Style File: Transitioning into Spring

The promise of spring transforms this campus. The first day the temperature rises above 45 degrees, I feel a noticeable shift in mood: Everyone sheds their winter layers and the frustration that comes with the late-March snowfalls we just had. It’s a sense of relief. Even when it’s still too cold to walk to class without a jacket, we all do it to convince ourselves that spring is finally on the way.

Spring means eating outside on Kirkwood Avenue. Buying crazy new sunglasses at Urban Outfitters. Outdoor concerts. Laying out on the sun deck. And, most importantly, a new wardrobe.

Dusting off my old sundresses and sandals is the highlight of the season for me. I try not to be one of those girls who wears a skirt to class when it’s still 40 degrees, but the temptation is always there. I pull out my oversized shades, stuff every sweater under my bed and embrace “spring fashion” with abandon.

The same thing always happens, though. I realize it isn’t really spring — at least not quite — and my best bet is to wear a “transitional” ensemble. It’s easier said than done.

Dressing appropriately for inconsistent weather is tricky. Wear too many layers and you’ll start to sweat on your way to class, not to mention inside your heated classroom. Wear too few, and you’ll shiver the whole way. And you’ll look silly.
There are a select few pieces, however, that make “transitional” dressing exponentially easier. Once you find them, your morning routine will be blissfully easy.

Utility jacket

These lightweight toppers — also referred to as military jackets, safari jackets, field jackets, etc. — have appeared on nearly every spring shopping list for the past five years. There’s a reason everyone wants one: They’re crafted in thick cotton, so they’re the perfect weight for in-between seasons, and they look great with literally anything. Throw one over a T-shirt and jeans for an easy off-duty look, or pair it with a colorful, feminine dress for some contrast. Find yours at J.Crew, Target, or ASOS.com.

Chunky sweater

Going beyond “transitional” clothing, I love a piece that can truly work in multiple seasons — even year-round. Great T-shirts, jeans and metallic accessories fit squarely into this category, but so do chunky sweaters. I would suggest you invest in a high-quality one that will last for years and years, because you’ll be doing some serious damage. In the winter, the right heavy knit sweater is cozy but way more stylish than the sweatshirts your peers are wearing. Wear it with skinny jeans, leather boots and a patterned scarf. In the spring, wear a chunky sweater with distressed or cut-off shorts for those days you still need a little bit of warmth. Topshop, Madewell, Old Navy and H&M always have a great knitwear selection.

Printed pants

While they aren’t your typical transition piece, printed pants have quickly become a wardrobe staple for me. Find a pattern and material that will work in both winter and spring — like scarf-print silk pants or camouflage cotton skinnies — and the rest of your outfit will fall into place. For the more chilly days ahead of us this week, throw on that chunky sweater or utility jacket and some ankle boots, then switch them out for a tank top and sandals when it warms up — hopefully in time for Little 500.