9 Timeless Transitional Pieces That Every Woman Needs In Her Wardrobe

These early days of spring are some of the most unpredictable when it comes to the weather forecast—and, thus, your outfits can be equally unpredictable. It’s all too common for temps to rise to the 70s one day and plummet to the 30s the next. For this reason, having an arsenal of items in your closet that will layer easily, keep you warm or cool you off when needed, and can be dressed up or down is of upmost sartorial importance. If you’re stumped over what to wear during this transitional time, let your shopping list start here.

Scroll down to see what the classic, always in style, winter-to-spring transitional pieces are, and to shop our favorite versions of each!

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Chambray shirt:
(Image credit: Stockholm Streetstyle)

A chambray shirt usually has some weight to it, making it a better transitional option than a lightweight oxford. Roll up the sleeves on warmer days, and layer under a sweater when it’s cooler.

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Long sleeve dress:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

If you’re like us, you have the strong urge to wear pretty dresses as soon as spring arrives, but the thought of freezing all day makes it much less appealing. So keep the sleeves long for now and layer on a cardigan or oversized denim jacket.

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Pointed-toe flats:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

You’re probably desperate to get out of the heavy winter boots right about now, but it���s not quite warm enough to rock your summery sandals, so compromise with a pair of polish pointed-toe flats.

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Trench coat:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Calling a trench coat timeless isn’t exactly revolutionary, but when it comes to transitional dressing, no cover-up compares in terms of weight, versatility, and polish.

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Long-sleeve striped shirt:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Anything goes when it comes to this classic! The versatile, season-less staple will pair perfectly with everything from flared jeans and mules, to an office-ready pencil skirt, to off-duty-ready cut-off shorts and a straw hat.

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Cardigan:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

A cozy cardigan in a spring-friendly hue will keep you toasty on cool days, without giving off dead-of-winter vibes.

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Cropped trousers:
(Image credit: Vanessa Jackman)

Cropped trousers work well for women of all heights, and although it may still be too chilly for skirts and shorts, it’s nice to show a little ankle after months of winter.

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Utility jacket:
(Image credit: Vanessa Jackman)

It’s a happy coincidence that military is a major trend for S/S 15, but over the past few years, the utility jacket has become a staple. We think it looks coolest when paired with feminine pieces.

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Silk scarf:
(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

Want to ward off a slight chill but a heavy wool scarf is out of the question? Tie a pretty silk scarf around your neck and go! It just so happens that this is a major trend at the moment, but we have a hunch that this classy accessory is much more than just a passing trend.

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.