Weather 
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Dressing myself in the early spring can be a real challenge. The transitional weather goes from one extreme to the other — and while I’m freezing in the morning, by the afternoon, I’m in a pool of my own sweat. After ten years of living through the moody New York City weather, I’ve finally curated the best transitional wardrobe for this finicky time of year.
Lightweight sweaters, angular jackets and trusty denim jeans have become the backbone of my closet. Not only do these pieces feel timeless, but they help me stay comfortable through the breezy spring season. If you want to emulate the most fashionable NYC girls, keep reading to discover my tried and true transitional fashion finds.
The Transitional Fashion Finds You Need From March to May
1. For the In Between Days: When the temperatures are chilly in the morning and extra warm by afternoon, I opt for a short-sleeved sweater. This one, with its etched flower design, is pretty on its own or layered with a light jacket.
2. Preppy Vibes: ‘90s-inspired short sleeve cardigans are going to be all the rage this spring — especially since Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette premiered — but to be honest, I’ve been wearing this buttery soft pick for years.
3. The Best Transitional Basic: My signature transitional piece is this lightweight wool blend tank. It beautifully hugs my body and looks professional without being stuffy. I wear it everywhere!
4. Fun Pockets: My latest denim finds — like this affordable silhouette — are much more fun than styles from years past, thanks to fun patchwork pockets, wide waistbands and a slightly flared hem.
5. Go Light: I tend to store my dark wash denim away once March comes around in favor of lighter wash jeans. The hue of this wide-legged pair matches the refreshing springtime energy. Plus, they go with everything!
6. Pop of Color: Who says you can only wear blue denim? These ivy green Levi’s are an easy way to incorporate color into your transitional wardrobe. The wide-legged silhouette is also extremely flattering.
7. The Ultimate Midi: Want to look model tall? This ribbed midi dress elongates your frame, while the expertly placed back tie cinches your waist. This is something I’ll wear with sneakers, boots and even sandals as the weather gets warmer.
8. Denim Days: While most denim dresses are extra thick and form-fitting, this one is light and breezy with a feminine babydoll silhouette. I’ll be wearing this to brunch all the time.
9. Who Needs an Excuse? I live in dresses from the moment it becomes spring. This high-neck drop-waist design from Abercrombie has already become a wardrobe staple due to its versatility.
10. Upgraded Denim: Blue denim jackets might be classic, but this burnished brown pick adds depth to any outfit.
11. 21st Century Trench: Long, timeless trench coats have their time and place. However, the NYC girls are obsessed with cropped trench coats, and I can’t deny they look tres chic!
12. Bye Bye Chill! On those random cold spring days, I have a short wool-blend coat on hand. This sharply-tailored one from Abercrombie is less bulky than a long jacket and a bit boxy for that model-off-duty look.
13. Suede Baby: The one thing I’m dying to add to my transitional closet is a utilitarian suede coat. All the cool girls wore it last season, and I know the style is going to be even more popular this year.
One minute it’s crisp and cold — the kind of chill that calls for a sweater the second you step outside — but the next? Spring is fully staging a takeover, and your heavy knits suddenly feel like overkill. Sound familiar? That’s where lightweight sweaters come in. Not quite bulky, not quite breezy, these in-between […]
