With this unpredictable Minnesota weather, making your wardrobe work for winter and spring requires a slow transition rather than a quick switch. As nice as it would be to go straight into wearing tank tops and shorts, it’s not realistic. By adding some new pieces to your closet and altering the way you wear some of your winter clothes, you’ll look stylish on 30-degree days and 60-degree days alike.
Lighten up
The simplest way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring is to simply start wearing spring colors. Ditch your basic black pieces for something in a bright shade of yellow or pink. A bold purple skirt will look fresh with a black sweater, tights and booties.
Try lightening up your look by incorporating stark whites, pastels and even light, distressed denim with your dark winter pieces.
Layers on layers
Everyone is tired of wearing (and seeing) big, puffy coats. Even if the cold temperatures say otherwise, it’s April. Ditch your parka, and learn to love light jackets and vests. It might require a little denial, but wearing flannel under a leather jacket will feel much better than your knee-length North Face. Just think about the range of motion!
Similarly, throwing on a chic, utilitarian vest will make your lighter layers look a little more weather-appropriate, while also providing a small amount of warmth to your core.
Pants are the enemy
After being cooped up in the same few pairs of jeans and leggings for months, it’s time to let your legs breathe a little. As it starts to warm up, take a risk and wear a pair of cutoffs over sheer black tights. Add a rebellious edge with combat boots instead of the typical ballet flats.
If that seems too aggressive, go for a maxi skirt. The longer hemline will keep your pale legs covered in a trendy way until you feel brave enough to rock something shorter.
Dresses are your friend
Sundresses are synonymous with spring, summer and sunshine. The earlier we can start wearing them again, the happier everyone will be. Be smart about it, though — a sundress will not be sufficient for 50-degree days.
Your flowy, floral dress is surprisingly easy to wear in these transitioning temps. Throw on a long cardigan or an open button-up over your dress. Pair it with tights or a pair of tall socks (or both) for a look that’s weather-appropriate while still hinting at spring.
Bare your ankles
Although this might’ve been scandalous back in Queen Victoria’s day, ankles are totally fair game now and deserve some fresh air.
The simplest way to do this is to avoid all tall boots — just throw them out; you’re sick of them anyway. Ankle booties are your source of joy now.
The easiest trick for wearing ankle booties is to thinly roll your jeans so they hit right above the top of the shoe. It evens out your proportions so you don’t have cankles. Other great shoe options include moccasins, ballet flats and peep-toe wedges. You’ll be amazed at how free you feel.
Fun makeup
If you still want to wear your winter clothes until you’re 100 percent positive the weather is going to stay consistently warm, you can amp up your look for spring with some new makeup.
Bold lipstick in hues like magenta, orange and purple will instantly make you look happier. Aqua eyeliner is a perfect way to add a pop of color to your look. Draw a thin line to the top lid to avoid looking like you’re trapped in the ’80s.
If you want to trick people into thinking you’ve spent time outdoors, apply bright pink blush to the apples of your cheeks and some bronzer to your forehead, the bridge of your nose and under your cheekbones. It will give you a perfect sun-kissed glow with minimal effort.
