Outfit Ideas: Weekend Outfits for Transitional Spring Months
March and April are tricky months, temperature-wise. While it often looks sunny and beautiful, cold temperatures and chilly breezes often hamper what otherwise would be a gorgeous day outside.
Another thing that’s both awesome AND annoying is that now is when stores begin to put out their spring and summer collections. While it’s fun to buy new clothes, it absolutely SUCKS to get something fabulous and not be able to wear it for several weeks.
But don’t worry, ladies — we’ve got your back once again! In this post, we’ll share a few tips on transitioning your clothes from winter to spring, and how you can mash up winter and spring clothes, creating outfits that are adorable, seasonal, and appropriate for the weather outside. Let’s jump right in!
Tips & Tricks for Creating Spring Transition Outfits
- Everyone loves to wear pastels in March and April, but it might feel funny to you if it’s cold or dreary outside. To balance it out, pair pastel pieces with dark neutrals like black, navy and camel. This way, you’ll get that pop of color without looking like an Easter egg.
- Speaking of pops of color, colorblocking is another awesome way to infuse a bit of springtime into your ensemble without going overboard. Think brightly colored shoes with dark-washed jeans and a pastel shirt.
- Jackets and cardigans are your best friends. A denim or leather jacket will look great pair with a summery floral dress, and a cardigan will pair nicely with pretty much any t-shirt that you own.
- Shoes are definitely something you ought to think about as well. Personally, I’m against sandals until it gets very warm outside. That being said, it really depends on how warm your city is (Miami? Go for it!) and, of course, how comfortable you feel.
- Accessories are a good way to warm up spring outfits as well. A well-placed fedora or light scarf will protect you from wind gusts without compromising your style.
- Invest in an awesome parka, one that will serve you well in both the wind and the rain. I have an awesome military-style one that pretty much goes with everything in my closet.
- When it comes down to it, creating great transitional outfits is all about artfully juxtaposing winter and summer pieces. When you wear things with confidence, you can pretty much get away with anything. Keep it in perspective, though — winter snow boots with bare legs and shorts will pretty much always look silly in my opinion, as will strappy espadrilles worn with a peacoat.
Perfect Looks for Chilly Spring Nights on the Town

Skirt, Shirt, Jacket, Boots, Hairband
A lavender maxi skirt (or one in any pastel color, for that matter!) is really cool because it gives you some extra coverage but still looks fresh for warm months. Paired with loose, black, cropped tee, you’ll look super trendy. If it’s cool outside, add a denim jacket for a street-chic look. Finish with lace-up platform booties and a hippie hairband.

Dress, Jacket, Boots, Clutch, Necklace
Got a light, flowy sundress that you’re dying to wear? Pair it with a chic jacket — I love leather, but a denim jacket, military parka, or a cardigan would work just as well. Keep the edgy vibe going by wearing a tough pair of high-heeled boots, adding a box clutch, and finishing the look with a long necklace.

Jeans, Shirt, Cardigan, Belt, Scarf, Wedges
Maybe you’re going on a low-key date to a coffee shop, or perhaps you’re catching a cool acoustic concert. Either way, some nights you want to look casual but still night-appropriate as well. High-waisted jeans are super chic and trendy, so you’ll feel much snappier than you would if you were just wearing a regular pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Add a cardigan and/or a cute scarf for extra warmth and style. Finish with a cool belt and some platform wedges to dress it up a tad.

Sweater, Shorts, Tights, Ring, Boots, Curling Iron
You know those fancy shorts that seem like a bit much to wear in the summer, but are not warm enough to rock in the winter? Spring and fall months are the perfect time to break them out. I love these coated shorts from Mango; they’ll look great with everything from a knit sweater to a plain white v-neck. If it’s chilly out (or if you just feel too lazy to shave your legs that night), black opaque tights will look great under dressy shorts. Finish with studded boots and messy waves in your hair.
How Do You Transition from Winter to Spring?
We’ve shared some ideas, but we want to know your trade secrets!
When do you begin wearing lighter, “summery” outfits? What tricks do you employ to help you winterize summer pieces or make wintery pieces feel more spring-like? What are your go-to outfits for chilly yet sunny days? Leave a comment and tell us what’s on your mind!
Posted on on March 14, 2013 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Featured, Outfit Ideas, Spring, Spring 2013, Tips, Transitional Fashion, Winter















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Meridith
This author is terrific––sounds like one of my best friends and gives super good advice (RE: pastels with camel/navy/black). I’d wear every outfit, especially the last one. It’s the best way to wear coated shorts I’ve seen in a long time.
Could we have a post about sneaky ways to dress well “if you just feel too lazy to shave your legs that night” as it gets warmer? Like, a literal post about leg-covering techniques…tights with dresses and jeans, of course, but also tights with shorts, skirts with OTK socks, etc.
lauren
I love these outfits–I just wish you guys could maybe try to put in items that are a bit more affordable? For example…$100 is a lot for boots, for a college student.
Brigette
Okay, I’m confused.
In the Haute Links, you list Michelle Williams as being in redface to inform the readers of your blog, but then in the Outfit Ideas: Weekend Outfits for Transitional Spring Months entry, you make a Polyvore set featuring a sweatshirt of a skull wearing a Native American headdress.
You do realize that the sweatshirt is just as racist and culturally-appropriative of Michelle William’s redface, right?
Who are you trying to fool?
Zephyr - CF Editor
Brigette: Wow, you are right. And you know what? I honestly can’t defend that choice. I should have seen that when editing – it’s not an excuse, but I really didn’t notice that the skull was wearing a headdress until you pointed it out. I should have caught that piece and removed it, which is what I’m going to do right now. And I’m definitely going to be more observant in the future – while I don’t know if it’s “just as racist” as dressing up in a faux native american costume, I do see that the piece is offensive and apologize for letting it appear here.
Zephyr - CF Editor
Update: New pullover in outfit 4 – something close to my heart, haha.
Brigette
Thank you, Zephyr.
Thank you for hearing me out. <3
Ethel
I’m part Native American and I could care less about a shirt with a skull wearing a headress. How exactly is it offensive to you Bridgette?
Beck
I’m so excited for the weather to get warmer so I can wear more transitional pieces. I usually like wearing darker colors, but I do love the coral boots in the 3rd outfit! they’re so unusual!
Caitlyn
When do I start wearing Summer outfits? Around mid-January.
I live in Texas, this site becomes obselete for me around this time of year as everyone else is wearing overcoats and winter gear and it’s 70 degree’s in my neck of the woods.
Just waiting for the website to make the warm weather transistion entirely as that is 80% of my year and I hate hot weather clothes.
merry
I envy you, Caitlin, I wear winter clothes for 5 months and spring/autumn clothes for another 4. These outfits are summer outfits for me:-(
Anna
I have that hogwarts shirt :D
also, it runs about a size big and is pretty loose, fyi
Tara
I love that green cardigan, it reminds me of a chocolate Easter egg, I have a criminal damage shirt I just know would go perfect with that outfit, although I do love the Beatles one.