Spring Transitions: How to recreate your closet
As the days grow longer, the birds start chirping, and the snow evaporates into the air revealing layer upon layer of dog excrement, we know Spring is approaching in the mountains. I struggle with finding good outfits this time of year; I am so over my heavy winter apparel and I want to welcome showers and flowers, but let’s face it – it can still be chilly out there and the weather is unpredictable. We can’t exactly leap into the vernal season here in Utah, so I met with the owners and style consultants at The Collective to tap their fashion brains for ideas about how to gracefully transition your wardrobe from snowflakes to tulips.
First, let’s ditch the bulkier items that have been dominating your closet since October: wool pants, corduroys, winter boots, dark leather, and heavy accessories. Let’s channel our inner thoughts of renewal, joy, sunshine, and embrace pops of color like the crocus straining through the ground beneath the last remnants of snow in your garden.
Spring is all about layering – the day might start off cool and end up in the 60’s and then head back down to the 50’s, so you want to be prepared for the roller coaster of temperatures that we experience over the next few months. We envision a fresh maximalist print pant, cotton tank, light colored cashmere cardigan, and leather sneakers - perfect for work or casual gatherings. For cooler days, pack a lightweight puffy from OOF in the happy shade of daffodil yellow, or the three-quarter sleeve silvery gray hooded flare jacket from Anorak.
April is a great time to pull out some of your neutral toned (pewter, sand, or pale oak) suede/lighter leather jackets. This is an intelligent way to capture the spirit of spring, while still providing warmth and texture. The Collective has some chic matte leather and washed suede options from JKT-NYC that can be paired with a bold print silky top, a pair of wide leg trousers and our Esquival mules – creating a stunning and comfortable ensemble for any spring dinner party.
Denim jackets/shirts, feather-weight cashmere ponchos, and lighter weight flannel shirts are your best friends in the spring. These versatile pieces can all be worn with an airy wide leg pant, gauzy or silk skirt, a maxi or mini colorful dress. Right now, The Collective has a super cool cropped jean jacket from DL1961, and a poncho from 27 Miles that would be a great addition to your closet and can be worn throughout the year. Accessorize with some platform sandals, and a woven handbag which are extremely á la mode this season.
Finally, have fun, live a little! Add some fringe from hot New York designer, Jonathan Simkhai – the chartreuse chunky cotton sweater is one of our favorites and it looks awesome with a denim mini or check out his stylish fringe skirt which would wow at any function. Nothing says Spring like the vibrant color in the sweaters of Kerri Rosenthal and Notshy, these are cozy yet fresh and look great slung over your shoulders with a crisp white tee and your most treasured pair of light wash jeans.
10 must-have pieces for spring
- Denim jacket or shirt – (goes well with linen pants, silk skirts, shirt dresses, maxi dresses, fringe skirts)
- Statement piece: Light colored Suede/leather jacket – these can also be used in the fall
- Lightweight knit poncho or cashmere cardigan
- Whisper weight puffy coat in a vivid spring color
- Maximalist print pants
- Something with fringe!
- Vibrant sweater for draping and cooler nights
- Cotton or silk maxi dress (printed or solid)
- Soft cotton tank for layering under those jackets, flannels, and sweaters
- Mule and/or leather sneaker
Stop into the The Collective and get into the spirit of the Spring season. Our style consultants are amazing at putting together versatile combinations that work well with what is already in your closet and will take your fashion to the next level.