Four Winter-to-Spring Transition Items to Get Now
Wardrobes are always tricky this time of year.
Spring items are slowly trickling in, but it's still cold. Do you hold off on shopping until deep spring?
It's not fun to get a beautiful coat or jacket just to wear it for a few weeks during the transition.
Luckily, there's another way: Here are some of my favorite transitional pieces and how you can wear them come Spring!
01. The Classic Sweatshirt
The end of winter is the perfect time to pick up a sweatshirt to add to your wardrobe. This is a great casual layering piece you can wear under a coat when it's cold. As the weather warms up, it's a piece that works well on its own.
How to buy the right transitional sweatshirt: If this is your first one, I recommend a classic grey. If you already own one in grey, look for colors like a dark navy or denim blue for a pop of color as you get into Spring.
Where to buy:
How to wear a classic sweatshirt in Winter then Spring:
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In Winter: The classic sweatshirt can be on the lighter side, so it's best used as a layering piece in the winter. Make sure you’re wearing it over a tee. I also recommend adding extra accessories like a multi-colored scarf to not just add more warmth but a pop of color!
In Spring: Swap your wool pants for shorts and sneakers and you've got a Spring-ready look. You can even omit the tee and wear the sweatshirt as a solo top when it gets warmer. Make sure you wear invisible no-show socks so you don't get blisters.
02. The Denim Jacket
Denim jackets are often associating with Spring Summer, but they actually make a great layering piece in colder months. (See Daniel Craig below.) On cold days they look great over knit sweaters. When it's extra chilly, wear it under a coat for a rugged wind layer.
How to buy the right transitional denim jacket: Avoid Fall/winter denim jackets that are lined. Make it all-season and go for one that’s unlined.
Denim blue is the traditional color. Medium to light blues are more casual, while darker indigo (raw) are less casual and versatile.
And of course, make sure it fits!
Where to buy:
How to wear a denim jacket in Winter then Spring:
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In Winter: Take a cue from Bond and make your denim jacket a surprising layering piece under a winter coat. Go for a button-down shirt instead of a tee to dress it up. Cords give this look a cozy winter texture, while hiking boots play up the rugged vibe of denim jackets.
In Spring: Here's a Spring variation of the Winter look. Notice how the color palette is near identical, but our choices in the pieces changes the mood. The henley is more Spring appropriate and casual, while the choice of chinos and desert boots dresses up the look. A great "grown-man" alternative to a “denim jacket and tee” outfit.
03. The Harrington Jacket
I don't think the Harrington jacket gets enough love. It's the iconic jacket James Dean wore in Rebel Without a Cause. And while I don't recommend getting it in red (you'll look like you're trying too hard), a navy one is hard to beat when it comes to versatility and ease of wear. If you love the bomber style jacket but find it's a little too casual for your taste (or age), I suggest trying out the Harrington.
How to buy the right transitional Harrington jacket: Harrington's are often lined, which makes it a solid choice for an everyday winter jacket. The linings usually aren't heavy, which makes them perfect to wear over a tee in Spring.
When it comes color, as I mentioned above, go with a navy, black, or dark neutral color.
Where to buy:
How to wear a Harrington jacket in Winter then Spring:
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In Winter: A thick knit sweater under a lined Harrington will offer you solid protection against the Winter chill. The Harrington's clean aesthetic can sometimes come off as visually flat, so adding texture in areas like your top, pants (here done with corduroy), and accessories like scarves and shoes are recommended.
In Spring: The key to pulling off a dark aesthetic in Spring is paying attention to your fabric weight and colors. A light airy polo unbuttoned lets your neck and chest breath. Mixing in shades of black and dark greys give your look some depth and prevent you from looking like a black hole.
04. The Leather Jacket
We often think of leather jackets thrown over tee shirts and jeans, but leather jackets are one of my favorite pieces to layer with in the winter. I love wearing them under a coat — a bit unusual but extremely practical. It adds a perfect insulating layer and gives your look some nice visual texture.
How to buy the right transitional leather jacket: Avoid buying winter level leather jackets, like padded bombers or anything lined in fur. Go for something more all season, like a cafe racer or double rider with light or removable lining.
When it comes to color, black and brown are the most versatile. If you're having a hard time picking between black or brown, take a look at your shoes. If you own mostly black leather shoes, go with black. If most of your leather shoes like boots and loafers are brown, go with brown.
For more tips on buying a leather jacket, check out my post "How to buy your first leather jacket."
Where to buy:
How to wear a leather jacket in Winter then Spring:
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In Winter: If you've ever thrown a puffer under your coat and wished for something a little bit cooler, the leather jacket is here to answer your prayers. The key to avoiding the depressing winter greys is to vary the shades and add a pop of color. Since the backdrop is already dark, your pop doesn't need to be bright. I threw in a beautiful camel colored cashmere sweater, which adds a shot of color and ridiculously warmth without a ton of bulk.
In Spring: How can you go wrong with this classic leather, denim, and tee look? I've made a few subtle upgrades, and I recommend you consider them if you're planning to add this look to your repertoire. I've always found a crisp white tee in these looks too blinding. Opt for an off-white top to lower the contrast a bit and give it more of a vintage feel. Guys will often instinctively reach for sneakers like Converse Hi-tops with this casual look. I say go for an easy slip-on Chelsea boot to stand out from the pack, give it some edge, and make this look a bit more mature.
