6 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe From Winter to Spring

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. I only highlight and share products that I use and truly love. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Empty Nest Blessed!

Wondering how to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring without freezing? I hear you! It can be challenging when your heart says spring, but the temperatures are still registering winter! Today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share fashion tips and looks from Nordstrom-Made Brands to help you make the seasonal shift with style!

As always, click any image or pink text link for more information or to shop. All pieces fit true-to-size (TTS) unless indicated.

Nordstrom Made Brands, and Why I Love Them

Although Nordstrom carries hundreds of brands across multiple verticals, some of my very favorites are their in-house Nordstrom Made Brands. Think Halogen, BP, Zella, Treasure & Bond, and more! These in-house brands are well-made, well-priced, and always on-trend. To explore all of Nordstrom’s brands, click HERE.

And of course, since you’re shopping at Nordstrom, you know you’ll always get convenient free shipping and returns along with the option to order online and pick up curbside or in-store.

Not only that, but Nordstrom’s (free) Nordy Club is among the best loyalty programs in the nation, offering the opportunity to shop and earn points toward Nordstrom Notes, along with other exclusive sales and events.

How to Transition Your Wardrobe From Winter to Spring

We’ve all heard the basic advice on this: wear heavier fabrics in lighter colors. It’s true! Look for cozy knits like THIS polo knit top in spring hues or THESE plush corduroy joggers. But there are so many other ways to subtly transition your wardrobe from winter to spring, no matter what the temperatures are like where you live.

Think Layers

Look for good layering pieces that look great with blazers or cardigans on top, but that will also look cute if you want to wear them alone in the warmer months. I love the ruffles at the neckline and sleeves on THIS sweet, Fitted Ruffle Rib Tank I’m wearing below.

If you’re looking for long sleeve layering pieces, the basic Long Sleeve Crewneck Tees I’m wearing in some of the photos below are ideal.

Treasure & Bond Fitted Ruffle Rib Tank (runs small, consider ordering a size up) | Treasure & Bond Paperbag Waist Pants

I think a white or off-white pullover is a wardrobe staple for spring (or even summer if you live in a cooler climate). THIS Rib Puff Sleeve Cotton Sweatshirt (below) from Nordstrom Made Brand Treasure & Bond will pair back with so much in your wardrobe. It’s the perfect layering piece for spring beach getaways where it’s warm during the day but chilly at night!

Rib Puff Sleeve Cotton Sweatshirt | BP. Daisy Embroidered Mom Jeans (run large, order one waist size down)

Want another option? This pretty pullover with on-trend balloon sleeves can be styled with a white button-down, a chambray button-down, or a simple long sleeve tee underneath.

2. Try a Pretty, Springy Sweater

Sweaters don’t have to be huge and bulky! As you transition over, consider lighter, cotton sweaters. If you want the option to layer a button-down or long sleeve tee underneath, order one size up. If you want it fitted, consider wearing an open front cardigan on top.

Halogen Cotton Ribbed Crewneck Sweater | BP. Seamed Mom Jeans

I love pretty, springy sweaters, like the darling striped number I’m wearing above. If you prefer a solid color, check out THESE pretty solid sweaters in bright spring colors.

3. Cover Up

Speaking of cardigans, make sure you have a few cardigans (both long and waist-skimming) that you love in your wardrobe. Waist skimming cardigans are the best options for fitted, A-line, fit & flare, or belted dresses, while long, open-front cardigans are best paired with long, lean leggings or fitted trousers. The long cardigan I’m wearing in black in a few photos below also comes in THESE beautiful springy colors.

Treasure & Bond Quilted Puff Sleeve Jacket (runs large, order a size or even two sizes down) | Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee | BP. Button Front Skinny Jeans

Another fresh option this year? The quilted jacket! Quilted anything is having a moment right now! Try a quilted jacket over a simple look to really make a statement.

It’s time to ditch the structured blazers you sported in fall and winter. Instead, opt for a softly draped collar knit blazer when a cardigan just won’t do. In the photo below, I’m wearing one in camo. It also comes in black and navy. (This is my favorite piece from this post! It’s comfortable knit, it’s well-priced, and it’s incredibly versatile!)

Caslon Drape Collar Knit Blazer | Caslon Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee | BP. Button Front Skinny Jeans

4. Show a little skin! (Don’t panic! 😂)

Don’t be afraid to show a little skin as you transition your wardrobe! Don’t worry, I mean, like, at your ankles or your neck (Buh-bye turtlenecks.)! 😂 The latest pants length that we see everywhere in pants and jeans is ankle length. If it’s chilly, but you’re feeling springy, try keeping the rest of your body warm and well-covered, but add a pair of THESE ankle-length seamed “Mom” jeans in slimming black to update your look.

Treasure & Bond Fitted Ruffle Rib Tank (runs small, consider ordering a size up) | Treasure & Bond Paperbag Waist Pants | Halogen Open Front Pocket Cardigan

Crops are back in, mainly with a straight or slightly flared leg. For a dressier but still comfy look, consider the lightweight Treasure & Bond Paperbag Waist Pants that I’m wearing in the photo above. Another great option if you prefer pull-on pants — THESE relaxed crop pants. Both pairs are made from 100% rayon, making the fabric fall beautifully.

If you’ve loved living in your high-waisted leggings this winter, I think THESE Zella high waist flare ankle leggings make a terrific transitional piece. Another option for legging-lovers🙋‍♀️—swap over to the newer bootcut legging.

If you’re still hot-flashy, look for sweet, springy tops like THIS sleeveless pleated Georgette top that are perfect for layering under chic long cardigans or comfy drape-front knit blazers.

5. Dress Up

Halogen Tie-Neck Tiered Long Sleeve Dress | Nordstrom Brand Faux Leather Leggings | Halogen Halogen Open Front Pocket Cardigan (in other dark color options HERE and springy color options HERE)

In the summer, I almost wear nothing but dresses! As the weather warms, transition back into dresses. This year, you’ll see lots of comfy, soft, easy-to-wear knits! Layer a springy fitted v-neck or cable knit cardigan now if needed, or try a pair of faux leather leggings underneath like I did.

Pair them with lightly-colored booties now, sneakers, or updated lug-soled loafers when it’s warm. Then, once summer hits, wear them with a comfy pair of slides or sandals in today’s freshest look— quilted!

Caslon A-Line T-Shirt Midi Dress | Treasure & Bond Quilted Puff Sleeve Jacket (runs large, order a size or even two sizes down)

A longer dress will keep you warm while the weather is still cool. I adore THIS figure-flattering A-Line T-Shirt Midi Dress. Here’s what to look for in dresses this year.

• Easy silhouettes like this knit swing dress.
• If you love the comfort of a tee shirt, try my A-line Tee Shirt Dress or THIS minimalist midi.
• Longer dresses abound this year! Try THIS knit V-neck midi or THIS wear-now sleek but comfy dress.
• Classic shirt dresses never go out of style! THIS is the one I bought. The fabric is a cozy knit and I love the high-low shirtail hem!

Add a layer under a dress as I did above! Sweater dresses will keep you warm in fluctuating spring temperatures when you wear them with leggings underneath. I love the balloon sleeves on THIS sweater dress.

6. Add in Spring Style Embellishments

Look for the style elements of spring as you transition your wardrobe and begin to incorporate them into your closet. Think scalloped trim, girly ruffles at the neck or sleeves, twist detailing, Juliet sleeves, and more.

I love the sweet, subtle scalloping on the hem and cuffs of the wear-now cotton sweater below. The black stripe allows it to pair with gray or black denim right now and white in the spring. I think THESE high-waist straight leg seamed Mom jeans from Nordstrom Made Brand B.P. look amazing with it.

Halogen Cotton Ribbed Crewneck Sweater | BP. Seamed Mom Jeans

Smocking will continue to be huge this spring. Look for smocked dresses and short tops to pair with high waist jeans.

6. Add in Spring Fabrics

As we progress toward warmer weather, add some classic spring fabrics into the rotation. This year, you’ll see a lot of sheer fabrics, so be sure you have a good shelf-bra camisole or a lace-trimmed camisole to wear underneath. Here’s what to look for this spring.

• Eyelet is always a winner in spring and summer! I bought THIS top in black.
• Lace tops are everywhere this year!
• Polka dots are a spring staple.
• Transtion from flannel plaids to clean, fresh stripes.
• Florals are always popular for spring! I love THESE fun, fresh, Embroidered Mom Jeans from Nordstrom Made Brand B.P.

BP. Daisy Embroidered Mom Jeans (run large, order one waist size down)

As we approach Easter, springy floral dresses will be popping up everywhere! It’s not too early to begin thinking about your Easter dress! I like THIS floral wrap midi dress that will go well into fall paired with a black blazer.

I hope you got some great ideas to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring! I’m telling you, Nordstrom Made Brands are a great way to do it! Think about the quality you’ve come to expect from Nordstrom, on-point styles, free shipping/returns, and Nordy Club points, of course!