How to Dress for the Winter-to-Spring Season Transition
As we move into a new season, getting dressed can feel a little more challenging. It's that in-between weather where it's not quite cold and not quite hot. Here in Melbourne we're transitioning into spring, and while I love spring fashion, I know it can be a bit tricky. So today I'm sharing my top tips on how to style and shop your own wardrobe for the spring season.
Dressing for Melbourne's four-seasons-in-a-day weather
In Melbourne, we can genuinely get four seasons in a day. It might be storming one minute and warm and sunny the next, which makes getting dressed tricky. The key is dressing in a way that lets you adapt as the day changes.
Switch to lighter knits for layering
My first tip is to invest in some lighter knits, they make wonderful layering pieces. In winter we've been reaching for our chunkier knits, but now it's time to switch to something lighter, like a lightweight knit cardigan you can layer over a t-shirt. If it warms up, you can simply remove a layer.
Layering like this is also a lovely way to add contrast to your outfit. Pair a lighter t-shirt with a darker cardigan to create vertical lines and depth, and to experiment with colour. I love adding a pop of colour, whether that's a light cashmere knit draped over your shoulders or something brighter underneath.
Reach for trench coats and jackets
Trench coats are another great layering piece, they're lightweight and so easy to style. You can throw one over almost any outfit, even your activewear. I'm on the shorter side (just under 5'4"), so a full-length trench can be a little long on me, which is why I love a trench jacket as an alternative.
It's also a great time to experiment with jackets in general. A jacket can completely transform an outfit, changing the whole vibe with just one swap. I personally love a good bomber jacket, it suits my body type and is easy to mix and match, whether with jeans for an everyday look or track pants for something more sporty.
Add a scarf for warmth and personality
Scarves are perfect for transitioning into spring, because they're easy to remove if the weather shifts, and they add so much personality. A scarf with a bit of pattern or colour can transform a neutral outfit. Have fun with how you wear it, traditionally around the neck, or tied around your waist as a silk detail.
Swap your boots for lighter shoes
Now's the time to swap your boots for other styles. Ballet flats are lovely for spring, as are loafers, and you can wear loafers with socks for a little extra warmth. I love having fun with socks, I recently added a red pair to my wardrobe, and they add a pop of colour to an outfit without committing to a whole colourful piece.
Switch to lighter denim
It's also a great time to switch out your denim for lighter pieces. A white denim feels slightly more summery, or you might reach for lighter washes to lift your look as the weather warms.
Blend your summer and winter pieces
In this in-between period, start pairing some of your summer pieces with your winter ones. Think linen trousers with a chunky knit, or a summer dress layered under a woollen jumper and finished with your boots. This lets you transition the pieces you already own from winter and summer into the current season, without buying anything new.
Shop the end-of-season sales for investment pieces
The end of a season is one of the best times to invest in winter staples. If you've been wanting a classic winter coat and don't have one yet, buying during the end-of-season sales is perfect timing, you'll be adding an investment piece to your wardrobe at a fraction of the retail price. The same goes for boots, which often go on sale as we move into spring.
Lighten up your accessories
I also like to start swapping out my accessories. In winter you might gravitate towards a darker, heavier bag, something in leather, perhaps. As we move into spring, you can bring in lighter colours and fabrications, like a canvas tote instead of a leather one. Playing with materials is an easy way to freshen your look.
Shop your own wardrobe first
Transitioning into a new season doesn't mean buying a whole lot of new pieces. I always shop my own wardrobe first and see how I can combine my summer and winter pieces to create spring outfits. The key is having good layering pieces on hand, a layering knit, a button-down shirt, things you can easily add or remove as the weather changes.
Having a few shoe options helps enormously too, because finding the right shoe to finish an outfit can feel like the tricky part. I think white sneakers, or a sneaker with a pop of colour, are something everyone should have. They're so easy to mix and match, and that little pop of colour adds a lot of fun to a neutral outfit.
A season to look forward to
Spring is one of my favourite seasons. I love watching my garden come to life and finally shedding some of those heavier winter layers, though I'll admit I love winter dressing too. It's so creative with all its layers and heavier pieces, and I really do love my winter coats. Still, I'm looking forward to some sunnier days here in Melbourne and dressing a little differently to how I have over the last few months.
