Dressing for that in-between, late spring, and early summer transitional season can be one of the trickiest times in fashion. For one, the sartorial spectrum is at its most wide-ranging. There are days when the winter chills linger a bit longer than we’d like, requiring nothing more than a lightweight layering essential, or two. Then, it’s as if peak heat has officially arrived, putting all focus on the need for the breeziest pieces.
Like most well-rounded capsule wardrobes, a spring-to-summer closet balances a mix of elevated essentials and trendier items. The timeless trench coat reigns supreme in both instances. Try styling Polo Ralph Lauren’s belted khaki trench with a sultry, lace-trimmed slip dress, or Toteme’s funnel-neck blouse with an A-line, floral-print midi skirt and pair of embellished Mary Janes. Great denim also deserves a top spot in the starting lineup, regardless if you choose Dries Van Noten’s dark-wash, pleated blue jeans or a go-to pair of Levi’s 501s. The latter wears especially well with a matching denim lady jacket and the latest must-have raffia handbag.
When it comes to outfit inspiration, the street-style scene offers a steady source of guidance. Across the globe, fashion girls showcased a myriad of spring-to-summer outfit ideas. Below, find 8 transitional outfit formulas that not only define feel-good dressing for right now–but come with the street style seal-of-approval.
The Printed Midi Skirt With an Embellished Ballet Flat
With summer officially on the horizon, why not try dressing with a more maximalist mindset? Start with a chic cropped trench coat, such as this off-white option from Toteme, and a punchy floral-print A-line skirt. Then, end on a dazzling note by stepping into Alaïa’s coveted crystal-embellished Mary Janes. Don’t forget about a retro pair of cherry-red sunglasses either.
Toteme Stand-Collar Jacket
Alaïa Embellished Leather Mary Jane Flats
Aire Fornax Oval Sunglasses
Bottega Veneta Teen Jodie Bag
The Classic Striped Button-Up With a Fashion Flip-Flop
This chic Dane’s look outside of Copenhagen Fashion Week last summer is the perfect example of how to mix your go-to closet classics with a trendier It item. Anchor your outfit with a simple striped button-up shirt and a pair of dark-wash blue jeans. Bring in the fashion fun with a ’90s-inspired flip-flop and cool beaded cord belt.
Zara Combination Striped Poplin Shirt
Dries Van Noten Pleated Denim Wide-Leg Pants
Massimo Dutti Leather Cord Belt
Staud Christos Large Tote
The All-White Outfit With a Statement Necklace
The allure of an all-white outfit during the warm weather months is never-ending. Take this street styler’s monochromatic look as an example. Try a matching skirt set, like the below from Staud and style it with simple black ballet flats and a statement necklace. Meanwhile, adding a sleek raffia shoulder bag will transport this look straight into high-summer.
Juju Vera Riviera Petra Tasseled Necklace
Le Monde Beryl Luna Calfskin Ballerina Flats
Saint Laurent Le 37 Raffia Bucket Bag
The Denim Lady Jacket With a Mesh Ballet Flat
Denim-on-denim, a Canadian tuxedo, whatever you want to call this classic closet combination, we’re here for it. Styling-wise, leave those traditional, menswear-inspired jean jackets behind and choose a ladylike peplum style instead. Match it with a simple pair of Levi’s 501, a plain white tee, and mesh ballet flats.
Liberowe Denim Peplum Jacket
Levi’s 501® Original Crop Straight-Leg Jeans
Christopher Esber Minette Crystal Net Slippers
Madewell Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt
Zimmermann Goldentime Small Tote
The Elegant LWD With a Springtime Loafer
Every wardrobe needs a white dress come spring and summer. When you’re not quite ready to bring your sandals out yet, style your LWD with a pair of polished penny loafers. Play with accessories, like a croc-embellished tote bag, minimalist silver cuff, and a beaded necklace to help round out the outfit.
Dôen Emmaretta Tie-Detailed Shirred Midi Dress
Steve Madden Sag Boat Shoes
Toteme Croc-Effect Leather Bucket Bag
Mejuri Dôme Cuff Bracelet
Mango Combined Ball Necklace
The Barn Jacket With a Floral-Print Midi Skirt
Thanks to brands like The Row and Prada, barn jackets remain at the top of every cool-girl’s wish list for spring and summer. Get in on the lasting trend and wear yours with a floral-print midi skirt, woven handbag, and pair of heeled ballet pumps.
J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Skirt
Madewell The Handwoven Mini Tote
Margaux The Ada Ballet Pumps
The Semi-Sheer Skirt With a Jelly Sandal
Don’t be intimidated by the semi-sheer skirt this season. Style yours with a bright blue button-up, pair of bubblegum pink jelly sandals, and for some shimmer and shine, sling a metallic handbag across your shoulders. Bonus points if you add in a beaded necklace per this chic Dane.
Hommegirls Classic Stripe Shirt
Ancient Greek Sandals Homeria Jelly Fisherman Sandals
Julietta Mykonos Rhodium-Plated, Enamel and Jade necklace
J.Crew Small Cadiz Handknotted Shoulder Bag
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The Transitional Trench Coat With a Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress
A timeless khaki trench coat is deemed the ultimate wardrobe essential for a reason. Not only does it go with anything and everything, but it works across all seasons. Wear yours with a lace-trimmed slip dress à la this Copenhagen Fashion Week attendee. Add a pair of platform raffia sandals and Ray-Ban’s classic black Wayfarers to complete the perfect transitional look.
Polo Ralph Lauren Twill Trench Coat
Aritzia Spades Satin Dress
Loeffler Randall Theo Double-Band Slide Sandals
Ray-Ban Classic Wayfarer Sunglasses
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Roxanne Assoulin The Knot Earrings
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