What to Wear in Early Spring: 4 Easy Transitional Outfit Ideas
We’re heading into one of the trickiest seasons to dress for – winter lingers a bit in the morning, but by midday the sun is out and it’s nice and toasty. In New Orleans, we often feel like we experience all four seasons before lunch. We’re ready to shake off the dreary winter blues and wear our spring clothes, but we still have to contend with some chilly weather.
After decades of working in the fashion industry, we’ve learned that the secret to easy early spring style isn’t more clothes, it’s choosing the right transitional pieces. The key to looking polished and staying comfortable in fickle weather is building outfits around breathable fabrics, easy layers, and versatile pieces that play well with others.
If you’re wondering what to wear in early spring, the answer is simple: lightweight layers, comfortable pants, and a few easy dresses for special occasions. Below, we’re sharing our favorite early spring outfits ideas to carry you through the in-between season and whatever the forecast brings.
Why we love transitional outfits for early spring
Early spring weather is famously unpredictable, and with festivals and events popping up all over town, we like to be prepared. As soon as we pull out our summer clothes, a surprise cold front moves in. We find it’s best to build flexible outfits with:
- Breathable natural fabrics like organic cotton
- Lightweight outer layers
- Comfortable pants you can wear all day
- Accessories (like scarves) for warmth and color
Outfits with these elements make it easy to move back and forth between temperatures without sacrificing comfort or style.
Early Spring Outfit Formula #1: Organic Cotton Tee + Comfortable Pants + Scarf
This is our go-to early spring outfit because it works for almost any day on the calendar. If you only try one early spring outfit formula, make it this one.
Why it works:
- A breathable organic cotton tee keeps you cool fresh even as temperatures rise
- Comfortable cotton pants offer coverage without feeling heavy
- A lightweight scarf offers an extra layer in the morning and doubles as a pop of color and personality
This outfit is perfect for:
- School drop-off
- Running errands
- Casual office days
- Coffee with friends
- Travel days
When the weather warms up, just take off the scarf and you’re ready for sunnier weather!
Early Spring Outfit formula #2: Lightweight layer + neutral pants
Early spring in some places still calls for an outer layer, especially in mornings, evenings, or chilly offices.
Try this combination:
- A soft, lightweight jacket or organic cotton fleece cardigan
- Neutral cotton pants
- A simple tee or top underneath
- Comfortable flats or sneakers
This outfit formula is ideal for:
- Work meetings
- Travel days
- Cooler festival evenings or nighttime arts markets
- Weekend outings
Neutral pants make it easy to mix and match tops and outerwear, so you can build multiple outfits around just one pair. When choosing layers, look for natural fabrics like organic cotton that regulate temperature better than synthetics.
Early Spring Outfit formula #3: Easy Dress + Scarf for Spring Events
Spring brings so many reasons to get a little dressed up! We’re ready to bare a little more skin in bright colors and natural fibers, draped with a light scarf to use as a wrap for cooler outdoor events.
We’re reaching for easy dresses for:
- Easter gatherings
- Mother’s Day brunch
- Baby showers
- Garden parties
- Casual spring weddings
- Fundraising events
An easy, breathable cotton dress and a lightweight scarf offers just enough warmth for cooler mornings and evenings and adds a soft, colorful accent to your outfit.
Early Spring Festival Outfits (Especially in New Orleans)
In New Orleans, spring is Festival Season! We’ve got French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, arts markets, and tons of neighborhood events. For long, outdoor days, comfort is king.
Here are our festival outfit faves:
- Breathable cotton shorts or pants
- A soft organic cotton top (venting fabric is key for warmer days!)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A lightweight scarf or layer for breezy evenings
Scarves are especially handy during festival season. They can:
- Keep you warm when the sun goes down
- Add color to simple outfits
- Double as a wrap or shawl when needed (protect those shoulders from sunburn!)
Our early spring wardrobe essentials
If you’re building a small, versatile wardrobe for the in-between season, we’re here to help. Shop your closet first, then look for sustainable, ethically made options for these staples:
- Comfortable cotton pants: these will be your every-day go-to for work, errands, festivals, and travel.
- Lightweight scarves: perfect for adding color and adjusting to changing temperatures.
- Breathable organic cotton tops: easy base layers to keep you fresh and comfortable all day. Here’s why organic cotton is important.
- One or two easy dresses: be ready for spring holidays, brunches, and special occasions.
Style tips for early spring
- Stick to breathable fabrics. Natural fibers like organic cotton keep you comfortable in fickle temperatures.
- Layer strategically. Choose lightweight pieces you can add and remove easily.
- Add color with accessories. Scarves are a simple way to brighten up neutral outfits.
- Choose comfort first. You’ll reach for pieces that feel good again and again.
Get dressed for spring!
This is such a fun time to get dressed up. Colors, layers, and textures are all ready for the brighter days ahead. With a few versatile pieces like cotton pants, lightweight layers, and colorful scarves, you can build outfits that work for everything on your calendar. Spring style can be simple and fun with functional pieces that bring you joy.
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