A seemingly endless winter is almost over. Sunshine, blue skies, longer days and warmer temperatures are within touching distance. At last. But before we get there we’ve got the inevitable period of in-between weather outfits to work through. You know; too cold to go jacket-free but too warm for a duvet coat. Too sunny for chunky boots, but too chilly for sandals. It can be a tricky time if you’re not prepared, so we’ve made an edit of the five pieces that will help plug the between-seasons gap.
A spring jacket
I waited 33 years to invest in a spring jacket, and I have no idea what took me so long. It’s an invaluable between-seasons layer, as well as an easy way to smarten up the most casual of in between weather outfits. The key is getting just the right thickness – not so thick it can’t be comfortably slipped beneath a warmer layer on cooler days, but not so light that it has zero warmth-giving qualities.
British brand Albaray has nailed the brief with its quilted mini bud-print jacket, which is floral but not overly feminine, meaning it will slip seamlessly into any wardrobe. See also COS’s classic short trench coat – there’s nothing not to like about it – and Warehouse’s colourblock utility jacket, a slightly more adventurous take on the spring jacket.
Mary-janes
Mary-janes have been enjoying a low-key resurgence for the last year or so (see the cult celeb following for The Row’s Ava’ style for proof but I think this spring is when they’re really going to get their time in the spotlight. They’re perfect if you’re looking for something to bridge the gap between boots and sandals, and are more delicate than other alternatives like clogs, which are definitely an acquired taste.
This velvet pair from Zara is particularly appealing, especially when paired with socks on cooler days, but John Lewis’ leather Harrietta style has also found a firm fanbase amongst fashion editors. They’re great with everything, from jeans to dresses.
Sleeveless jumper
I know, I know, a sleeveless jumper, or ‘sweater vest’, is a bit Chandler Bing. But hear me out. A sleeveless knit is actually an between-seasons hero and the ideal layering piece. Great over t-shirts and shirts or alone when it’s warm enough, it’s perfect for those in-between weather outfits when there is still a chill in the air but the sun is out.
M&S’s zesty mohair version looks particularly good layered over a crisp white shirt, while Zara’a button-front style is deliciously retro and would look great with stonewashed denim.
Knitted dress
It can be tricky to find just the right time to wear a knitted dress but they’re great for the seasonal no man’s land, and there are loads of good ones on the market right now.
Their superpower is in their adaptability and how easily they can be dressed up or down, the ultimate test for any wardrobe piece. Arket’s dark blue and white version is the perfect winter-spring hybrid, and its flared sleeves and hem give it an edge. H&M also has a vast array of options, my favourite being this rib-knit merino wool number in a slouchy, loose cut.
Denim jumpsuit
I’ve coveted a denim jumpsuit for years but never actually taken the plunge. I’m not sure why because, frankly, it’s a seasonal-gap saviour. Every time I see one I think ‘I must buy one, it would be perfect for that not cold – not hot weather window we get a couple of times a year’.
The appeal lies in its ease of wear – one item and go. I’ve got my eye on Mango’s olive-green style, which looks to be the perfect middle ground between utilitarian and casual. I’d wear it with trailers or Birkenstock Bostons. With its waist-cinching belt, Sezane’s ‘Brooklyn’ jumpsuit is outrageously chic and I can imagine it working as well with heels as it would flats. Might just have to add that one to my basket too…
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