January has come to an end and spring is in the air. Let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Those of us who live in the UK likely have a handful of chilly months still ahead, but at the very least, we’ll soon be able to ditch the heavy wool coats and winter warmers.
With this in mind, it’s time to start thinking about which outfits will carry us through the transitional period. February isn’t just the first sign of spring; it’s also a month filled with hot-off-the-press inspiration, thanks to the succession of fashion weeks popping up around the world. After finding your sartorial footing in the first few weeks of the year, now is the prime time to take note from the catwalks and start having fun with your style.
Alas, it’s still slightly too early to hide away your knitwear and embrace the rainbow dresses and sandal trends that will come out in full force this summer. Ease yourself in by opting for clever layers, hints of colour and fresh alternatives to your cold-weather staples. To give you some ideas, I’ve rounded up 6 outfits that successfully toe the line between winter and spring. You know what to do…
Style Notes: Until trench season is officially upon us, we’re still wearing the long coats that saw us through a chilly winter. Not only are they the perfect layer for unpredictable temperatures, a bold pop of colour looks good with just about everything and marks the end of winter. I especially love this maxi coat-maxi-dress combination I’m immediately copying from Valeria, the brains behind @Sobalera.
The perfect, universally-flattering shade of red.
Easy to dress up or down.
The kind of heel you can wear all day without having to change to flats.
Style Notes: After the post-Christmas gloominess of January, I think we could all use a little cheering up. You don’t have to wear a big coat with a cosy, happy knit like a Fair Isle, and thanks to brands like Khaite, Loewe, and Loro Piana, they’re currently enjoying a very fashionable revival. Pair with these season’s trending baggy jean and a cute Mary Jane (with socks while it’s cold) and you’re good to go.
A spirit-lifting knit if ever I saw one.
Go all-out on the fun and buy the matching blazer.
A patent shoe is always eye-catching.
Style Notes: After colourful coats and novelty knits, here’s one on the opposite end of the spectrum: top-to-toe neutrals. Beat the between-seasons chill with a knit dress layered over tights (right now red is topping the agenda followed closely by white), and finish with a glossy pair of knee-high boots.
& Other Stories has re-released this chic design after it sold out last year.
Sometimes simple is the way to go.
For beautiful shoes I always look to Alohas.
Style Notes: If you’ve spent the start of the year in your PJs, counteract the cosiness with a loosely tailored trousers. Still just as comfy, but undeniably classier, and with a fluffy knit on top, you’ll feel like you haven’t even left your bed.
Still cold? Style with a turtleneck underneath for now, then switch it out for a tank top when the weather warms.
The pleats down on each leg really sharpen these trousers up.
I can see myself carrying this beauty through spring and summer too.
Style Notes: February is the ideal time to try out some trends that are new to you. Bomber jackets, denim skirts and ballet flats continue to be huge this spring, but how about bringing things up to date with a shearling gilet and dark grey or black denim?
This will make every outfit ten times cooler.
A vintage-inspired fit with a versatile straight leg.
When brands like The Row, Prada and Tod’s embrace a trend, you know it’s going the distance.
Style Notes: Too mild for a weighty jumper and coat but too cold for a tee? Pair a warm jacket with a light layer instead, and we’re ready to test the waters with an easy maxi dress. You can always stash a pair of emergency tights in your bag, just in case.
This bold charcoal grey shade will compliment a monochrome outfit nicely.
Free People is my go-to for pretty dresses like this.
If you’re not ready for sandals, choose a ballet style instead.
This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
