I often receive questions on how to transition your wardrobe from one season to the next, and so I thought I’d tackle that topic today! I try not to shop too much during the transitional times, as I’m usually way more excited to buy fresh items for the next season than to keep padding my wardrobe for a season that’s already nearly over. I do my best to use what I have and get creative with those, or buy a few new less expensive items to hold me over until warm weather finally arrives. Below are some suggestions on how to utilize pieces you have and transition them into spring with ease!

GET CREATIVE WITH COLOR

I often fall into a rut of going for the same black, camel, ivory and grey items during the fall/winter season. I love these colors, but after several months of wear it feels boring and I’m ready to mix it up. To keep things fresh and interesting, I’ve been reaching for more colorful pieces and soft neutrals, but still pairing them with my black jeans and go-to boots to keep them looking seasonally appropriate. Once the weather warms up, I’ll transition to styling those colorful items with white denim and other soft neutrals (beige instead of black, for example). One piece I picked up this season that will definitely do double duty for me is this scalloped blue sweater! It’s under $60 and just so happens to match this blue Zara coat I’ve had for a few years! I love the monochromatic combo paired with my black jeans and boots, but come spring I plan to wear this same sweater with white skinny jeans and cute flats.

I also just think simply swapping out your black layers for winter white, beige and other soft neutrals is a way to instantly transform your wardrobe into a more warm-weather friendly color scheme! Transition from wearing black and dark wash jeans to lighter washes and white for a more spring forward look.

SWITCH UP YOUR SHOES

The easiest way to transition between seasons with your wardrobe is by opting for different shoe styles! I recently wore this midi dress with tall boots for a chic winter nighttime look in Chicago, but I’ll be able to style it easily this spring/summer with just a quick change of footwear. It’ll look super cute with pointed-toe pumps and heeled sandals once the weather warms up! The same can be said for practically any other outfit. Instead of wearing knee-high boots or ankle boots with your favorite sweaters and jeans, style the same outfit with a pair of mules, ballet flats or sneakers for a less “heavy” look.

SWAP OUT YOUR HEAVY OUTERWEAR FOR SOMETHING LIGHTER

Instead of going for your heavy coats, utilize more lightweight options (like a trench!) for styling with your favorite sweaters and jeans, dresses and more. The trench (either classic double-breasted or a drape neck/wrap style) is always a go-to for me this time of year! It’s such an effortless neutral staple that looks great with everything and adds instant polish to any look. A longline cardigan (like this), a light colored jacket (like this!) or an oversized boyfriend blazer (like this!) are other great options for switching it up!

PAIR YOUR SWEATERS WITH SKIRTS INSTEAD OF JEANS/LEGGINGS

Changing up your bottoms from leather pants, dark jeans and leggings to springy skirts is another super easy way to carry your favorite sweaters from winter to spring! I’ve already been doing this at church and for special events, where I don’t want to wear darker colors. The outfits feel weather appropriate, but still look light and bright for spring!

{ photography by Iron + Honey }