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
Green is the color of spring.
Almost in black, just almost.
Simple. Just do it.
Never knew I needed a shirt in the color Sugar Swizzle.
The blue-and-yellow contrast emits perfect springtime vibes.
Had to rep the city.
Getting disco-ball energy from this, and I'm not opposed.
Your closet can always use another black tee.
Monrow always delivers on quality.
Pair with leggings for a relaxing night in, or throw on jeans to wear this out and about.
Leggings
I wear faux-leather leggings with just about everything.
My sister has these, and they are absurdly flattering.
Because leggings come in other colors.
These are relaxation at its finest.
Leggings that could qualify as business casual.
Reasonably priced without compromising on style.
I live in leggings like these.
Workout motivation.
Anything with "butter," and I'm in.
The bottom slit is so trendy at the moment.
Jeans
Under $100 with a classic shape.
I've had my Frame jeans for years—a very solid investment.
The lighter wash immediately gives outfits a spring feeling.
No rips, flares, or frayed hems—these jeans are the epitome of basic elegance.
An easy crop to wear with sneakers or wedges.
Since it's actually a lot harder to find just a basic pair of jeans than you would think.
The perfect solution to any outfit.
A different hue to add some variety to your wardrobe.
Bootcut never ceases to be deceptively flattering.
The faded wash gives a nice worn-in vibe.
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