Spring in New York is quite possibly the hardest season to dress for. Winter is simple—down jackets, fuzzy socks, laced-up snow boots, a cashmere-blend scarf. Summer is flouncy dresses and sandals, and fall is sweaterdresses and knee boots. But suddenly, it’s spring, and it’s confusing. It’s too warm for puffers, too cold for tank tops, too warm for skirts with tights, but too cold for shorts, which all accumulates into a frenzied clothing transition.
After 23 years of this, I’ve finally cracked the code to spring attire: leggings, jeans, and T-shirts. On the top, go for a brand-new T-shirt in simple springtime hues or a cropped cut, which a light jacket can easily be slung over. Then for the bottom, the right pair of leggings, either athletic or leather, keeps you temperate and goes with nearly any outfit. Or perhaps try jeans because you can’t wear leggings every single day (allegedly), so a cropped pair or a light wash is the perfect transition into warmer weather. And it seems as though retailers are on board with my choices; the T-shirts, leggings, and jeans this season are some of the best that I’ve seen yet. Keep scrolling through to see all of my picks so that you never have to be without transitional clothing ever again. It’s time to say goodbye to spring cleaning and hello to spring shopping.
T-Shirts
Frame
Knotted Rolled Tee
Green is the color of spring.
The Great
The Boxy Crew
Almost in black, just almost.
(Image credit: @chasemarieee)
Nike
Nsw Essential Tee
Simple. Just do it.
Levi's
Classic Fit Tee
Never knew I needed a shirt in the color Sugar Swizzle.
Mother
The Boxy Goodie Goodie Tee
The blue-and-yellow contrast emits perfect springtime vibes.
Anine Bing
Lili Tee
Had to rep the city.
Miaou
Mini Tee
Getting disco-ball energy from this, and I'm not opposed.
Karla
The Baby Tee
Your closet can always use another black tee.
(Image credit: @deborabrosa)
Monrow
Oversized Tee
Monrow always delivers on quality.
Nia
Rib Hacci Crop T-Shirt
Pair with leggings for a relaxing night in, or throw on jeans to wear this out and about.
Leggings
Commando
Perfect Control Faux Leather Leggings
I wear faux-leather leggings with just about everything.
Splits59
Raquel High Waist Legging
My sister has these, and they are absurdly flattering.
Nbd
Marquis Legging
Because leggings come in other colors.
James Perse
Long Leggings
These are relaxation at its finest.
Theory
Precious Seamed Leggings
Leggings that could qualify as business casual.
(Image credit: @hedvigso)
Blanknyc
Night Walks Faux Leather Leggings
Reasonably priced without compromising on style.
Girlfriend Collective
High Waist 7/8 Leggings
I live in leggings like these.
P.E Nation
Upperhand Legging
Workout motivation.
Commando
Butter Flare Lounge Pant
Anything with "butter," and I'm in.
Lna
Slit Legging
The bottom slit is so trendy at the moment.
Jeans
Blank Denim
Sunset Rider Jeans
Under $100 with a classic shape.
Frame
Le Original Jeans
I've had my Frame jeans for years—a very solid investment.
Dl1961
Riley Boyfriend Straight Jeans
The lighter wash immediately gives outfits a spring feeling.
(Image credit: @dianekari)
Joe's Jeans
The 90s Niki Jeans
No rips, flares, or frayed hems—these jeans are the epitome of basic elegance.
Levi's
Ribcage Straight Ankle
An easy crop to wear with sneakers or wedges.
Mother
Rider Skimp High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Since it's actually a lot harder to find just a basic pair of jeans than you would think.
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)
Agolde
'90s Pinch High Waist Straight Leg Organic Cotton Jeans
The perfect solution to any outfit.
Ética
Tyler Ripped Straight Leg Jeans
A different hue to add some variety to your wardrobe.
Dl1961
Bridget Boot High Rise
Bootcut never ceases to be deceptively flattering.