Spring comes every year, but it often feels like a surprise – right when you’re resigned to the fact that it will always be cold and gloomy, bang! A warm day hits, and you feel unprepared. Will the warm weather stay? Is it too early to put away the heavy coats and wool sweaters? I can’t predict the weather, but what I can predict is the styles that you’ll need this (and every year) to get you through spring in style. Because, yes – spring trends come and go, but classics are forever…

LIGHTWEIGHT OUTERWEAR

Spring is one of those seasons that can play tricks on you – it can be super chilly in the morning, but by lunchtime it’s almost tropical. So how can you dress for days that feel a bit schizophrenic? Layering is key (click here to see one client’s spring layers), and the basis of a well-layered spring outfit is lightweight outerwear. But depending on where you work and what you’re doing, you might need something different – so check out my 3 favorite pieces of lightweight outerwear.

*photos from Dress Corilyn, Fab Fashion Fix, Pinterest*

THE TRENCH

A khaki trench is the pinnacle of classic, with good reason. You can dress it up, you can dress it down, and if you want just one jacket for the season, this is it. Wear it over jeans on the weekend, over tailored separates for work, or on top of a print dress for a spring wedding (check out my favorite dress/trench combos in this blog post).

THE MILITARY JACKET

For running around, weekend errands, and even a super casual workplace, a military-style jacket fits the bill famously. It’s a combination of utilitarian and stylish, with pockets aplenty.

*A couple of my favorite military jackets from J. Crew and Madewell*

THE DENIM JACKET

If you know me, you know I love a denim jacket – it’s a true wardrobe workhorse, all year round. But in spring, it can tone down a serious outfit and is your ideal “I don’t know what jacket to put on” layer. Find out more reasons why I love a denim jacket and tips on how to wear one here.

LIGHT COLORED JEANS

Of course, feeling weather-appropriate is more about fabric weight than color – but aren’t you ready to pare down the dark colors and lighten up for spring? And since jeans are a season-less staple in so many of our wardrobes, a simple way to channel the new season is by choosing lighter colored denim.

You may prefer to save the white jeans for true summer (although you don’t have to) – so if that’s your plan, how about going for a paler shade of blue, washed out grey, or even blush? I’ve actually been in love with super pale blue lately, as a not white (but close enough) light color alternative.

*Jeans from Rag & Bone, Current/Elliott, Current/Elliott*

LIGHT COLORED BOOTIES

And while you’re at it, why not go for lighter colored booties, as well? Dark colored leather booties are the shoe of choice in inclement weather, but once the rain stops, it’s time to pull out the suede and the sunshine-friendly color (and you can still wear ankle socks!).

FLORAL PRINTS

Nothing signals springtime like flowers, and if you love a decidedly feminine pattern, this one’s for you! But if you think floral prints are too girly or feel overly mature, read this blog post about how to make florals feel fresh and modern, and click here to see some covetable floral street style.