4 min readTo borrow a phrase from writer Leandra Medine Cohen, “the great thaw” has begun—aka transition season. It’s that point where the worst of winter is (hopefully) behind us, and springy days are fully in sight. This shift from winter to spring is a very specific, and often brief, window when you can venture outside without bundling up in countless layers and begin flirting with the idea of a slight skin reveal.
So, then, the natural question becomes: how do we dress for days that start chilly, warm up by midday, and drop again at nightfall? There’s also the matter of mood. What feels best to wear when winter fatigue has set in, and all you want is to end the workday with an Aperol spritz and a fresh pedicure gloriously exposed?
Luckily for those feeling a bit lost in this in-between, the Spring/Summer 2026 runways offered plenty of ideas for navigating the shift. At Tory Burch, there was a wash of colors from sky blue to watermelon pink and chestnut brown, along with the label’s ongoing study of essentials with a twist. Meanwhile, Pierpaolo Piccioli’s debut collection for Balenciaga served as a bridge between the world established by Demna and Piccioli’s own refined sense of elegance. And if you have long been anti flip-flop, the French house seems to be betting that a velvet version might change your mind.
Below, explore eight runway-inspired outfits that offer a blueprint for dressing throughout the tricky few weeks between winter and spring.
Surfer-Inspired
Fforme
Fforme filtered a hint of Australian surf culture through a distinctly New York point of view. On warmer transitional days, consider showing a bit of skin with Bermuda shorts and flip-flops, while keeping covered up top with an oversized trench and a cashmere-blend T-shirt. The balance makes the look feel equally suited to a breezy beach day or a laid-back afternoon around town when you still want a bit of polish.
Massimo Dutti Cotton Trench Coat
Vince Cashmere Travel Wrap
Extreme Cashmere Aries Cotton And Cashmere T-Shirt
Partow Doyer Cotton Shorts
Tkees Square Toe Lily Flip-Flop
A Tactile Mix
One of the joys of transitional dressing is the freedom to mix seasonal fabrics and prints. Pair winter-leaning pieces like a suede jacket and calf-hair skirt with a sheer blouse and python-print thong sandals for a contrast that feels especially right for this moment.
Banana Republic Heritage Suede Jacket
Mango Polka-Dot High-Neck Blouse
Nour Hammour Elisse Calf Hair Pencil Skirt
By Anthropologie Oval Buckle Belt
Aeyde Wilma Snake Embossed Sandals
The Shorts & Sandals Segue
Balenciaga
A denim Bermuda short paired with a cognac leather bomber jacket sets the tone for this look: relaxed, yet elevated. Add an evening-forward flip-flop to continue the aesthetic all the way down. Shield sunglasses add a bit of attitude while providing practical protection from the strengthening sun.
A.L.C. Hudson Leather Jacket
Haikure New Becky Bermuda Shorts
Mejuri Dôme Figure Hoops
Balenciaga Jet Lag Thong Sandals
Default to a Chore Coat
Lemaire
The waxed cotton chore coat is an especially good default this time of year. To give this otherwise outdoorsy staple a bit of city edge, layer a hoodie underneath and pair it with wire-frame sunglasses and an oversized bag. For extra finesse, opt for a statement skirt—whether asymmetrical in cut or unexpected in material.
Me+Em Relaxed Zip Hoodie Cashmere
3.1 Phillip Lim Ripstop Asymmetric Skirt
Altuzarra Extra-Large Leather Hobo Bag
Jimmy Fairly Isha Sunglasses
Rain-Proof for Work
Tory Burch
As temperatures climb, winter snow gives way to spring showers. Consider elevating a classic canary-yellow rain jacket with an office-ready knit polo and pencil skirt. To keep the look from feeling too corporate, experiment with jewelry. Shell-inspired pieces offer a subtle tribute to sunnier days ahead.
L.L. Bean Wharf Street Rain Jacket
Reformation Hermia Regenerative Merino Polo
Chann Luu Mollusk Necklace Black Agate
Black Suede Studio Lainey 50 Leather Pump
Cos Double-Faced Wool Pencil Skirt
Amplified For Errands
Altuzarra
Joseph Altuzarra offers a polished take on the everyday errand run look. Instead of a traditional bomber or suede shacket, the funnel neck provides extra coverage while adding an interesting detail. And when paired with comfortable pieces like a drawstring pant and a ballet flat, the ensemble still reads more dressed up.
Lisa Yang Mirella Ribbed Peplum Sweater
Leset Kyoto Cotton Barrel-Leg Pants
Lie Studio The Sasha Ring
A Pop of Prep
A classic leather jacket makes ideal transitional outerwear, since the real trick lies in what you layer underneath. Paired with a strappy sandal, the look balances elegance with ease. For an extra touch, lean into the contrast by pairing sleeker pieces like a bow blouse and pleated trousers with something more everyday, such as a raffia tote—a mix reminiscent of Michael Rider’s sophomore collection for Celine, where he combined preppy pieces with a slightly bourgeois sensibility.
H & M Studio Collection Leather Jacket
J.Crew Jules Eyelet Tie-Neck Shirt
Studio Nicholson Deep Pleat Volume Ankle Pants
Jil Sander Cage Leather Sandals
Casually Colorful
Versace
You don’t need to wear capri pants to be inspired by this Versace look—the real takeaway is less about embracing a full ’80s revival and more about experimenting with saturated color. Pair vibrant hues with your go-to jeans and, instead of everyday shoes, reach for an embellished flat to give the look a sense of occasion. And if you’re feeling bold, layer a tank in a similar hue over a T-shirt beneath your windbreaker, much like Dario Vitale did in his debut Versace collection, where bold color clashes and inventive layering set the tone.
Fp Movement Field Tripper Jacket
Gap Waffle Baby T-Shirt
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Madewell The Perfect Vintage Jean
Versace Vivian Glossed-Leather Shoulder Bag
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