Despite the suddenly balmy temperatures on the East Coast, it still doesn’t feel like spring is in the air. (Especially since temps frequently go up and down from now through the middle of May.) And with normal highs around this time of year registering closer to the 50s and low 60s, it’s not quite time for shorts and miniskirts to go solo.
But there are definitely tricks of the trade to make practically any piece work in spring. Just like in winter, it’s all about layering clothes. In spring, the rules are a bit different, though. You want to look for pieces that add a touch of warmth without contributing much bulk. Flashes of skin are encouraged, but you need to be strategic about what — and when — you reveal. That’s why we’re stocking up on things like sleeveless turtlenecks. Jackets are also mainstays, but don’t rely solely on denim versions to get you through. Sweaters are still in play as long as you favor more lightweight, breathable options. Now is a prime time to ditch those sweatpants for flowy trousers, especially the plissé kind.
Ready for more season-appropriate tips? Then keep scrolling for a definitive guide to layering clothes this season.
Images: Imaxtree
Too cool to wear a slip dress solo? Simply layer your favorite one under a strapless midi dress. Swap out the boots for sandals on slightly warmer days.
Now that you have a sleeveless turtleneck go ahead and layer it under an off-the-shoulder blazer. Work in jeans and tall boots to balance out the look.
Sport a semi-sheer sleeveless top over a matching bra. Top the pair off with a sweater loosely tied around your neck. Throw in flowy pants and sandals to complete the look.
Spring can still supply leather weather. Rock a bandeau over a vest in a separate shade. Then add in leather pants (preferably a pair that matches the bandeau) and ankle boots.
Oversized patterned blazers can still work for spring when paired with a basic tee and denim cutoffs. Red ankle boots kick things up a notch.
Break up that tracksuit and just sport the jacket over a white tee and emerald pleated skirt. Yellow slides keep things springy.
Tap into the animal print trend by layering a tiger-rific short-sleeve blouse over a striped shirt. Pink fanny pack highly recommended.
Trade in your jean jacket (temporarily) for a lightweight camo jacket. Don’t button it up over your structured dress, just belt it closed.
A cropped hoodie will be your BFF this spring. Wear it over sleeveless dresses to rock the pretty pieces no matter the temperature.
If your favorite strappy dress leaves the potential for a flash of sideboob, try covering up with a colorful strapless swimsuit top. Complement the bralette with shoes in the same color.
There’s no need to buy one of those fancy new designer polos to stay on trend. Simply layer a white one over a netted tank top or sports bra and slip one of the sleeves off the shoulder. Suspender pants, worn with one strap off the exposed shoulder, are an unexpected way to finish off the outfit.
While most of us combine our bodysuits with jeans or jean shorts, try layering one under a plunging dress. Keep your footwear understated to let the combo shine.
Bust out your favorite bustier top and place it on under a strapless pastel dress. If your jacket boasts harness-like straps, use them to your advantage.
On particularly chilly days, position a white roll-neck long-sleeve top under a cropped jean jacket. Keep cool by adding in a bright green midi skirt with center slit.
Do double denim the spring way by teaming a denim vest with cutoffs in a slightly darker wash. A mock-neck long-sleeve shirt in a sky blue shade ties into the jean theme nicely.
Layer an edgy black leather pencil skirt over a plaid dress for a new spin on biker chic. Introduce a black leather jacket if your arms get cold.
Pretty pinafores call for an extra layer underneath. That’s where your basic white tee comes in handy. Tie an oversized straw hat around your neck for a French girl vibe.
Nothing could be easier than slipping on a mesh top over a cropped tank. If your top’s sleeves aren’t pre-rolled, do it manually.
Show a little shoulder despite adding an extra layer by pulling your long-sleeve top down your arm. This works best with a sleeveless, collared dress boasting a banging pattern.
Instead of nothing but net, place a lilac short-sleeve blouse under your pink V-neck dress. Rose gold platform sneakers balance out the layers.
Go back to high school by relying on a letterman-style jacket to spruce up a flower dress. Maroon boots will make it more grown-up.
Resurrect your colorful bike shorts by layering them under a neon shirtdress, partially open and cinched with a belt. Add in a muted cropped top for a fresh spin.
Master motocross by teaming a colorful sporty jacket with a cropped white turtleneck and red vinyl miniskirt. Buckled white boots FTW.
Next-level jean jackets are now a thing, so embrace the trend by slinging a starry take over one shoulder over your crop top. Round things out with red hot track pants.
If you feel like harnesses are played out, try slipping a black leather vest complete with fringe over a rust-colored maxi dress. Flat sandals are a must here.
Cardigans regained popularity recently and there’s no reason to stick them in the back of your closet just because the weather’s warmer. Pick one that’s semi-sheer to avoid overheating (you can always rock it off the shoulders) and slip it on over a metallic crop top and pastel brocade pants.
Invest in a long vest to layer over sleeveless dresses. Look for one in a hefty material that features fancy accents.
Instead of placing a white shirt underneath that flowery spring dress, opt for a frilly sheer sleeveless blouse for a colorful contrast. Skip the socks unless the temps take a chilly turn.
Untie your lace-up dress up top to play a little peekaboo with your bra. But add a bit of bulk below by wrapping a long dark skirt around your dress (leave a lot of the buttons open for a layered effect).
Swap pink (millennial or hot) for a peachy shade. Top off your dress with a cropped jacket in the same shade for a one-two punch.