Laura Lajiness is a fashion editor and writer living in New York City. Here, she’s giving layering clothes ideas for getting through the transitional season.
The months of February and March are an awkward time to dress for. In most areas of the country, winter weather persists; not to mention the fatigue that comes with months of dressing for the cold—there are only so many times you can cycle through your favorite sweaters, coats, and boots before feeling burnout. To wit, it’s the time of year when new spring arrivals start hitting stores, but it’s not quite warm enough to wear them without a few extra layers. So how does a girl layer for winter fashionably when spring is just around the corner?
That’s where I come in: Over the past nine years of living in New York City, I’ve come up with a handful of layering clothes ideas that allow you to re-think your winter staples while introducing new spring pieces to reinvigorate your style. Not only are these tricks helpful when it comes to staying warm in chilly weather, but they’re dimensional combinations that are truly wearable and sartorially gratifying at once—what’s not to love about that? From refreshing takes on workwear to weekend-ready looks, ahead, see four cute layered outfits for winter-to-spring transitioning that you can easily recreate.
Combo 1: Dress + Jeans + “Scarf”
I love a dress over pants situation (especially when I’m tired of wearing tights under weightier silhouettes) and this swingy spring style perfectly layers over a pair of slim-fitting straight-leg jeans. The combo always feels fresh and unexpected, but for that extra special touch, I reached for a chunky sweater and tied it around my neck like a scarf — talk about fresh! Not only is the knit a warm third piece, but it picks up the lighter colors of the paisley floral print for an eye-catching look that doesn’t feel over the top. Last but not least, I peppered in a spectrum of neutral accessories: A tawny-colored bag, cream-colored mules, and sculptural gold earrings to tie it all together.
Shop This Look: Garden Splendor Navy Blue Floral Print Dress, Palmer Light Wash High Waisted Straight Leg Jeans, Just for You Brown Backless Sweater, Marlessa Cream Leather Pointed Toe Mules, Croc n Roll Brown Crocodile Embossed Round Bag, Shine Time Gold Threader Earrings
Combo 2: Turtleneck + Cardigan + Midi Skirt
Midi skirts are my kryptonite so I’m constantly after new versions like this trendy tiger-print style. To temper the bold motif, I kept my palette neutral, reaching for a black turtleneck, rusty-brown cardigan, nude lace-up boots, and tawny-colored cross-body bag. This mélange of muted shades bring polish to the otherwise risky-for-work skirt, which at the same time, breathes new life into a range of basics. To me, this is a perfect desk-to-dinner outfit that feels equally on point for date night, too!
Shop This Look: Superlative Style Tan Tiger Print Midi Skirt, Reid Black Ribbed Mock Neck Sweater, Yolanda Light Brown Ribbed Midi Cardigan Sweater, Daelyn Nude Suede Lace Up Mid Calf Booties, Knot To Be Missed Brown Tie Front Purse, Shine Time Gold Threader Earrings
Combo 3: Striped Sweater + Turtleneck + Trench
After months of darker tones and heavy layers, there’s nothing like a punchy sweater to reinvigorate your style. Since this particular crew neck is on the thinner side, I layered a white turtleneck underneath and topped off the look with a sleek vegan leather trench coat. To ground this ‘70s-inspired outfit, I went for western-inspired black ankle boots and a snake-embossed belt bag for a modern touch. Though they’re barely peeking from my hair, a pair of geometric gold studs served as a polished accent — this is my ideal weekend brunch ensemble.
Shop This Look: Candy Paint White Multi Striped Sweater Top, Sunshine White Turtleneck, Adelene Camel Vegan Leather Trench Coat, Serra Black Leather Pointed Toe Ankle Booties, Goodies Black Snake Embossed Belt Bag, Art Deco Gold Earrings
Combo 4: Blouse + Turtleneck + Trousers
If it weren’t obvious by now, I think a fitted turtleneck is the most versatile layering piece. Which is why I plucked a fresh white style again, this time layering it under a snake-print blouse with high-waist vegan leather trousers for an edgy-but-tailored look. A tonal pair of heeled mules helped to elongate my frame while the same tawny-colored bag provided the perfect level of contrast — another forward take on workwear that seamlessly transitions to after hours, my favorite!
Shop This Look: Rhea Beige Snake Print Satin Long Sleeve Top, Sunshine White Turtleneck Top, Leanna Black Vegan Leather Belted Pants, Maxine Nude and Black Leather Pointed Toe Mules, Art Deco Gold Earrings
(Images via Laura Lajiness)
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