Transitional Weather 101:
Did you know that it was Susie Faux, the owner of a 1970’s’s London-based boutique called “Wardrobe,” who coined the term capsule wardrobe. (We really didn’t know until a few seconds ago…Google may or may not have mentioned it!)
Susie Faux felt that it was essential for a woman to have a limited number of clothing pieces that she could wear from season to season. At the time, women were becoming more active in the workforce and an interchangeable, streamlined wardrobe for the whole year made good sense to her.
50 years later, the idea of a capsule wardrobe is more relevant than ever. And transitional weather dressing remains no less tricky. A fashion void that’s hard to navigate, shifting from the comforting confines of your winter wardrobe to more suitable warm weather outfits can leave us all feeling a little lost. But here’s a fact: opt for versatile minimalist pieces and transitional dressing becomes so much simpler, as well as effortlessly stylish.
To wit: read on for our take on some transitional cold weather clothes for women that can be added to your own capsule collection. Bonus material: you won’t have to pack them away as spring heats up…
The TOP Tops for Cold to Warm Transitional Weather? Sleeved Lightwear.
When it comes to versatile transitional pieces, nothing beats a lightweight long-sleeved turtleneck. A layering dream, it’s a must-have base for your winter outfits for warm weather, and cold weather too.
Constructed of two high-stretch and silky soft European jersey fabrics at once, our Cara Top is a reimagined take on the classic turtleneck, coming in off-white or black. She works as a cozy layer with colder temps (and the turtleneck insulates like a warm scarf), while her breathable combination of European jerseys won’t feel overbearing when the days get warmer.
Staying on the topic of high-style transitional turtlenecks, cold weather clothes for women can sometimes place function over form but our Maria Turtleneck, in either black or off-white, can work as cocktail party glamour no matter the season, while also being suitable for office wear when layered under a blazer. Her combination of high-stretch European jersey and European mesh offers both breathability and all-weather comfort—with no compromise on style.
How About Bottoms?
A stylish pair of wide leg pants are a go-to when you’re looking for versatility, including staples that can serve as warm weather women’s clothing. Take our Warren Wide Leg Pants. Coming in black, olive or camel, her full-flare allows for breathability in warm weather, while her length allows for full-on comfort in the colder months. The vertical pleats make for an elongating and flattering silhouette and Warren offers a discreet zip closure and pockets, to boot.
Or…turn up your style volume with our A-line Tillary Skirt. This oh-so-comfortable European cotton skirt will feel like your favorite loungewear on cold days or you can style her with a lightweight blouse and slides in the sun and you’ll strut through any heat in the perfect warm weather outfit. Tillary may come in black, but we promise you’ll look anything but basic in her.
Dresses for Transitional Weather?
Another staple of warm weather women’s clothing, of course, dresses are equally great in the transitional seasons.
Our Phoebe Dress has everything you would want in warming but breathable loungewear: knitted European jersey fabric, long sleeves and even a turtleneck neckline to keep you toasty. But the fact that this practical level of comfort is packed into a timeless dress is a cut above.
Phoebe will seamlessly hug to the contours of your body for a slimming effect. The secret lies in her mid-waist ruching detail (we won’t tell if you won’t). She comes in both slate grey and classic black so that you can style Phoebe at the office, the home or at any party. Versatility is Phoebe’s hallmark: wear her in spring, fall, winter and even on a cool summer night out.
Or for the days when laid-back comfort is key, might we recommend the Meiko Dress? Our streamlined, sporty grey sweatshirt dress will feel like a warm embrace because nothing looks and feels more comfortable than mid-weight but breathable European French Terry.
Meiko’s athleisure style carries on with a rubber crew neck and raglan sleeves with thumbholes. There’s also a slit at the bottom for easy movement—so you’ll be able to easily run for that subway with the rest of the crowd.
Make Meiko part of your cold weather women’s clothing capsule collection and know her breathability will allow you to turn to her even when things heat up.
And, yes, with Meiko as well as with any of the other pieces mentioned here, we’re talking about your style heating up as much as the weather.
THE MEIKO SWEATSHIRT DRESS
The best tip for dressing for transitional weather? Enjoy! Layering pieces are a great opportunity to express your personal style, while making sure you're prepared for wherever the day takes you (even if the weather report is less than reliable).
