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The Transitional Wardrobe: Winter to Spring Outfits
Person in a stylish, dark coat and skirt ensemble, leaning against a textured wall, with arms crossed and wearing loafers.
Placeholder for: Person in a stylish, dark coat and skirt ensemble, leaning against a textured wall, with arms crossed and wearing loafers.

The transition between winter and spring presents an opportunity to reimagine your winter wardrobe with subtle differences in layering, proportions, colours and fabrics. 

The COS collection is designed with transitional dressing at the core. Creating spring season outfits calls for pairing winter staples with lighter fabrics to ensure versatility, longevity and ease. Discover how to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring. 

How to fuse winter and spring dressing

Transitional dressing is rooted in versatility, so the pieces that define your winter wardrobe remain essential as the season shifts.

REWORKING WINTER STAPLES FOR SPRING 


The winter wardrobe serves as the foundation for creating spring outfits. As the seasons shift, cold-weather staples such as tailored wool trousers, classic denim and long-sleeved tops will form the base of your looks. 

 

These pieces can be styled with lighter layers, making them more spring appropriate. A fine-knit merino roll neck styles effortlessly under a trench coat, while wide-leg trousers can be paired with cotton shirts instead of chunky knitwear for a fresh approach that echoes the transition into spring. 

A person wearing a beige top and light brown pleated pants walks confidently. They have long hair and wear black pointed shoes.

INTRODUCING LIGHTER FABRICS 


For spring, heavy knits are updated with fine merino wool and lightweight cotton or silk. Padded coats become boxy wool jackets and cotton trench coats. Lightweight fabrics allow nuanced texture combinations, such as soft merino wool and crisp cotton. 

Person walking in profile, wearing a dark brown jacket and pants, with hands in pockets, set against a plain, light background.

LAYERING FOR SEASONAL CHANGE 


Spring layering is about adaptability. Several lighter layers can create depth and interest while keeping you warm enough for changing temperatures. A fine knit styled under a shirt, paired with a tailored wool jacket, creates interesting proportions without the heaviness of winter layering. 

Person walking in profile, wearing a dark brown jacket and pants, with hands in pockets, set against a plain, light background.

LAYERING FOR SEASONAL CHANGE 


Spring layering is about adaptability. Several lighter layers can create depth and interest while keeping you warm enough for changing temperatures. A fine knit styled under a shirt, paired with a tailored wool jacket, creates interesting proportions without the heaviness of winter layering. 

Essential pieces for transitional
spring outfits

Person in a beige outfit with a green scarf, holding a brown bag, and wearing brown shoes against a plain background.
Placeholder for: Person in a beige outfit with a green scarf, holding a brown bag, and wearing brown shoes against a plain background.

Building a transitional wardrobe begins with key pieces that work across both seasons. 

A person in a black quilted jacket, white shirt, and black pants walks confidently against a light background.
Placeholder for: A person in a black quilted jacket, white shirt, and black pants walks confidently against a light background.

SPRING-READY OUTERWEAR 


Outerwear is one of the most important categories in the winter-to-spring wardrobe. Cropped wool jackets or blazers offer structure and warmth without weight, while classic trench coats provide lighter coverage.  

A woman in a black top and blue jeans walks confidently against a light background.
Placeholder for: A woman in a black top and blue jeans walks confidently against a light background.

DENIM


A true wardrobe staple, denim transcends seasons. As winter gives way to spring, straight- and wide-leg jeans can be styled with leather ankle boots, loafers or minimal trainers. Knitwear and denim remain a go-to pairing for spring. Switch out knits for cotton and silk tops as temperatures rise. 

A woman in a black top and blue jeans walks confidently against a light background.
Placeholder for: A woman in a black top and blue jeans walks confidently against a light background.

DENIM


A true wardrobe staple, denim transcends seasons. As winter gives way to spring, straight- and wide-leg jeans can be styled with leather ankle boots, loafers or minimal trainers. Knitwear and denim remain a go-to pairing for spring. Switch out knits for cotton and silk tops as temperatures rise. 

A person with long hair models wearing a white shirt and beige flared pants, walking confidently with hands in pockets.
Placeholder for: A person with long hair models wearing a white shirt and beige flared pants, walking confidently with hands in pockets.

TAILORED TROUSERS


Tailored trousers in fluid fabrics and oversized cuts bring a relaxed yet polished appeal to women’s spring outfits. Style them with loose blouses or boxy shirts for a spring update. 

Person wearing a dark, patterned top, black pants, and shoes, holding a black bag under their arm, standing against a plain background.
Placeholder for: Person wearing a dark, patterned top, black pants, and shoes, holding a black bag under their arm, standing against a plain background.

TOPS AND BASE LAYERS


Jersey tops and long-sleeved base layers are essential pieces during winter and spring. Neutral tones create a cohesive palette that pairs effortlessly with existing pieces, while bright, spring-inspired shades give outfits a seasonal refresh. 

Woman walking in a minimalist setting, wearing a black blazer over a white shirt, black pants, and black pointed shoes.
Placeholder for: Woman walking in a minimalist setting, wearing a black blazer over a white shirt, black pants, and black pointed shoes.

SHIRTS


Shirts are among the most versatile pieces in the wardrobe. Wear alone for a sophisticated look or layer under knitwear for warmth and textural contrast. Shirts also pair well with T-shirts and base layers. 

Woman walking in a minimalist setting, wearing a black blazer over a white shirt, black pants, and black pointed shoes.
Placeholder for: Woman walking in a minimalist setting, wearing a black blazer over a white shirt, black pants, and black pointed shoes.

SHIRTS


Shirts are among the most versatile pieces in the wardrobe. Wear alone for a sophisticated look or layer under knitwear for warmth and textural contrast. Shirts also pair well with T-shirts and base layers. 

Winter to spring outfit ideas: by occasion

Person in a cream sweater with a layered necklace, black wide-legged pants, and brown pointed shoes, standing against a gray background.
Placeholder for: Person in a cream sweater with a layered necklace, black wide-legged pants, and brown pointed shoes, standing against a gray background.

Discover spring outfit ideas for every occasion. 

A woman in a tan sweater and black pants walks, holding a black bag. She has long dark hair and is wearing black shoes.
Placeholder for: A woman in a tan sweater and black pants walks, holding a black bag. She has long dark hair and is wearing black shoes.

WINTER-TO-SPRING WORKWEAR 


Pair tailored wool trousers with a fine-knit merino jumper for a polished look. Leather loafers and a minimal tote complete the outfit. 

Person in a black shirt and blue jeans walking while carrying a black handbag, against a plain background.
Placeholder for: Person in a black shirt and blue jeans walking while carrying a black handbag, against a plain background.

OFF-DUTY SPRING LOOKS 


Style an oversized shirt with cords or timeless denim for casual spring days. Layer a trench coat over the top and add flats to enhance the off-duty feel. 

Person in a black shirt and blue jeans walking while carrying a black handbag, against a plain background.
Placeholder for: Person in a black shirt and blue jeans walking while carrying a black handbag, against a plain background.

OFF-DUTY SPRING LOOKS 


Style an oversized shirt with cords or timeless denim for casual spring days. Layer a trench coat over the top and add flats to enhance the off-duty feel. 

A woman in a dark long-sleeve dress and ankle boots walks, holding a matching hat, against a light background.
Placeholder for: A woman in a dark long-sleeve dress and ankle boots walks, holding a matching hat, against a light background.

TRANSITIONAL EVENINGWEAR 


A midi dress paired with pointed-toe heels takes a look into evening. Finish with a leather or suede jacket for texture and warmth. 

Colour, fabric & proportion:
styling for early spring

Person in a denim dress with white cuffs holds a black handbag, standing against a gray background, wearing black socks and shoes.
Placeholder for: Person in a denim dress with white cuffs holds a black handbag, standing against a gray background, wearing black socks and shoes.

Consider colour, fabric and proportion for early spring looks to signal the departure from winter. 

Woman in a beige sweater and black pants walks confidently, holding a dark brown clutch. She has long black hair and wears black shoes.
Placeholder for: Woman in a beige sweater and black pants walks confidently, holding a dark brown clutch. She has long black hair and wears black shoes.

INTRODUCE LIGHTER NEUTRALS 


Spring dressing is characterised by a lighter colour palette. Stone greys replace charcoal, while beige and off-white have a brightening effect. When selecting darker hues, navy offers an alternative to black or chocolate brown.  

A person wearing a red cardigan, dark pants, and black shoes walks while holding a brown bag. The background is a plain light color.
Placeholder for: A person wearing a red cardigan, dark pants, and black shoes walks while holding a brown bag. The background is a plain light color.

CHOOSE FABRICS FOR CHANGING TEMPERATURES 


Fabric is a crucial element of spring dressing as temperatures fluctuate. Merino and cashmere offer warmth, while cotton ensures breathability.  

A person wearing a red cardigan, dark pants, and black shoes walks while holding a brown bag. The background is a plain light color.
Placeholder for: A person wearing a red cardigan, dark pants, and black shoes walks while holding a brown bag. The background is a plain light color.

CHOOSE FABRICS FOR CHANGING TEMPERATURES 


Fabric is a crucial element of spring dressing as temperatures fluctuate. Merino and cashmere offer warmth, while cotton ensures breathability.  

Person in a beige sleeveless top, dark wide-leg pants, and black shoes, carrying a black shoulder bag, walking confidently on a light background.
Placeholder for: Person in a beige sleeveless top, dark wide-leg pants, and black shoes, carrying a black shoulder bag, walking confidently on a light background.

BALANCING PROPORTIONS IN SPRING OUTFITS 


Proportion is key to differentiating spring and winter looks. Consider how you balance oversized silhouettes with more fitted pieces. Style wide-leg trousers with fitted tops and pair draped blouses with straight-leg or cropped cuts.  

How to build a transitional minimalist wardrobe

Woman in sunglasses and a white blouse with a large bow, wearing dark pants, stands against a textured wall.
Placeholder for: Woman in sunglasses and a white blouse with a large bow, wearing dark pants, stands against a textured wall.

Seamlessly merging the winter wardrobe into spring is about working with your existing capsule, with some considered additions. Invest in timeless pieces that transcend trends, such as an expertly tailored trench coat, wool trousers and staple base layers in cotton and merino. These pieces help create the foundation for versatile looks. 

 

Consider introducing seasonal colours. Bright hues such as emerald green, crimson red and bright pink add vibrancy, signalling the arrival of spring. 

FAQs

Q

  • What are the best winter-to-spring outfits for women?

    • A

  • The best winter-to-spring outfits combine existing winter pieces with lighter layers that feel spring appropriate. 

    • Q

  • How do I transition my wardrobe from winter to spring? 

    • A

  • Focus on fabric, colour and layering. Introduce lighter knits, transitional outerwear and fluid fabrics, while keeping staple winter pieces in rotation, such as wool trousers and base layers.

    • Q

  • What to wear in spring when it's still cold? 

    • A

  • Layer lightweight pieces to keep your outfits adaptable if temperatures change throughout the day. A fine merino knit under a shirt provides warmth without weight. 

    • Q

  • Do I need to buy new clothes for spring?

    • A

  • Focus on styling winter pieces you have in your existing wardrobe in new ways and identify any gaps to make seasonal updates. 

    • Q

  • What are the best minimalist outfits for spring? 

    • A

  • Pared-back spring outfits are characterised by neutral tones and versatile layering. Denim, tailored trousers, dresses, shirts, fine knits and lighter outerwear are staples in any minimalist spring wardrobe.

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