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As we leave winter behind and move into the spring season (at least in the Northern hemisphere), wardrobe needs change: it's time to step away from chunky knits, heavy-duty boots and that scarf you've pretty much never taken off since November. But despite temperatures slowly creeping upwards, it's not yet the season of carefree dresses, barely-there sandals and the smell of sunscreen. We're in that season that lives in-between the cold and the warm, and let's be honest: it sometimes requires a wardrobe all its own.
Well, not quite. Very often, the trick to mastering transitional dressing is by combining elements of your summer and winter wardrobes to bring out something that is versatile enough to see you through all weather conditions and be suitable to any time of day – because coming out of winter hibernation also means spending more time out and about. So, here are some essentials that make up the perfect transitional wardrobe:
The perfect biker jacket. This is the ultimate transitional piece – and if you choose well, it will stay in your wardrobe for years to come. If you dress vegan, take extra care when choosing the material: make sure the faux leather has some weight to it and isn't too flimsy, otherwise breakage might be on the cards. Also, check for a matte finish rather than shiny, which is a giveaway for subpar quality (unless of course a shiny finish is part of the look). Where possible, choose second hand – you'll be surprised at how many beautiful items in amazing condition are out there, just waiting for their new home.
The versatile jeans. Maybe a year-round must – but denims tend to get more rotation in spring and autumn, perhaps due to their easy pairing with the biker jacket? This season's runway trends showcased ample variety when it came to jeans, from the much-discussed return of the low waist to slouchy silhouettes and a revival of the cargo trouser. Choose your champion – and make sure it's got the versatility to stay with you until summer and beyond. For vegans, check for that patch on the back of the jeans – sometimes, those can be made from animal leather.
The lightweight knit. As we put away our winter warmers, it's time to turn to a different kind of knit: the breezy style that brings a hint of comfort without the weight and extra warmth that are reserved for cold-weather knits. A Breton stripe is always chic, and will look perfect with those wear-them-everywhere jeans. Otherwise, this might be the occasion to add a punch of colour, like a rich wine burgundy or an emerald green. Vegan materials to look out for include organic cotton, hemp, Tencel/Lyocell, and recycled materials.
The maxi skirt. A catwalk favourite this season, the sweeping maxi is perfect for the in-between season as it offers enough coverage to keep somewhat warm, but at the same time brings with it the floaty, dreamy appeal of a summer dress. Pair it with your lightweight knit – or even with some of the heavier winter knits that you've still got lying around – add a pair of chunky boots and throw a biker jacket on top for the quintessential transitional outfit.
The spring boots. With a bit of luck, rain and snow might be a thing of the past (at least until next year) so give yourself permission to go for more fragile footwear materials like vegan suede, or choose an on-trend metallic style in high-shine silver. Daring designs with stud detailing are also particularly spring-appropriate. It's the season for being a bit more adventurous with your footwear – and how we have waited.