5 Transitional Outfit Ideas to Test This Spring

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Julia Kammerer is seen wearing a green and white striped button down blouse with a pointed collar and a chest pocket from JJXX; a baby blue knit sweater draped around her shoulders from Lily Silk; off white wide leg trousers with a relaxed fit from Lily Silk; leopard print sneakers with white stripe details from Adidas x Wales Bonner; a brown leather “Loha” tote bag with dual top handles and a shoulder strap from Green Pomme; a light blue claw clip attached to the bag handle from H&M; her jewelry includes chunky gold hoop earrings and gold tone stacked rings worn across multiple fingers from H&M, Pandora and My Jewellery; orange tinted aviator sunglasses with a thin black frame from Bershka; her blonde hair is styled in loose waves with a center part on March 26, 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Fluctuating spring weather poses a tricky dilemma to fashion girls everywhere, with temperatures being too cool for a mini skirt and tank top, yet too warm for a puffer coat and boots. The secret to mastering the complicated in-between? Transitional dressing.

This intentional solution bridges the seasonal style gap, leaning into a lineup of both heavier pieces and lightweight styles that can easily be layered or removed. These versatile items not only mix textures and weights for peak adaptability, but a strategic color palette combines neutral winter hues and vibrant spring shades for a well-rounded tonal range. The result is a foolproof ensemble that withstands brisk mornings and sun-soaked afternoons alike, nixing the need for a last-minute outfit change.

Airy cardigans, polished trench coats, versatile denim, and simple tees all meet the criteria, but knowing how to style each item is just as crucial as choosing the pieces themselves. The goal is to curate a layered look minus the bulk, leaning into breathable fabrics and sleek fits. But don’t be afraid to play with proportions; when done right, boxy jackets, oversized sweaters, and even flowing skirts add dimension to an outfit that proves you’re in the fashion know. Combining unlikely style elements is another approach, with spring-forward lace blouses and leather knee-high boots juxtaposing against one another for a statement look.

Take hold of tricky weather this season with the below transitional outfit ideas, ranging from date-night ready ensembles to polished power dressing. Each combination is easy to achieve and delivers major style impact.

Subtle Elegance

MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 20: Marlies Pia Pfeifhofer is seen wearing a long camel brown suede leather „Clyde“ trench coat with a pointed collar, button fastening, wide sleeves and a straight, relaxed silhouette from Sézane; a black rib knit turtleneck top with a slim fitted silhouette from H&M; dark blue denim bermuda shorts with a straight knee length cut from Agolde; a slim dark brown leather belt with a gold tone buckle from Sézane; dark brown leather knee high „Georgina“ boots with a rounded toe, stacked block heel and structured shaft from GIABORGHINI; a structured burgundy leather „Elysée“ top handle bag with a sculptural fan shaped base, gold tone hardware, flap closure and shoulder handle from Michino Paris; slim oval sunglasses with a dark tortoiseshell acetate frame and tinted lenses from Corlin; a golden „Serpenti“ ring in a coiled snake design from Bulgari; tiny silver hoop earrings from Monica Vinader; her blonde hair is worn straight and loose in a sleek bob with a center part on March 20, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Airy jorts are often paired with thong sandals on tropical vacations, but the chic silhouette is brought into the interim with the help of knee-high boots and a lightweight knit. The longline top layer doesn’t only add style credibility but offers a hint of coziness.

Power Prints

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – MARCH 26: Julia Kammerer is seen wearing a green and white striped button down blouse with a pointed collar and a chest pocket from JJXX; a baby blue knit sweater draped around her shoulders from Lily Silk; off white wide leg trousers with a relaxed fit from Lily Silk; leopard print sneakers with white stripe details from Adidas x Wales Bonner; a brown leather “Loha” tote bag with dual top handles and a shoulder strap from Green Pomme; a light blue claw clip attached to the bag handle from H&M; her jewelry includes chunky gold hoop earrings and gold tone stacked rings worn across multiple fingers from H&M, Pandora and My Jewellery; orange tinted aviator sunglasses with a thin black frame from Bershka; her blonde hair is styled in loose waves with a center part on March 26, 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Built from wardrobe basics, this transitional outfit is simple yet powerful. A striped shirt and playful sneakers add just the right amount of coolness, while relaxed pants keep things polished and light.  

Weekend Edit

MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 20: Amanda Mühle is seen wearing a khaki green bomber jacket with ribbed cuffs, a ribbed hem, a front zip closure and cropped silhouette from AllSaints; a red knit button front cropped cardigan with a V neckline from H&M; a white cotton T-shirt from Acne Studios; a white and blue small checked satin midi skirt with an A-line silhouette and a fluid drape from Zara; black leather ankle boots with a rounded toe, a chunky lug rubber sole from Vagabond; a “Monogram Medium Pelham Hobo” purse in beige and brown with dark leather trim, a woven leather top handle and gold tone hardware from Gucci; narrow slim rectangular black sunglasses with dark tinted lenses from Children of a glass god; multiple gold rings from Pilgrim; gold chunky hoop earrings from Sezáne; holding white wired earphones from Apple; her long dark brown hair is worn loose in soft waves with a center part on March 20, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Moritz Scholz/Getty Images)

Maxi skirts are often confined to summer, though intentional layering turns them into a multi-seasonal staple. A crewneck tee, button-up cardigan, and suede jacket do just that, creating a laid-back and versatile look.

Date-Night Ready

PARIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 07: A guest wears hair pulled back into a sleek low bun with a center part, black rectangular sunglasses, gold-tone round earrings, a white leather bag shoulder bag with gold hardware handheld by a top handle, a long dark brown leather coat with a shirt collar and button front, a black silk camisole top with lace trim and cream wide-leg trousers, cream leather pointed-toe pumps shoes with a low kitten heel, outside AJE, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Spring Summer 2026, on October 07, 2025 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Nothing says spring like a pair of ecru jeans—but an asymmetrical lace cami raises the bar. Ivory satin pumps fall in line with warm-weather dressing, while a structured leather trench coat adds a sultry, unexpected touch for cooler nights.

Polished Prep

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: A guest wears a pink leather Miu Miu bag, a grey pleated high waist skirt, white long socks, grey leather pumps, a white top, black sunglasses and a white knitted Miu Miu cardigan outside Miu Miu show during Day Nine of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

This chic and refined look capitalizes on the details, leaning into ankle socks, a cool cardigan, and pointed-toe shoes. What was once a school uniform is now elevated, easily worn to brunch with the girls or for a stroll through the park.

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Your Last-Minute Coachella Festival Outfit Inspo Is Here

We’re just 10 days away from Weekend 1 of Coachella (April 10 – 12), where music lovers will gather in Indio, California to dance the days and nights away with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and more artists. So if you’ve secured a ticket, but don’t have your festival outfits planned yet, we’re here to help. Coachella outfits are some of the most eccentric, Pinterest-worthy looks you’ll likely ever wear, but you can truly make them fit your personal style and music taste.

Want to channel a western cowgirl or bohemian babe for the desert setting? Looking for something a bit punchier for the rave tents or rock performances? Feeling bright and glittery? There are so many aesthetics you can try for a music festival, so we’re offering inspiration (and product recommendations). From matching sets, denim trends, and graphic tees to headscarves, combat boots, and statement sunglasses, there are tried-and-true festival fashion staples you’ll want to have in your arsenal.

So, whether you’re looking for last-minute Coachella outfits for Weekend 1, cementing your Weekend 2 look, or planning ahead for the rest of festival season, read on to cart up your favorite pieces and build a statement-making look.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Star 

If you’re going to Coachella to see The Strokes, Iggy Pop, and Interpol, you’ll need a rockstar-worthy outfit for these rock-heavy performances. To look edgy and effortlessly cool, grab outfit staples like leather jackets, denim shorts, and combat boots. We’re loving studded styles across clothing and accessories for a punk touch. And adding a graphic tee or merch from your favorite band is the perfect finishing touch to celebrate their music.

Western Cowgirl

Whether you’re tuned into country artists or not, western aesthetic has become synonymous with music festival style. From cowboy boots and hats to double-denim and suede fringe, cowgirl staples are a tried-and-true way to dress up for festivals. Stick to a denim matching set or mix in crochet pants or a suede jacket to break up the look. Then throw on a bandanna or cow print handkerchief as an accessory that can double as a face mask to keep the dirt and dust away.

Bohemian Babe

Get a blend of OG Woodstock style and mid-aughts Vanessa Hudgens vibes by pairing flowy pieces with tons of accessories to make you feel and look like a whimsical hippie or fairy. For this nostalgic-heavy aesthetic, look for vintage-inspired pieces (if you don’t have the time to go thrift shopping) in more earthy tones with tons of texture. Think: ruffles, lace, mesh, and crochet. And you can’t go wrong with motifs like paisley and florals.

Rave-Club Chic 

If you’re hoping to spend most of your time in the Yuma and Sonora tents dancing to DJs and transcending into the rave experience, then you should opt for moody or neon styles — as long as they’re super comfortable. To ensure you can dance the days away, check out the official Coachella x Loops earplugs to protect your ears, wear a funky pair of shades to take reprieve from strobe lights, slip into chunky platform sneakers that won’t make your feet instantly hurt, and — again, if you don’t have time to make your own — buy a pack of Kandi bracelets to swap with strangers.

Music Mermaid

Even though Coachella is set in the desert, you can still manifest mermaid vibes through your outfit. We promise you’ll want to stay as cool, ethereal, and breezy as possible in the 100-degree temps. It’s the perfect excuse to break out your favorite swimwear to wear under crochet, netted, or mesh layers (like coverups). Opt for bright colors and patterns as well as shimmery, iridescent accessories to get the mermaid effect. A pair of jelly flats are also a better alternative to backless, toes-out sandals.

Disco Darling

If you really like making a celebratory statement with your outfits (or just love headliner Sabrina Carpenter’s aesthetic), consider a ‘70s-era disco moment. For this vibe, you can either go for high-shine fabrics, sequins, and metallic colors, or try psychedelic prints and bug-eye sunglasses. While a full-on jumpsuit may not be the easiest or breeziest style for a festival, you can still wear bedazzled maxi dresses, patterned rompers, and sparkly hot pants to get the disco effect.

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The Internet’s Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Obsession Led Me To My New Favorite Pair Of Jeans

I’ll start with a confession: I am not the “CBK-obsessed” fashion girly. While the internet has been spiraling over her legacy lately — fueled by Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette — I’ve mostly watched the hype from the sidelines. But curiosity eventually won, and it led me straight to my new favorite pair of jeans.

In my seemingly never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of jeans, I decided to investigate the CBK hype, and went straight to the source: AKA, Calvin Klein’s SoHo flagship in NYC. Calvin Klein isn’t just a brand Carolyn worked for; it’s the label she most famously turned to for the effortless, minimalist uniform that defined her. I wanted to see if the ’90s Straight Jean, a pair many claim were her personal holy grail, could actually live up to the decades of myth-making.

The Fit: A Win for the Tall Girls

The Soho store is bright, airy, and — blessedly — the fitting rooms actually have great lighting (see the selfies for proof). As a tall girl with a toned build, I usually go into denim fittings with low expectations. I have long legs, hips, and a butt, and usually straight jeans end up looking like high-waters on me.

Surprisingly, the length on the ’90s Straight Jeans is incredible. They hit exactly at the ankle. Because of the elongated waist, they created a visual line that made my legs look miles longer.

Edited with PrettyUp

Quality Over Everything

Although the streamlined minimalist silhouette defined the ’90s, these don’t feel like an era-constrained trend at all, especially the way baggy or skinny jeans might. One thing to note: There is zero stretch here. If there is any, it’s completely unnoticeable. I personally love this because I can’t stand it when jeans lose their shape after two hours and start looking like a potato sack.

Beyond the aesthetic, I’ve become much more conscious of what I put on my body, not just what I put in it. As someone focused on health and longevity, the fabric composition matters. I was thrilled to see these are 100% cotton. There’s a peace of mind that comes with wearing natural fibers, especially pants that hug the body.

A Note for the Petite: The ’90s Loose Jeans

While I was there, I also pulled the ’90s Loose jeans on for comparison. These offer a slightly curvier, almost subtle barrel silhouette. While they didn’t have the puddle length I crave, they are a fantastic option for someone more petite or shorter, as they have a slightly cropped fit. They also feature a fun CK embroidery on the back pockets that adds a nice pop to classic denim.

Edited with PrettyUp

It’s rare to find a good pair of jeans that actually holds up under the bright lights of a fitting room and in the real world, but these surprised me. For me, the win isn’t just the leg-lengthening fit or the perfect ankle crop — it’s the fact that they’re 100% cotton and built to last. In a world of fast-fashion trends, there’s something really satisfying about investing in a forever piece.

Leaving Soho with my new jeans in hand, I realized I might not be a CBK historian, but I’ve definitely joined the cult of her favorite denim brand. These jeans aren’t just a nostalgic throwback; they’re the type of jeans that make you stop and stare at your reflection each time you pass it, the type of jeans that make you want to strut down the sidewalk like you’re the main character in a music video. So, yeah, catch me wearing them on repeat until further notice.

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The Trench Coat Isn’t Basic Anymore — These 5 Trends Prove It

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: A guest wears a beige and denim midi high waist skirt, a white lace top, a brown leather bag, gold hoop earrings and a beige cropped trench outside Ujho show during Day Nine of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

New York City sits at the epicenter of fashion, and living in the Big Apple allows me to spot notable trends before they go mainstream. While I’m always eager to forecast a style shift, a change in weather is an even better reason—and seemingly overnight, one standout essential has shown up on the backs of every It girl: trench coats. 

The khaki jackets aren’t anything new, but this season the fashionistas are redefining the style with updated proportions, cuts, and fabrics. And while the classic long-line design will never go out of style, bubble hemlines, sculpted collars, abbreviated lengths, and leather finishes are defining the moment and taking over the sidewalks. 

These modern iterations will not only elevate your spring jacket collection, but they’re practical for navigating transitional-dressing season. Trench coats are lightweight, built for layering, and adjustable in styling—all while protecting against fluctuating weather. So, go ahead and toss your favorite upgraded version in your work bag or suitcase for a do-it-all jacket that offers protection on demand.  

Skip the boring trench and opt for a contemporary version that seamlessly mixes tradition with style. I plan on wearing my favorite pick with capris and wedge sandals this warm-weather season, while easy knits and modern ballet flats make for a chic fashion moment.

Better yet, this season’s heroic trench coat trends are both timeless and undeniably modern. The core details remain the same, tapping into effortless polish and enduring design legacy.

Ahead, discover the five trench coat styles taking over spring. You’re bound to fall in love with at least one, if not more.

The Modern Classic

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 08: Angela Baidoo wears a beige trench coat over a black bra top with high-waisted beige wide-leg trousers and a white patterned waistband detail, oversized brown sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, a gold chain necklace, carries a black handbag and wears yellow snakeskin pointed shoes outside Akris during Day Seven of Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 08, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images)

There’s no denying the allure of a classic trench coat. However, today’s hero silhouettes give the timeless jacket a 2026 update; details like drop shoulders, voluminous silhouettes, and effortless draping (thanks to waist-cinching belts). TL;DR: It’s the refined separate every capsule wardrobe needs. 

The Bubble Revival

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 08: A guest wears black sunglasses, a red cotton belted jacket with puffy waist, black fitted knees leggings, a black leather bag, black leather pointed pumps heels shoes, outside Magda Butrym, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 08, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Inject fun into the mix with a voluminous hemline that adds dimension to your look. The fashion-forward silhouette has captured the attention of designers like Chloé and Loewe, with classic lapels, wraps, and dramatic necklines solidifying its place as a head-turner.

The Sculpted Neckline

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 07: Blanca Arimany wears dark brown hair, a beige wool double breasted trench coat, a dark brown leather pencil knees skirt, a dark red crocodile embossed pattern leather handbag, black leather pointed pumps heels shoes, outside Elie Saab, during Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027, on March 07, 2026 in Paris, France (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Speaking of dramatic necklines, funnel collars are quickly rising in popularity. The statement detail adds a bold, sharp touch to any ensemble—and if it were up to me, I’d unofficially name it the cool girl of trench coats.

The Cropped Edit

PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 10: A guest wears a beige and denim midi high waist skirt, a white lace top, a brown leather bag, gold hoop earrings and a beige cropped trench outside Ujho show during Day Nine of Paris Fashion Week – Womenswear Fall/Winter 2026/2027 on March 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images)

Less is more when it comes to micro trench coats, leaning into boxy cuts that hit at the waist or higher. Studded belts, shoulder pads, and balloon sleeves rework proportions for an intentionally off-kilter effect, while pared-back designs are undoubtedly chic.

The Luxe Leather Trench

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – MARCH 16: Karin Teigl is seen wearing a lime green collared Zara top with buttons, a long light blue H&M trench coat, and loose-fitting light wash Agolde denim pants with a crossover waistband detail. She also wears bright red pointed-toe Prada flats, a Kijima Takayuki red beanie, Chanel rimless shades, and carries a small black-and-white spotted Coperni shoulder bag on March 16, 2026 in Vienna, Austria. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)

Leather isn’t reserved for winter; it seamlessly transitions into spring. Longer silhouettes can be worn open for a breezy effect, while belted, peplum styles offer a lighter approach. For a true spring mood, lean into vibrant hues.

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