Seriously, what the F are we supposed to wear in spring?

I get this question all the time from my 1:1 styling clients and my IG community. Sometimes it’s asked sweetly, and other times it’s said with… let’s just say, a flavorful vocabulary (because some of us are ladies and some of us have a truck driver mouth, like me). Either way, the feeling is the same: spring style is confusing.

And honestly? I get it. Spring sounds dreamy — longer days, more sunshine, all the “new beginnings” vibes — but dressing for it is its own special kind of hell.

Why Is Spring So Hard to Dress For?

If you live somewhere with four seasons (hi Cleveland, NYC, London — I see you), you know this struggle all too well. Even cities like Washington, DC or Charlotte, where winters are milder, still suffer from this in-between season chaos.

Let me break it down with some real-life, real-people complaints:

• The calendar says it’s spring. The thermometer says it’s winter.
• It’s too warm for boots, but too cold for sandals — aka shoe purgatory.
• Mornings are freezing. Afternoons are sweaty.
• One day it’s 75 and sunny, the next it’s 40 and flurrying. Welcome to fake spring.
• Too hot for wool. Too cold for linen.

Basically, it’s not winter, it’s not summer — it’s no man’s land.

A Personal Story from the Preppy Archives

In high school, I had a friend who couldn’t wait to wear her new spring clothes. She’d show up in her Laura Ashley skirts and pastel tops while the rest of us were still layered up in fisherman knits and Bean boots. (Yes, I went to school in the ’80s. Yes, my school was proudly featured in The Official Preppy Handbook.)

No matter your personal style, dressing for transitional weather is tricky. Here’s how I tackle it — for myself and for my styling clients.

8 Ways to Dress for Spring (and Not Lose Your Mind)

1. Close-Toe Shoes Are a Must

You need at least two go-to pairs that aren’t sandals. Trust me, nothing ruins your day like soggy toes in open shoes during an April downpour. Let those piggies stay tucked in until the real warmth arrives.

2. Show Some Ankle

Think of it as dipping your toe (literally) into warmer weather. A ballet flat or a mule gives a little skin, but keeps the outfit grounded in the season.

3. Light-Colored Booties

If it’s still chilly, a light suede or neutral leather bootie gives you that spring-forward feeling without sacrificing warmth. It’s the best of both worlds.

4. Lean on All-Season Fabrics

Make sure your wardrobe has pieces in fabrics like cotton, tencel, or lightweight denim. These are the unsung heroes of transitional dressing.

5. Play with Opposites: Color + Fabric

Try pairing darker colors in lightweight fabrics (like a black cotton blouse) or lighter colors in heavier ones (like an ivory sweater). This mix helps your outfits straddle the seasons.

6. Layer, Layer, Layer

Yes, for warmth. But also for style. Layers add depth and contrast. Plus, you can shed them as the day heats up. Cardigans, lightweight jackets, and button-downs are MVPs.

7. If in Doubt, Add a Trench

Not groundbreaking, but absolutely effective. Trench coats are trending big this season and for good reason. They’re polished, practical, and come in all shapes, lengths, and budgets.

8. Switch to Lighter-Wash Denim

Denim is seasonless — but a lighter wash signals spring, even if the rest of your outfit is still leaning wintry. It’s a small tweak with a big impact.

One Quick Styling Trick

If you put on an outfit and it feels too heavy or too light, try this: Swap out one item for something of the opposing season.

Example: If cords feel too wintry, try white jeans instead (and yes, you can wear white before Memorial Day). Sometimes one smart switch is all it takes to balance the whole look.