Transitioning A Winter Coat Into A Spring Outfit

first published 5/1/16, last updated 1/31/22

I'm always a fan of

purchasing big ticket, never-go-out-of-style items at the end of the season. It helps me save some big bucks on closet staples and it takes pieces from out-of-range to in-my-closet. The downside is sometimes having to wait a whole season before putting said item to use.

Orrrrrr, you can just get super creative and mix and match seasons like it ain't no thang. Such is the case with today's outfit.

I'd had my eyes on the brand Zady for quite some time. They're total fashion game changers and I couldn't possibly love what they're doing anymore than if it was my own business. After debating on this jacket for pretty much an eternity, I saw it go on sale and knew it was a sign that I needed to buy it. Upon receiving the coat, I squealed with delight before mentally kicking myself for waiting so darn long to get it. It's truly a classic thing of beauty and so well made. I know I'll wear it until it wears out. (*Editor’s note, added 1/31/22- It appears the brand is no longer around. However, six years later and I still have, love and wear this coat all the time. Proof that investment pieces really are worth the, well, investment.)

Because of our weird winter-spring weather, I've actually been able to wear the coat quite a few times already. And while I'm all for the recent warm temperatures, I'm not even going to deny it, I just don't want to put this coat away yet. So I haven't. The other day I even threw it on over my favorite striped shirt and denim cut-offs and called it a day. Denim shorts might not be the first thing you think to pair with a wool coat, but ya know, YOU DO YOU! I mean, who says you can only wear a winter coat with winter boots and lots of thick winter layers, anyways??!

Another piece that is going through this winter-to-spring wardrobe transitioning time quite nicely is my tote bag. It's actually reversible so it's kind of like business in the front, party in the bag, ya know?! In other words, it gives you the option to be like "Do I want to be responsible and professional today? Or do I want to play hooky and drink margaritas under palm trees on a beach somewhere?!" I bet you'd never guess which side is my favorite...

Anyways, let’s dive into some tips and tricks and exclusive content about just how to make a winter coat work for your spring wardrobe.

how to use a winter coat for spring

The best way to use a winter coat for spring is to think of it as the perfect layering piece to transition your wardrobe between season. Easy to throw on, great for day-to-night looks, there to help you stay warm if you need it in the cooler early mornings and later evenings, but easy to take off and drape around your shoulders in the warmer parts of the middle of the day. It’s most definitely worthy of a spot in your spring capsule wardrobe.

how to style winter coats for spring

Wear your winter coat over lightweight layers, think things like light sweaters, t-shirts, cotton shirts, linen pants, a skirt and even shorts (Don’t be afraid of those bare legs no matter how pasty they may be looking after winter!). Also, don’t be afraid to layer it over lighter coats, like a boyfriend blazer, a trench coat or even a denim jacket. And, while it’s not quite my thing, think about pairing your winter coat with spring colors as well as bright colors as a great way to wear it this time of year.

what outfits to wear with winter coats

The best kind of outfits to wear with a winter coat in the spring are any outfits that are transitional outfits. For me, I like things like a lighter layer, jeans and ankle boots, or a sweater, skirt and knee high boots, or layered over a denim jacket, t-shirt and joggers or lightweight, casual pants, or, the outfit I’m wearing here in this post, the long sleeve shirt paired with shorts, which is truly such a juxtaposition between the short shorts and long wool coat, but I also think that’s why it works so well. I also think it’s great thrown over a matching sweat suit set and paired with sneakers and maybe even a baseball hat for something casual but chic.

P.S. If I'm still wearing this coat in June, please someone come save me from the self-induced sauna I've most likely put myself in, and ya know, maybe make me put the coat away...at least until September.

WHAT I’M WEARING

H&M Hat || Zady Coat || Armor Lux Shirt || Old Silver Denim Shirts || Nine West Flats || Echo Tote c/o || Daniel Wellington Watch c/o