11 ways to transition your winter wardrobe to spring

If you’re most comfortable in winter’s blacks and greys, no need to jump right in to bright spring colours. Start by adding a bright accessory in a colour that you love, then add a few more pieces in that same colour as it gets deeper into spring, says wardrobe stylist, Dina Scherer. “Working with a monochromatic scheme can add elegance without the danger of not mixing the right colours together,” she says. “It allows you to play with colour but still wear neutrals.” Once you get used to a more colourful look, start playing around with complementary combinations, like brown and blue, or red and green to make a bigger statement, she says.

Ready to take the plunge into colour? Instead of starting with a bright top, pull on a coloured pant or skirt, suggests fashion stylist, Lauren Rothman. “Whether it’s ballet pink or fuchsia, doing that colour on the bottom is edgier – a little more unexpected,” she says. Pair it with black boots and tights while you transition into spring.

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Bring out your white pants as soon as the weather starts warming up. Keep them season-appropriate during chillier transition months by pairing them with a black knit sweater instead of your usual summer brights, says Rothman. “That’s a fresh, crisp look,” she says.

Outfit-planning can be tricky in the spring, when the temperature might be chilly in the morning but warm up by lunchtime. On days like that, layering is your best friend. Pull a blazer or blanket scarf over your outfit, paying attention to how the outfit looks without that warmer piece. “You want your look to be able to look good if you take off a layer,” says Rothman. “In winter you don’t have to worry about that – you’re not expecting to have to remove a layer. In spring it’s something you have to be aware of.”

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Sticking with lighter-weight fabrics will make layering easier as the weather warms up. “Instead of having a whole lot of cashmere sweaters, getting cotton ones instead to wear over a T-shirt or under a jacket will allow you to have some versatility,” says Scherer. “As spring gets closer, you can peel off those layers.”

As the temperatures rise, you can ditch those transition layers. Sticking with fewer pieces will give your winter clothes a longer shelf life. Wear a light jacket instead of a heavy coat, or pair a dress with flats instead of tights and boots. “It takes that same piece and transitions it through the seasons,” says Scherer.

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By the end of the season, you might notice some pilling under the arms or on the sides of your favourite winter knits. Remove those blemishes with a fabric shaver, or take to a dry cleaner to give winter pieces new life for spring, says Rothman. “You want to make sure stuff continues to look fresh,” she says.

“Shoes are really what can change a lot of your look,” says Rothman. You’ll want to save peep-toe shoes for late spring, when the weather really warms up, she says. In the meantime, though, an ankle strap or slingback shoe transitions well in September and October.

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Accessories can completely change your look, taking a drab winter outfit to a cheery spring ensemble. If your winter clothes are all dark or neutral, add a pop of colour with a scarf. “Even with a dark coat, a bright scarf next to the face transforms the look and makes it look more springy,” says Scherer.

“I like to keep the warmer winter fabrics in the bottom,” says Scherer. “It transitions the outfit a little better due to the idea of layering.” She recommends pairing wool cropped pants or heavier jeans with a tank top and light knit. You’ll keep warm in cool temperatures without looking like you’re stuck in winter.