When the weather shifts from cold to warm, do you suddenly find yourself with “nothing to wear”?
Making the transition from winter to spring (or spring to summer, depending on your local climate) can be challenging if you don’t have a style system in place.
Read on to learn about my 4 essentials for women’s wardrobes when transitioning from cold to warm weather.
Lightweight Sweater
Cashmere Sweater | Joseph
Perfect for: Formal, Business Casual, Casual Dress Codes
A lightweight sweater is an obvious essential piece for cold weather, but it’s also a useful wardrobe piece for warmer weather.
A luxurious fabric like merino wool or lightweight cashmere can be layered over a blouse or under a blazer in colder weather, and isn’t too hot for warmer spring weather.
Having a layer like this on hand comes in handy for air-conditioned offices in the summertime, too.
For maximum versatility, look for a neutral core color like black, navy, gray, or camel.
This v-neck version from Joseph would look great with jeans and sneakers for a casual look, or dressed up over a white button down shirt with a pair of black trousers.
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Blouses in Natural Fibers
Charli Stripe Linen Blend Blouse | Rails
Perfect for: Business Casual, Casual Dress Codes
Blouses in natural fibers are a wardrobe essential you can wear year-round in any climate.
Wear them solo in the spring and summer, and layered under a sweater or blazer in colder weather.
Natural fibers like cotton or linen are breathable so they transition perfectly into warm weather. Avoid polyester or poly blends, which tend to get sweaty in warmer climates.
A white blouse is a closet staple that can be worn year-round, but if you already have a solid foundation of core colors, you can add in seasonal spring colors (lavender, rose, etc.) or patterns that appeal to you such as a classic stripe or even a floral.
Perfect-Fitting Tee
Schoolboy Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt | ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo
Perfect for: Business Casual, Casual, Work from Home Dress Codes
Great-fitting tees are a foundational piece for casual summer outfits that can be dressed up or down for any dress code.
Wear them solo in warmer weather or layer them underneath a blazer or cardigan in colder weather.
White is a core color that looks great year-round and will pair perfectly with the rest of your wardrobe, but also consider other versatile shades like gray, black, cream, beige, and rose.
Fit is essential here, so look for a tee with a classic crew or v neck style, in a length that’s long enough to tuck in.
This version from ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo is made from slub cotton, a lightweight fabric with great texture that I often recommend to my styling clients for casual summer outfits.
A Sleek Pair of Sneakers
The Royale Eco Canvas | Greats
Perfect for: Casual, Work from Home Dress Codes
A stylish pair of low-top sneakers is a closet staple that’ll serve you year-round.
Sneakers are perfect for when it gets too warm for boots but isn’t hot enough for sandals yet — plus they’re comfortable for walking around all day.
A sleek low-top style in a core color like white or tan will go with everything in your closet.
Pair with a blazer and jeans for a more formal look in a casual dress code, or a simple warm-weather dress if your office has no dress code.
Ready to stock your closet with essentials for women’s wardrobes when transitioning from cold to warm weather? Check out my women’s virtual personal styling services.
Cassandra Sethi is a NYC Personal Stylist and Image Consultant. After working over 15 years in the Fashion Industry, most recently as a Senior Buyer for Equinox, she created her business, Next Level Wardrobe – a luxury personal shopping service for successful professionals.
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