Spring is a time for new beginnings – and the same should apply to your style. But dressing for a season of mini heatwaves and midday showers requires a wardrobe that’s just as much weather-proof as it is stylish. Enter: transitional outfits
Words: Amy Dowrick | Images: Shutterstock & KLASS
Come rain or shine, your outfits should feel effortless, classy and stylish – but with thanks to a few belated April showers this season, you might be finding it a little harder to get your wardrobe season ready.
“As the weather shifts, the way clothes work together needs to shift with it,” says fashion expert Lynne McKenna, who believes a season-ready wardrobe makes getting dressed simpler. “Heavier layers start to feel out of place, while lighter, more adaptable pieces come into their own.”
“When your wardrobe reflects that change, you rely less on overthinking and more on pieces that naturally work together,” she adds. “It’s about making better use of what you already have while thoughtfully adding timeless staple pieces that elevate your wardrobe.”
To prep your wardrobe for the weather ahead, Lynne takes me through her spring essentials when building an outfit this season, from how to accessorise properly to the power of light layering.
Spring essentials
According to Lynne, spring essentials are all about versatility and allow you to form the base of a wardrobe that can be easily reworked.
“A good pair of trousers with an adaptable shirt are the constants,” she says. “These are the pieces that carry through every season.”
“In spring, the essentials shift slightly to include lighter layers, fine knits, relaxed shirts or easy co-ords,” she continues. “Pieces that can be worn together, taken apart and styled in different ways without needing to rethink the whole outfit.”
Lynne believes that this is where a few well-chosen additions make a difference. “Klass’s crochet cardigan is a good example of updating for a new season with minimal effort,” she says. “Worn over a shirt or a simple vest, it shifts something familiar into something that feels more current.”
Tie Front Crochet Cardigan
Top Sante verdict
Add a stylish edge to your outfits with this crochet cardigan – a timeless piece that you can wear on repeat, layer up and complete a look with some edge!- 100% cotton
- Created using high quality delicate yarns
- Timeless and repeatable
“The same applies to a fine knit cardigan light enough to layer, but strong enough in colour and texture to instantly change the feel of a spring dress, denim or tailored trousers.”
How to layer an outfit
According to Lynne, the key to layering is restraint. “You don’t need lots of pieces, just the right ones,” she says.
“Keep fabrics light, such as cotton shirts or soft knits -breathable layers that sit comfortably together.”
She also sees the importance in paying attention to proportion. “If your outer layer is loose, keep your base more streamlined, so the outfit doesn’t feel bulky,” she says.” “Each layer should work on its own as well as together. If it doesn’t, it’s likely unnecessary. The goal is to create depth without adding weight.”
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Picking a colour
When it comes to refining your wardrobe this season, be sure to choose shades that naturally sit well together. According to Lynne, this makes the layering feel effortless.
“Start with a neutral base, such as white, ecru, navy, grey or camel, and build from there,” she says. “From there, introduce one colour or print to lift the look. It could be something soft like a pastel or something brighter for contrast but keeping it to one focal point helps the outfit feel balanced. It’s less about matching and more about keeping the palette cohesive.”
Time to accessorise
Accessories are essential when layering up this spring, and Lynne says they will help bring everything together.
“They break up layers and add definition without adding bulk,” she says. “A simple gold chain, a structured belt or a lightweight scarf can shift the feel of an outfit instantly.”
“They also help balance proportions, especially when layering multiple pieces. It’s about adding just enough detail to make the outfit feel finished, without overcomplicating it,” she adds.
Lynne McKenna is a fashion expert and Klass’ resident stylist with over 15 years of experience. To view her work, visit www.lynnemckenna.com, or follow her on Instagram @lynnemckennastyles.
