How to Transition Your Closet from Winter to Summer

NYC weather has been incredibly odd. One day it’s 85 and the next, it’s in the 60s. While it may not be time to break out shorts just yet, you can probably ditch the wool sweaters. Here’s how to transition your closet for this odd, odd weather.

Your Current Situation

It’s spring. You’ve still got your winter clothes in your closet, but you’re not ready to swap in your summer pieces just yet.

But you can’t go from wool pants to shorts in one swoop. And it’s too warm for your wool coat but you can’t ditch outerwear completely. Check out these six tips on incorporating wardrobe essentials to transition your wardrobe from season to season.

1. Wear Long Jeans 

Yep, it’s denim weather! Break out the hip-hugging, booty-lifting skinny jeans. And we can’t forget the vintage skinny or the girlfriend jean. Take ‘em all out!

2. Opt for Cotton Bottoms

While many leggings are usually a blend of polyester and spandex, we recommend cotton leggings right before summer. They’re lightweight, aren’t as constrictive as polyester, and after all, cotton is the fabric of our lives. (Anyone remember that slogan?)

And we’re all about wide cotton pants. You can easily dress them up if you find a waist-defining pair and style them with heels (i.e., feature photo).

3. Choose Cotton Tees

Cotton is a breathable fabric. Classic short-sleeved tees can give you a base to layer on sweaters or jackets, as needed. And long-sleeved tees can give you the extra coverage.

4. Grab a Jacket

Put the parkas and wool coats away. You know those jackets that you stockpile because they are so fun to shop, but there just doesn’t seem like there’s enough time to wear? I’m talking about those leather jackets, blazers, denim jackets, trench coats, and cute sweaters.

This is also the perfect weather to tuck a gorgeous cami under a blazer. And you won’t feel cold or tempted to wear a scarf to cover up your neck. (Literally, me in the winter.)

5. Lean and Mean in a Jumpsuit

Give us all the jumpsuits! You can obviously wear linen jumpsuits in the summer. But spring is the time to pull out the jumpsuits that are a bit heavier — for example, those head-turning utility jumpers.

6. Wear Any Type of Shoes

Here’s the magical moment. It’s that one time a year that all the stars align and you can wear any kind of shoes you want. If you’re itching to wear your sandals asap, do it! Our writer is wearing these block heel pumps (in tan, but it looks like cork) in the featured photo below. They are gorgeous and surprisingly comfortable for a 3.5-inch heel.

If you want to hide your un-pedicured feet a little longer, you can choose peep-toe booties. And there’s nothing wrong with closed-toe shoes with a pair of no-show socks.

But if you’re like us, you’ve been dying to wear your espadrilles. (Side note, are your espadrilles genuine? A discussion for another blog!)

We love spring — minus the allergies. Of course, summer has my heart. But until then, go out and enjoy the sunshine (while maintaining social distancing, of course). With a few additional transition pieces, you’ll be comfortable in any outfit or weather.