Layering lightweight fabrics for spring

Who said layering was just for winter? As we transition into a warmer season, you’re going to start rocking shorts, skirts, sundresses – all of your favorite spring essentials. But when you step into that air-conditioned office or when the sun goes down at night, you’ll really want a jacket or a cardigan. No matter how badly you’re ready to shed those layers (trust us, we are too!) and show some skin, you’re going to need to cover up for a little bit longer.

Here are the perfect pieces to seamlessly transition you from blustery to balmy:

Jersey blazer

You can still wear your traditional boyfriend blazer to the office, but you may feel a little warm when you’re commuting to work. The spring blazer, however, is on a whole different spectrum, and it’s perfect for the changing seasons. Free-flowing fabrics like jersey will keep you feeling breezy, but will still shield you from a cold gust of wind. Whether it’s solid or patterned, you can dress this number up or down depending on if you’re heading into the office or meeting your friends for happy hour.

woman in multi-colored paisley print, peplum top and matching pencil skirt and white blazer — Party or Not Blazer from Monroe and Main

Leather jacket

Your leather jacket is timeless and can be worn during any season, especially if you need something fairly hefty for those chilly spring nights. Throw on your leather jacket to add an instant edgy vibe to your feminine ensemble. It’s a staple, so it looks good with anything. Don’t be afraid to pair it with a flowery sundress, button-down blouse or even on top of a cardigan for an extra layer of warmth.

Jean jacket

A trusty jean jacket is another classic piece of outerwear that every woman should have hanging in her closet. If you don’t, this is your hint to go out and get one! It’s a bit more casual, but can be dressed up with a maxi dress, statement necklace and a pair of wedges – it’s effortless but will have you looking chic! Keep this bad boy on indoors, too. The more lived-in, vintage vibe the jacket gives off, the better it looks.

Vest

Women’s vests are the perfect layer for those warmer spring days that roll around every once in a while. Short sleeves or no sleeves, you can wear a vest with any garment – that’s how versatile it is. Whether it’s denim, leather, silk, lace, cotton, fitted, oversized, long, short, pattered, etc., your vest is appropriate for any occasion – especially a day at work. It’s simply a sleeveless blazer, ladies.

Crochet cardigan

A lightweight cardigan sweater will keep your bare shoulders cold in your chilly office or that ice-cold restaurant. Instead of the standard cashmere and wool sweaters, opt for a crochet or cotton material that will still allow you to breathe when you step outside under the blistering sun. Keep a lightweight cardigan in your briefcase so you can comfortably get to work (without sweating on the train) and cover up when you start feeling chilly.

Woman in floral embellished pants, and beige crochet-trim cardigan over a beige tank top — Crochet Trim Cardigan from Monroe and Main

Kimono

Kimonos are the perfect layer because they come in dozens of varieties with fringe, patterns, lace, solid colors, intricate designs, stitching or embellishment. Some are sleeveless, some are T-shirt style and some are long-sleeved, but they are all extremely lightweight – perfect for spring weather. Throw a sleeveless kimono over your basic T-shirt and distressed jeans for a daytime look. For the office, wear a silk kimono with a delicate pattern over a tailored dress. Look for pieces that have some fringe hanging off the bottom to add depth and interest to your outfit.