Spring layering

Kind of like fall but different.

There are two kinds of people when spring rolls around here in Canada: those who aren’t afraid to bust out the shorts and sandals once the snow melts, and those who are still dressing in layers until the temps rise to a comfortable 20°C. As you might’ve guessed, I’m the latter.

While I’m not ready to shed my layers, I got a haircut last week and chopped off around four inches, so I’m feeling lighter in that sense. When I think about dressing for this season, I want to be able to recreate that same lightweight feeling—but with layers.

In many ways, there’s a lot of overlap in what I’m wearing in the spring and fall. I like to use the same key pieces (like a trench) and wear similar shades of brown, beige and cream. The difference for me is in how I approach the layering part: in the fall, I’m bundling up to keep warm, whereas for spring, I feel like it’s more for style than function or practicality. I wear lighter tops and tanks underneath open jackets and like to tie thick sweaters around my shoulders rather than wear them.

Here are some looks I pulled together for spring inspired by lighter layers.

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Look 1

This oversized trench coat I’ve mentioned a few times now (here and here), so forgive me if you’re tired of hearing about it. But I can’t recommend it enough. As far as trenches go, this one looks a lot more than it actually costs and the style and fit are so flattering.

I paired it with a light knit striped cardigan and the small Loewe basket tote. The stripes + basket bag combo feels very spring-appropriate to me.

The striped cardigan is old (from Zara) and I couldn’t find anything I liked in a similar price point. This Sezane option is more expensive but beautiful.

Look 2

The trench fits loose and drapes nicely, making it easy to dress down and adapt for day-to-day (exactly what I was looking for.) The longer length is also perfect. I’m 5’2” and sized down to an XXS, and it hits past my calves.

I have the colour brindle in the O+F trench, but I like the classic beige, too. Paired with a cropped tank, black leggings (similar), sweater (similar), tote + shoes in a different colour for more sizing options.

Look 3

For the days I don’t feel like wearing a long coat, I just bought this Zara bomber that I saw on @ariellecharnas, and it’s become a new favourite. There’s a little bit of the barnyard jacket influence with the corduroy collar, but I love that it’s a bomber style. It’s practical and stylish at the same time.

Lightweight layers: wearing a white tank underneath, with the jacket and grey cardigan (similar) wrapped around my shoulders.

Look 4

This is my typical school drop-off and pick-up attire. I like that the jacket doesn’t feel bulky, and the brown/taupe colour goes with a lot.

Essentially the same look as #2, except I swapped the jacket and bag.

Look 5

Remember when I mentioned I was excited to try a white-on-white look for spring? I added a brown crewneck knit around my shoulders as an extra layer and to break up the look. The metallic mules are from last year (OAK + FORT) and aren’t the greatest quality but I find they add a little something to the right outfit.

White tee (heard good things about this and this), jeans (similar), knit (love this one), old bag + metallic shoes (wish I got these instead.)

Look 6

Ever since I read

Renée Reardin

’s ‘Is your look too eager?’ I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I cringed reading it because it’s definitely been me.

I’ve noticed it’s way easier for me to do too much than to do less. So, when I’m getting dressed now, I try to pay attention to any adjustments that will make my look feel more laid-back and less primped. Or in Renee’s words, “equal parts undone yet polished.” I think wearing button-ups untucked is one way to achieve this.

Similar striped green button-ups here, here and here.

Look 7

A dressier look with an unbuttoned collared shirt. This is something I’d wear to dinner with girlfriends. While the base feels fancy, I like how adding this layer of an opened button-up relaxes the look a little.

White button-up, tube top (fyi—it's cropped, which I know isn’t for everyone), pants + belt.

Look 8

I’ve been trying to figure out what to pack and wear for an upcoming family girls trip to Paris and London in two weeks (eek!) We’ve got some long days planned, and I like this classic trench look because it can transition well from day to night.

On that note, if you’ve got recos (especially for good but kid-friendly restaurants), please send them my way!

Same trench coat, white tank, pants, belt + basket bag (not a practical choice with all the pick-pocketing stories lately, so I’ll likely switch it up.)

Look 9

Last idea—I actually think spring is ideal blazer weather because it’s not too hot, not too cool. You can just walk out of the house wearing one and not have to hide it underneath a big winter jacket. I’m swapping my typical black blazer with this khaki-coloured one and layering it with lightweight basics (white tank top + ribbed cardigan), so it feels more spring than fall.

Blazer, white tank, black cardigan (similar), jeans + sunglasses.

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*This post contains some affiliate links, and I may receive a small percentage from anything you purchase through a link, at no extra cost to you. As always, I provide suggestions for only the things I love and would wear.

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