is an outfit formula that I wear in fall, winter, and spring! I usually change the color schemes to make it work with each season’s vibe, but it’s one of my go-to outfit formulas in the fall and winter because I need the layers to stay warm. That also makes it a great outfit formula for the spring transition when it’s still cool. In cooler weather I’d switch to heavier footwear, like tall boots or booties, and I’d add a scarf.
For a spring version, I used my most-remixed white tunic (see all the ways I’ve worn it HERE) and kept the palette light with medium wash distressed jeans and an oatmeal colored cardigan. I also went with lighter colored loafers, which could also be traded for pointy toe nude flats.
Shop the Look:
Top: Nordstrom (exact–wearing size M)
Cardigan: Nordstrom (similar, similar, similar)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar, similar, similar)
Shoes: c/o Macy’s (similar, similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (similar, similar, similar)
Earrings: c/o Nickel & Suede (exact–wearing size M)
Necklace: c/o Dear Mushka (exact)
In case you’re interested, here’s me using this outfit formula in the fall, winter, and spring respectively:
Try this formula with any spring colored cardigan. Shop some some through the widget below!
Try one of these outfit formulas sometime this week!
Need help with a wardrobe and don’t know where to start? Check out PMT Starter Kit Wardrobe Guides! They give you a simpler plan for building wardrobes from scratch, starting with just 9 pieces that become 9-15 outfits, then helping you identify which kinds of pieces to focus on next. You’ll end up with about 15 pieces that become 30+ outfits! We’ve got guides to help you put together workwear or casual wardrobes from scratch, so read all about them HERE.
