STYLE

What do you do when you're ready to say "so long" to winter, but the forecast has other plans? Time for some winter-to-spring mathematics, natch. This season's formula: Take your favorite cold-weather pieces (your go-to chunky sweater and trusty cowboy kicks) + some springy touches (the prettiest shorts and sooo many butterfly clips) = your next outfit. Don't worry, we'll make sure to show our work...

Layer Sweaters with Springy Basics

@linmick, @anna_bromilow, @alicepilate, @michealajacobs

Sweater Dress, $26, Cider | Turtleneck Sweater, $75, Land's End | Corset Top, $18, Zara | Knit Shawl, $90, Zara | Sweater Skirt, $70, Noisy May | Butterfly Clips, $5, Cider | Pants, $187, Frame | Chunky Sweater, $89, Commense | Mary Jane Shoes, $140, Dr. Martens

Layering is a classic shoulder-season move. To spring-ify it, choose knits in soft, pastel hues (think "Easter brunch" not "ski chalet") and make sure your layering pieces channel the warm weather to come (we love flowy fabrics, silky slip skirts or lavender jeans). And you can never go wrong by adding spring's ultimate symbol: an actual butterfly.

Take Shorts, Add Boots

@meredithsophiaa, @linmick, @nxcstyle

Cowgirl Boots, $270, JRC & Sons | Graphic Sweater, $36, Cider | Long Denim Shorts, $65, Gap | Velvet Shorts, $8, Rainbow Shops | Sunnies, $68, Dollz & Dames | Hiking Boots, $80, Skechers | Sheer Blouse, $44, Chicwish | Long Plaid Shorts, $28, Cider | Sherpa Jacket, $100, Koolaburra by Ugg

Ready for a spring remix? A major statement boot (bonus points if it's giving Western) and a great pair of shorts are versatile and fun. We're loving a longer length with this look, but if you go for a short-short, try a less summery fabric like a knit or a velvet. Finish with a cool jacket on those March-comes-in-like-a-lion days.

Do a Dress Over Pants

@meredithsophiaa, @buffaloexchange, Getty Images

Panda Sweater, $70, Aelfric Eden | Mesh Dress, $42, Commense | Ballet Flats, $98, Madewell | Babydoll Dress, $40, Cider | Pink Pants, $46, Zara | Pink Jacket, $100, Koolaburra by Ugg | Cargo Pants, $35, H&M | Sneakers, $100, Adidas | Earrings, $65, Kendra Scott

OK, tes, this trend might seem hard to wear, but trust us: You! Can! Do! It! The key is a blousy, flowy dress (it works best if it's either very short or has some kind of split hem) and a straight pant. Street-style pattern mixing? We're here for it.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our February/ March 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for *free* today when you click HERE.

Laydowns styled by Whitney Brielle.
Graphics by Haley Kramer.
Top and slider image: @meredithsophiaa

by Sara Gaynes Levy | 3/1/2024