101: wardrobe transitioning (winter to spring)

It’s Spring.

Yet it’s not.

If you live in the Northeast you know what I’m talking about. It could be freezing in the morning, and then you find yourself stripping off layers by lunchtime. It feels like every article of clothing I own needs to be at the ready, until we can safely say that warm weather is here to stay.

I get through this sometimes lengthy stretch with what I call my “transition” pieces.

Transition pieces are the true multi-taskers in my wardrobe. With the help of some clever layering and accessorizing, these are the items that see me through at least three (and sometimes four) seasons.

I’ve grown to love this concept so much that I try to only buy clothes that I can make work in multiple seasons. Like these:

everlane short sleeve sweatshirt

short sleeved sweatshirt

This is my new favorite piece – I love it. I wear it as an outer-layer over a button-down in the cooler weather, and alone – over cuffed white jeans and sneakers – once things warm up. And it looks as cute over leggings and pants as it does with a skirt (or over a dress).

nina z agneta cognac

 

clogs

I know – clogs again. I finally bought a pair – these Nina Z ones are coming any day! – and I can safely say I’ll be wearing them pretty much all year round. Almost any clog-type shoe works as a transitional piece – think socks and cuffed boy jeans for spring/fall, with thick tights for winter, and of course bare feet and dresses and skirts come summer. A medium-colored leather – like brown or cognac – will be more versatile than black or beige.

gap long denim shorts

long shorts

I wasn’t kidding when I wrote about long shorts a while back – I live in them. Again, a darker color (think indigo or black) will let you pair these with everything – from tights and clogs and a chunky sweater, to sandals and t-shirts.

j crew white jeans

white jeans

Busting those rules wide open! If you’ve been putting your white jeans away on Labor Day and not breaking them out again till Memorial Day, now’s the time to stop. I love white jeans with a ribbed turtleneck and ballet flats, or a chunky sweater and ankle boots. Go for a boyfriend or bootleg cut as opposed to a skinny leg, and you’ll be wearing these all year round, I guarantee it.

j crew denim shirt

denim shirt

A denim shirt in a dark rinse is a mainstay in my winter wardrobe – and yet looks so fresh when paired with shorts or white jeans (sleeves rolled, of course).

everlane long sleeve tee shirt white

silky long sleeve tee shirt

Another piece you’ll reach for again and again. Wear it layered over a button front shirt. Or with skinny jeans, flats and a scarf (with a trench till the weather warms up). A silky fabric takes it up a notch from the same old cotton tee.

old navy cropped denim jacket

cropped denim jacket

I’ve had a similar version of this jacket for over 10 years and it never lets me down. Again it’s all about the cut. The cropped shape makes it a little less casual, and I layer it over sweaters in the fall and tanks and dresses all summer.

madewell white shirt

oversized white shirt

I wear this shirt so often that I finally bought a back-up. An essential piece to wear year round. Under sweaters all winter long, over leggings and skinnies right now, and with just about any summer bottoms you can think of. It’s even the perfect swim cover up!

And in the “great minds think alike” category: Lynzy, my co-contributor at VRAI Magazine, posted a similar piece on transitioning from winter to spring – take a look at her faves!

So what say you? Do you buy pieces to wear over many seasons? Or do you prefer to keep summer separate from winter separate from fall? Did I leave anything out? Let’s discuss!

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!