Spring is finally here! The first few days of blue skies and blossoms had me standing in front my wardrobe, looking for new outfit combinations to match my sunnier mood. I like to layer up in the winter, and while spring gives me the opportunity to get out my skirts (and my legs!), it’s still quite cold out. So, when Very approached me to take part in their dressing for spring campaign, I knew I wanted to focus on dressing to match the new season – while still wrapping up warm!
How To Dress For Spring In The UK
Dressing for spring can be tricky. While it might be sunny in the morning, the weather can change with a click of the fingers. My solution to this is transitional dressing. This is a way of dressing that best suits those awkward days between winter and spring, or autumn and winter. You might also hear it called trans-seasonal dressing, or mid-season dressing. But honestly, it’s what us Brits need to wear most of the time.
The best way to approach transitional dressing is with layers. I’m talking cardigans, jumpers, coats and jackets, maybe even a scarf. While I do like a chunky jumper, swap this out for lightweight options you can layer. I also recommend choosing natural fibres for breathability.
In summary, the best ways to dress for spring in the UK are to:
- Layer your clothes: wear thinner layers you can easily take on and off to match the changing temperatures and from going indoors or outside.
- Wear versatile pieces: go for clothes that can be styled up or down, such as shirts, cardigans, tights or long socks.
- Choose practical outer layers: a waterproof jacket is a must, for storms and light showers alike!
- Prioritise breathable fabrics: I like to wear cotton, linen, and wool as they are more comfortable and more sustainable fabrics than synthetics.
What I’m Wearing For Spring
Florals? For Spring? Not in my wardrobe! If you follow me you’ll know that I much prefer wearing clothes in block colours and classic styles than busy prints or trend-led pieces. The basis of my wardrobe is made up of investment pieces that I think about when adding any new items into the mix. Building a cohesive wardrobe that you’ll wear over and over saves time and money!
Barbour Wax Jacket
This year, I invested in a navy wax jacket from Barbour. For much of the winter, I’ve been wearing my North Face puffer jacket, and with the season’s change, it’s just too big and warm now. This jacket is a much better option for spring, as it’s lightweight, waterproof, and really very practical.
You’ll likely be familiar with Barbour jackets as a staple of British countryside fashion, but this jacket has a more contemporary shape and feel. I wanted to showcase that by styling it for in the city, and out in the country, bringing a little of both to each outfit!
Veja Trainers
And that’s where my new trainers come in! Very has a great selection of sustainable fashion brands on their site, and in the trainers department, Veja has to be my top pick. I have consistently ranked them highly in my guide to sustainable sneakers, and for good reason. Their shoes are comfortable, long-wearing, and made ethically. These Rio Brancos are going to see thousands of steps this year – starting off with 11,000 from a recent walk in the South Downs!
Lightweight Jumpers
Next up, lightweight jumpers. I have a really great collection of sustainable knitwear, and within that, three lightweight jumpers that are perfect for spring. I like to layer them up over a t-shirt or shirt, and can then take them off if too warm. My best recommendation when looking for lightweight knitwear is to check its composition – I would still recommend 100% wool over a polyester blend, because it’ll be more breathable, and also biodegradable at the end of its life.
Linen Skirt
And finally, my linen skirt. This is a summer piece that’s actually perfect for spring! It just depends on how you style it. You can find a white midi skirt in almost every Brightonian’s wardrobe, and for good reason – they’re comfortable, low maintenance, and great for walking, whether that’s by the sea or out in nature!
Here, I’ve paired it with my Veja trainers and my Mary Jane socks, for added comfort.
15 Transitional Pieces To Wear For Spring
To round off this post, I wanted to share a few more options for dressing for spring that I swear by. I’ve been writing about sustainable fashion for almost ten years now, and in that time I’ve experimented a lot with my style. I think that has to be the starting point – sussing out your style – and from there, you’ll know what shapes and colours make you feel the most confident.
For this awkward time of year, I’d recommend mixing up winter and summer clothing, especially if you store them separately. Here are a few transitional pieces you could try wearing for spring:
- Outerwear: Waterproof jackets, trench coats, blazers
- Layers: T-shirts, shirts, lightweight knitwear, vests
- Bottoms: Jeans, trousers, midi skirts, or mini skirts with tights
- Accessories: Scarves, hats, long socks, boots
Happy Spring! Let me know if this guide gave you some seasonal dressing inspiration!
