While we're incredibly grateful for the double-digit temps and long, sunny days (Hallelujah!), trans-seasonal dressing has proven a little challenging. A few of us at the office have been moaning about getting all hot and sweaty in the afternoons (or on the Victoria line—gross), then absolutely freezing in the evenings.
We've hit the time of year when it seems our deep winter wardrobe has become irrelevant and our summer one isn't quite ready to come out from under the bed. So what does one wear when it feels like we could experience all four seasons over the course of a day? And what pieces from our existing wardrobe do we need to be working harder to get us through these in-between months?
Below are the seven spring essentials you need to nail trans-seasonal dressing.
1.The Trench Coat
Think back to when you first purchased your trench coat. You were most likely anticipating these exact days when a wool coat is too heavy and a cardigan alone doesn't quite cut through the wind. This is your trench coat's time to shine. With its roomy silhouette, you could also easily amp up the layering underneath and just throw the trench over it all in the evening. Their gabardine fabric also means they're relatively water-resistant which will come in handy when the spring showers hit.
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2.The Loafers
You've probably already put away your knee-length boots and are getting a little tired of your ankle boots, but pedicure season hasn't quite arrived, so where does that leave us? Enter: loafers. After the minimalist styles last autumn and the chunky loafers before that, dad loafers are now having a moment. Thankfully, they're also the perfect shoe to tide us over to sandal season, offering enough toe coverage, while also being easy to style with socks on slightly nippier days.
These are the only loafers we'll be wearing for the foreseeable.
3. The Sunnies
We're not complaining about the spades of sunlight we've been blessed with these few weeks ,but that also means there's a new essential we need to add to our rotation—a pair of stylish shades. We're currently loving skinny sunnies that do just enough to block out the sun while also being incredibly chic and city-appropriate. A pair of these narrow frames plus a trench coat? *Chef's kiss*
4. The Easy Jumper
I can't tell you the number of times a cardigan has saved me on a chilly spring evening (or in the shade during the day). As much as we'd love to bare our arms and legs all day long, it simply isn't realistic with these unpredictable temps. We can't talk about spring essentials without mentioning a cardigan, because a thin cardi, which can be layered on top of a T-shirt or thrown over the aforementioned trench coat, is your best friend this season. In a fun stripe or bright colour, it could even add a welcome pop of colour to a monochromatic look.
5. The Scarf
Scarves? For spring? It sounds counter-intuitive but this is actually the perfect time for your scarves to get some attention. Of course, scarves come in different weights and maybe you can put away those hefty, cashmere numbers (thank you for your service). For spring, bring out the silk scarf or fringed cape that can be thrown over your existing outfit to not only add nuance and texture but also serve as warming layer when temps start to dip. And when the sun's out? Tie it around your bag or waist as an added accessory. Two-birds one scarf.
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6. The Wide-Legged Trousers
While you can wear wide-leg trousers all year round, we'd like to argue that spring is the best time to bring them out. Why? It actually has more to do with the pieces you can pair them with. Given the voluminous nature of the trousers, you'd want to balance it out with more form-fitting or skin-baring tops, which means there's only a short window when the mercury would allow you to wear this combo. The trousers will also get the attention they're due, no longer having to be hidden under a big coat so go on and give them their day in the sun.
7. The Giant Tote
Now where are you going to stash all the accessories we've just suggested? A giant tote, of course. Just because you need a capacious carryall, doesn't mean it has to be a boring canvas one. There are plenty of chic work bags that are meant to hold your work essentials and after-work ones too. The key is to find one that has a wide enough opening so you can shove your trench coat in if needed, but that also ideally has drawstrings or clasps that allow it to be collapsible. In a fun hue or punchy print, it could even be the statement accessory to your outfit.
