13 Transitional Weather Outfits to Add to Your March Wardrobe Rotation
For rain, sun, snow, and everything in between.
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March is a fascinating sartorial month. At times, it feels like spring outfits are on the way, and you can say goodbye to the puffer jacket you've been wearing for months. Yet, there's a chill breeze that makes anyone believe the cold snaps will last forever. "No matter where we are, all of us are impatiently waiting for spring and getting sick of our day-to-day outfits," says Lauren Ludwig, co-founder and CEO of Their Jewelry.
But fear not: there are still inventive ways to dress in transitional weather. "It's all about creatively integrating existing pieces with small updates, like swapping heavy layers for lighter ones or introducing seasonal colors and accessories. The more a client experiments, the more they refine their unique style and can effortlessly incorporate trends if they choose to," says stylist and fashion expert Naina Singla. "The trends that are catching on and actually staying are ones that balance emotion and function. Think: taking a beloved, tried-and-true item, like a button-down, jeans, or trench coat, and updating it with eye-catching details," adds Kendall Becker, a fashion consultant.
If you're desperate for new outfit ideas or want to incorporate a springtime wardrobe into the early days of warm weather, read on.
Double Denim
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The Canadian tuxedo, as it's sometimes known, is not a new invention, yet it remains a bit intimidating for novices. "Opt for a button-down chambray shirt and jeans in the same wash to create a streamlined, modern look," says Singla, adding that soft pastel tones are a nice way to make it more spring-ready. "Roll up the sleeves and add delicate gold jewelry to complete the look." You can also modernize, as pictured above, with a more trendy barrel-shaped jean.
Ballet Pink
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A petal pink color is in for spring: "Ballet pink is a trending color for the season, adding a soft, feminine touch to your wardrobe," says Singla. If this all-pink look (including the hair!) is a bridge too far, Singla says: "Pairing a cozy pink cashmere knit with light wash denim instantly refreshes your look."
The Trench
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"Now that the temperatures are beginning to rise, we can start to swap out our wool coats for our favorite classic trench again," says Becker. "If you’re in the market for a new trench this season, consider updating the look in a fresh color palette like burnt red, olive green, or steel blue for a wearable yet updated take." This lime color would ensure all eyes are on you, but outside of fashion week, make sure it's hemmed above the ground.
All-Over Brown
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Brown has been a trending color for months now, and it shows no sign of going anywhere (outside of trends, it's an incredible alternative to black that'll work with lots in your closet). This is Gucci suede and makes for a soft, gorgeous transitional look, but you can also incorporate the color into your existing wardrobe. "An a-line chocolate brown suede skirt paired with a shrunken ivory cardigan is a chic and polished outfit idea," says Singla. "Finish the look with tall brown boots and layer on with a light jacket."
A White Tank
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For volatile weather, rely on your wardrobe "workhorses": the ones that go with many items in your wardrobe and can be dressed up or down. Recent trends have favored these classic pieces, too. "The white tank dominated the runways, seamlessly balancing dressy and casual elements," says Singla. "I always recommend having two to three variations (including cotton, ribbed, knit, or satin) to suit different occasions and styling needs." It goes great with a statement piece, like these patterned jeans, but it also goes great with slim-cut black pants like the ones shown for spring/summer 2025 by Prada and McQueen. Alternatively, pair it with "flowy skirts with a more covered-up blazer and a comfortable ballet flat," says Tague Austin, LifeStride design director.
A Lighter Dress
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While a dress may not be the thing you reach for in the depths of winter, you can start to incorporate it back into your outfits now. "March is the perfect time to transition your wardrobe with a winter sleeveless knit dress or a classic T-shirt dress, paired with a sweater draped over your shoulders or tied at the waist," says Singla. "It may be too warm to wear all day, but having it on hand adds practicality."
Very Demure
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If you live under a rock, the world has been obsessed with being and looking "demure" for months now. And fashion is no exception. "The spring/summer 2025 runways were all about a demure, ultra-feminine aesthetic with delicate details like bow tie blouses and pleated skirts," says Singla. "Soft pleats add movement and fluidity, while bow accents bring a touch of vintage romance." It's essentially modern femininity, with substantial touches (like these bags and the leather coat) for balance. "Think vintage pearls, super-layered looks, and chunky jewelry," says Ludwig. Maximalism is the key: "Whether you're pairing your beloved sweats with a mule or styling your go-to cashmere with busy necklaces and metal hair accessories—more is more."
Mini Skirts
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Don't be intimidated by shorter hemlines: minis can be substantial, as we see with this softer, lighter version underneath a thicker velvet option. "Mini skirts are making a comeback for spring and summer 2025, adding a fresh alternative to the maxi and midi lengths we’ve seen for seasons," says Singla. "It’s a great way to experiment with different lengths and bring a playful touch to your spring wardrobe."
Cinch It
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If you feel bored with your outerwear, give it a new hourglass shape with a belt or tie, like we see with this faux fur coat. The same goes for lighter outerwear: "For spring/summer workwear, blazers are getting a fresh update with a cinched waist. While they still maintain an oversized, relaxed silhouette, adding a belt creates a more defined shape. On the runways, we even saw blazers with built-in belts," says Singla.
Layers
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Layers are still the best way to elevate an outfit that feels too basic. "Just think about color, texture, and layering," says Ludwig. "Don’t forget to add in some chunky jewelry and a bandana." If the idea of a jacket, patterned vest, and collared shirt (with a contrasting flat hat!) doesn't speak to you, try something more subtle. "All things vintage, from cool jackets to jewelry, are on the rise. Trends like knocker earrings, brooches, and cameo pendants are a cool way to tap into decades of the past in a more subtle way," says Becker. You can also layer through your footwear. Choose a retro sneaker and socks, "pairing it with something unexpected, like a tailored suit or a satin midi skirt. The contrast between formal and casual creates a fashion-forward vibe," says Heather Altomare, Toms VP of product.
A Touch of Print
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If you're bored of black and grays but aren't ready for bright hues just yet, you can start adding spring-forward details to your wardrobe through prints. "Metallics and animal prints are both popping for the season," says Theresa Kladney, director of design and development at Blowfish Malibu. "Leopard undoubtedly feels most natural for the colder months because of its rich hues, but animal prints like tiger, zebra, and snake are a bit lighter in tone and can act as a great transitional print if you’re not quite ready to dive into your collection of florals as of yet," says Becker. If clothing feels like too much, try accessories: "Skip a leopard print coat and opt for a leopard print ballet flat instead," Becker adds.
Elevated Athleisure
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While cold weather is great for functional leggings and sweatpants, spring can be an opportunity to dress them up a bit. This goes for outdoor activities like bar-hopping, sightseeing, and even hiking. "Think sleek matching sets, intentional styling, and strategic layering. Mixing textures like ribbed knits with smooth performance fabrics adds depth and sophistication," explains Singla. Equally, athleisure can work for more formal occasions as well. Becker says, "I’m currently obsessed with juxtaposed styling with sporty items; think a sweatshirt back to a sequin skirt or track pants styled with a chic blazer. It’s the ultimate cool-girl look that feels both creative and comfortable." Trendy pieces, like this faux fur pink coat and Tory Burch bag, help signify thoughtful, put-together dressing.
Colors
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Go ahead: wear more vivacious hues! Start with easy colors: this light green matching denim set is not that different from a white or tan option. "Not only is green the color most typically associated with March year-to-year, this time it’s the emerging color of the year," says Becker. "After multiple seasons with warm tones (think hot pink and cherry red) as a focus, we’re ready for the freshness of cool tones like jade green and haute teal."
Or, if you'd rather stick to your accessories, pick "colorful sneakers or statement bags in vibrant shades like spicy red, klein blue, or those runway hues that feel so fresh—think matcha green paired with chocolate brown or cornflower blue with burgundy red," says Patricia Arroyo, product manager at Alohas. You could also try colorful socks or a knitwear piece like a vest, she adds. "Ultimately, it’s all about having fun with fashion — playing with layers, textures, and pops of color to keep winter dressing fresh, unexpected, and curated but playful."
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