The time of year is upon us when we desperately crave warmer weather, yet it’s still chilly with the threat of snow in our forecast. It is imperative that a cohesive wardrobe incorporates pieces that will carry you from colder weather into warmer temperatures. The ideal closet should contain transitional pieces, which will allow you to shed your drab winter colors while infusing a brighter color palette. I have shared below what is considered fashion forward ideas to permeate our wardrobes with joyful, saturated spring colors while continuing to remain warm.

According to Elle.com, it is always appropriate to choose time-honored pieces such as a classic navy cotton coat and bag paired with khaki shoes, pants, or a skirt. This combination allows you to lighten up your color palette with neutrals, which will become the foundation for introducing accessories in harmonious colors such as pinks, yellows, and greens. Also, a men’s inspired classic camel colored coat continues to be a closet staple paired with a plaid or patterned scarf. This allows you to stay warm with a neutral color yet transitions nicely into spring. When the weather warms, lighten your coat from the winter wool to a cotton trench, vest, pea coat, jean, boucle’, blazer, or utility jacket in rich colors. Beneath your jacket dress in layers, a lighter sweater or shirt in a colorful palette, which allows you to infuse color into your wardrobe while remaining warm. The boyfriend and skinny jean with boots or flats will continue to be appropriate from winter into spring when the temperature becomes warmer.

Glamour.com appears to be in agreement with Elle.com. There is a fascination for the classics as a base for the transitional wardrobe this spring according to these sites. Glamour states the classic striped shirt is big for 2015: “It’s also so classic that we plan on keeping the look in rotation forever. Style it with everything from a party skirt to blue jeans.” Tuxedo inspired classics is very big this spring of 2015. If you are looking for a piece to take you from day to evening, “we suggest the tuxedo blazer. Though blazers are always a wardrobe staple, there’s something about a tuxedo style that makes us stand up a little straighter, even when paired with slouchy jeans.” Most sites believe white jeans to be the iconic transitional staple of every woman’s wardrobe. “While they’re forever a summer favorite, don’t put them away when it gets cold. Layer with a chunky sweater and booties.” Apparently the old rule, no white after Labor Day, does not apply to jeans! The light sweater dress continues to make an appearance as a year round favorite. According to Glamour, “2015 is going to be the year of the sweater dress.” Pair your sweater dress with leggings, jeans, or tights during winter weather and bare legs with booties or flats for spring or a cool summer evening. A colorful bag, whether traditional or trendy, is an ideal practical accessory that can infuse color into an otherwise bland wardrobe. In buttery leather or velvety suede, the multipurpose tote bag becomes a chic accessory that is sure to attract attention and keep you on point!

While we tend to concentrate on remaining current with our transitional clothing, let us not forget the importance of polishing off our look with a fresh new hairstyle. Spring professional hairstylist Loretta Wollner questions our existing styles, and if they are actually aging us or making us appear youthful. Loretta, a stylist for over seventeen years who has worked for a variety of magazines including Vogue, comments that flat hair is out and suggests hair that is “lighter and has volume throughout, and even extra height at the crown to bring the attention upward, making the face appear more awake and youthful” is a better choice. “It’s time to give your flat iron a rest. Pin-straight hair can harden your face and accentuate every fine line…subtle waves, create more movement and will add buoyancy and life to your look” and “subtle side-swept bangs that soften the forehead, as well as layers that frame the face, making it appear fuller and fresher” are in.

Your wardrobe, hair, and makeup can say a lot about you, who you are, and how you want others to view you. Anyone can wear lovely clothes and look fabulous, but real beauty comes from within. Remember, a positive spirit is the perfect hue and the best accessory you own!

 Quote of the day:

“Happy girls are the prettiest.”
 ~Audrey Hepburn

 Affordable accessory alert:

Forever21.com has numerous tuxedo pieces, blazers and skirts, priced from $17.80 and up!