Spring Outfit Ideas for When Winter Just Won’t Quit

I know that basically everyone, all over the country, has been sitting under the grey cloud of what feels like an eternal winter, and truth be told it has been unusually chilly here in Phoenix as of late so I can’t even taunt you with our usual warm temps and February poolside paradise. Devastation! But what I can do is remind us all that spring is in fact, right around the corner (well, at least right around the block, or maybe right around the… next county?) by serving up some winter-to-spring outfit (and spring scenery) inspo that frankly, I probably need more than you guys do!

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Since the start of the year we’ve been so focused on house projects that I’ve been basically living in a less-than-shiny state of yoga pants, paint-covered hair and potting-soil-soaked fingernails, which after a month and a half hasn’t been helping me in the winter mood department. Seriously, in the past when I was working in an office or a newsroom and knee deep in pulling it together every morning with clean, dry-shampoo-free hair, makeup and outfits that didn’t involve any sort of stretchy pants, I dreamed of a world in which I could basque in the glory of workout clothes every single day. But now after working from home for the last 9 months with no strict dress code and experimenting with that “yoga pants” daydream of mine a little more than I’m comfortable admitting, I’ve realized that sinking into athletic wear every day, however practical and comfortable, might not be a mood booster, and much to my surprise, might actually hinder my productivity, not help it. I know I know! Just one of those hard life lessons that I’m not super pumped that I had to learn this year, but a valuable lesson nevertheless. And I know that there are many people out there (who are much more awesome than I am) that can pull off the daily yoga pants dream, but I, sadly, have painfully accepted that I’m just not one of those people.

So now that those house projects are in my rear view and this winter weather hasn’t let up, it feels like a great time to spiff it up and inject a little bit of that spring sunshine back into my daily attire, my routine and subsequently, my mood. But that doesn’t mean I’m dressing up like Dolly everyday! No no no. As you guys know casual and comfy is where I always start my outfit selection process, so as I’m perusing the spring style offerings out there and diving into the endless outfit options that already exist in my wardrobe, I’m simply looking for pretty, sunny things that can take me from work to play and everything in between and put that spring pep in my step, without making me want to retreat back to my yoga pant wearing ways.

Which is why I fell head over heeled booties for this softer than soft, pretty pink swing sweater that’s perfect for layering as the weather transitions from chilly winter to sunny spring! When I first saw this sweater on the sale rack I wasn’t sure if this was a sweater shape I could pull off, but much to my surprise the fit is actually really fun and a welcome change from my typical cardigan or crewneck sweater styles, and I couldn’t get over my love for the subtle pink hue and pretty cream band at the hem and cuff of the sleeves. I also love that it’s a style that I can wear on weekends, but is also polished enough for work wear or paired with pant styles other than jeans. And like I said, it’s not super heavy so it’s a great weight for both winter and chilly spring mornings and nights (or overly air-conditioned office situations in just about any season). You guys also know that I’m not into investing in clothing items that I’m not certain will survive in my wardrobe for many a year, and this sweater is one of those pieces that I know will last for years and years to come. Quality over quantity!

Clearly, I’m still not over my obsession with Levi’s and I can’t say with certainty that I will be anytime soon, and this latest iteration of my favorite high-waisted, 100% cotton style by the brand is only making it harder for me to step out this spring. I’m pretty sure C would be happy to see all of the mom jeans in my closet mysteriously find their way to a dumpster fire and for me to return to my super-skinny-jeans-wearing ways, but this denim style is so comfortable and is extremely versatile and easy to pair with any and every style of top, especially the more cropped styles that just won’t go away, so… no such luck, my handsome hubs. They’re here to stay and as a woman in my ‘30s I feel I’ve earned the right to rock mom jeans unapologetically and without opposition. If they were good enough for Cindy in the ‘90s, they’re good enough for me! Also loving these high-waisted wonders, these button-fly beauties and this versatile white pair.

And nothing says sunshine and warm weather like a straw/rattan bag, so the second I saw this under-$50 gem at Zara that also happens to have a handy crossbody strap, I had to grab it. It’s such a good size and it’s so rare to fine a straw bag that can be conveniently converted into a crossbody, so this is a spring closet win as far as I’m concerned. I also love this little straw beauty, this affordable cutie and this charming handheld number.

Since momentarily turning my attention from home decor to spring style, I’ve seen so many pieces out there that are perfect for instantly injecting some much-needed sunshine into your life and would be totally worthy for winter-to-spring outfit consideration. So I’ve rounded up a ton of my favorite transitional pieces in the shop widgets above and below that will turn winter frown upside down right away! But because my pursuit of sunny spring weather and in turn, sunny spring clothing has been pretty endless as of late, there are tons of other fresh winter-to-spring finds over on our Shop page, so make sure you hop over there if you’re in search of more pretty pep to get you through!

Shop Winter-to-Spring Style