A Stylist Told Me 4 Easy Hacks to Transition My Closet From Winter to Spring

Jackets & Coats I Cant Stop Scrolling Pinterest—Here Are 10 Cool-Girl Spring Styles Im Inspired to Buy These Are the 12 Best Robes to Lounge in Luxury spring outfits Please fill out this field strappy sandals in March (or even April) is about as realistic as Carrie being able to sustain her Manolo habit on a freelance writer’s budget. 

I pulled from my own closet based on her expert suggestions.  Ashley Jebran to share her tips on getting dressed in the late winter and early spring. Keep scrolling for her advice, plus four transitional outfit ideas I pulled from my own closet based on her expert suggestions. 

Tip 1: Layer With Light Jackets

J.Crew Rain-or-Shine Trench 

The essence of transitional dressing can be distilled to one staple category—light jackets. “Prioritize your favorite lighter coats,” Jebran recommended. “Think: Blazers as your main jacket.” She cited blazers as her “favorite recommendation to all clients,” since they’re “chic, versatile, and perfect for layering.” (I’ve never been a big blazer girl myself, but after getting Jebran’s advice, I’m eyeing this on-sale option from Nordstrom.) 

A trench coat is another quintessential outerwear choice for this time of year. According to Jebran, a trench coat is “a classic for a reason—it's lightweight enough for warmer days, but offers protection from spring showers and those lingering chills.” She added that the spring staple “elevates any outfit,” thanks to its tailored silhouette and elegant details like epaulettes or a belt.  

in black. For my pants, I opted for a pair of under-$100 jeans in a trendy J.Crew Rain-or-Shine Trench in striking cherry red (“Pops of color are going to be big this season,” per Jebran). Also available in khaki and black, it has the perfect lightweight feel and oversized fit. For a casual everyday look, I layered my new favorite statement piece over the J.Crew Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater In anticipation of the long stretch of transitional weather ahead, I tapped NYC-based stylist, celebrity-loved silhouette—Abercrombie’s Look of the Day.   

J.Crew Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater

Abercrombie Look of the Day

Tip 2: Rely on Knitwear

Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan

“My ideal spring look consists of my three closet staples: a trench coat, a wool blazer, and cozy cashmere knit,” Jebran told me. In fact, one of her main transitional fashion tips was to “utilize your knitwear.” There are few things I love more than a soft, snuggly sweater, so this suggestion really resonated with me. Made from a sustainable cashmere blend, this best-selling Reformation cardigan in an adorable pink and gray argyle is an early contender for my favorite spring knit.   

There are tons of different ways to style a cardigan, but I decided to wear mine with one of Jebran’s other go-to light layers—a leather jacket (my chocolate brown bomber style is from cool-girl Australian brand Lioness). “If you’re looking to stay warmer and add a little bit of edge to your spring look, then a leather jacket does just that without being too bulky and providing just the right amount of warmth,” she told me. To complete the look, I added a pleated Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses, loafers are as trendy as ever, Courtesy of Jordan Julian, and the Le Specs Outta Love Sunglasses. 

Lioness Kenny Bomber Jacket

Le Specs Outta Love Cocoa Sunglasses

Tip 3: Invest in a Pair of Loafers

G.H. Bass Weejuns Whitney Loafers

As for footwear, Courtesy of Jordan Julian—and they’re a great practical choice for transitional weather. “Loafers are the epitome of effortless chic,” said Jebran. “They're comfortable, stylish, and perfect for those days when you want to look put-together without trying too hard,” she said, adding “whether you like a bare ankle or not, you can transition your loafers season to season by wearing them with a pair of cashmere socks to stay warm on chillier days.”   

I’ve been in the market for a new pair of black penny loafers and after polling my fellow editors, I landed on the G.H. Bass Weejuns Whitney Loafers. Not only are they super comfortable once you break them in, but they’re also unrivaled in quality and timeless style. I leaned into the classic aesthetic by styling my loafers with a crisp white button-down (try this discounted option from Gap) and my comfiest pair of straight-leg jeans. To pull it all together, I took a styling cue from Jebran by tying a sweater around my shoulders.      

Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Classic Shirt

Reformation Cynthia High Rise Straight Cropped Jeans

Tip 4: Wear Your Dresses and Skirts With Boots

Everyone Knows Dresses Are Nonnegotiable for Spring, and These 11 Styles Are Under $50

Finally, “another tip is to keep your boots in rotation all season long,” said Jebran. “Consider wearing your knee-high boots, which you typically store away in the spring, and pair them with mini skirts or flowy dresses to give your look a little extra something.” You can apply this tip to any style of tall boots, but I’m partial to motorcycle boots, which have been co-signed by everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Susan Sarandon.      

Everyone Knows Dresses Are Nonnegotiable for Spring, and These 11 Styles Are Under $50 Everyone Knows Dresses Are Nonnegotiable for Spring, and These 11 Styles Are Under $50 last fall, they’ve become one of my most-worn pairs of shoes as a result of their comfort and versatility. I styled them with a flowy, rose-adorned midi dress and my faux-leather bomber to lean into the boho vibe, which Jebran forecasted as one of this spring’s biggest trends. 

Though my dress is a Free People slip that I’ve had forever, you can find plenty of floral midi dresses to shop now, such as this similar style that’s on sale for 75 percent off. Add a transitional outfit ideas, throw on a pair of sunnies, and pull your hair back with a claw clip for a laidback-cool early spring ‘fit.       

Cami NYC Myla Dress

Madewell the Sculptural-Buckle Shoulder Bag