Over the course of the past week, we went from below freezing to 80 degrees. The only thing more Minnesotan than temperature whiplash is a blizzard in April…which is why I haven’t packed away my sweaters just yet. Since I’ve been dressing for all seasons over the course of the past month, the outfits I’m sharing today are all about layers and transitioning from morning to noon to night.

A go-to item I tend to style around during this winter to spring transitional period may not be exactly what you would have guessed! Jean shorts are actually my favorite item to play around with this time of year.

Here are five of my favorite looks that are super easy to recreate and layer on and off as the weather changes throughout the day in the spring.

Psst. If you didn’t see it before, take a peek at last month’s outfits post, featuring six of my favorite looks, all styled around mom jeans.

Outfit 1: Navy blazer and ballet flats (shown above)

I had a version of this outfit pinned last spring but never got around to trying it out myself. Joe has a plethora of old blazers he has replaced over the years, which happened to make for that perfect “Is she wearing pants?” length.

Product Sources: Banana Republic men’s blazer, courtesy of Joe (no longer available), similar here from H&M and here from Free People | Zara tank (no longer available), similar here from B.FREEDOM and here from Target | Vintage Levi’s shorts, similar here on Etsy and here from Levi’s | Vintage Chanel flats, similar here from Vestiaire Collective and here from Sam Edelman

Outfit 2: Turtleneck and sandals

This turtleneck comes up again and again when I round up my favorite outfit staples. It is long enough to wear with leggings, so why not put some shorts underneath? I love the look with my favorite new sandals from Marion Parke.

Product Sources: HOPE Turtleneck (no longer available), similar here from & Other Stories | Vintage Levi’s shorts, similar here on Etsy and here from Levi’s | Marion Parke sandals, similar here from TKEES

Outfit 3: Layered tops and boots

I’ve started working in the garden this spring and have always loved the idea of wearing rugged boots with day clothing. While I’d also try wearing these with a short dress with a lot of volume in the skirt, they work with shorts too! I like throwing these Bogs on with whatever I’m wearing now that I can get outside and prune for twenty minutes when I need a break from work.

Product Sources: Mango striped sweater | Similar button-down here from Mango | Vintage Levi’s shorts, similar here on Etsy and here from Levi’s | Bogs boots

Outfit 4: Cozy cardigan and slip-ons

I like my cardigans long enough to cover my bum, and this thrifted Irish wool cardi is my favorite “hanging around the house” sweater. You can extend the life of your winter cardigans when pairing with shorts, so if you’re a Northerner, maybe keep one or two sweaters out of storage until Memorial Day!

Product Sources: Vintage cardigan, similar here from Madewell | Zara striped shirt (no longer available), similar here from ASOS | Vintage Levi’s shorts, similar here on Etsy and here from Levi’s | Nisolo sandals

Outfit 5: Puff sleeve top and a long jacket

“I want a girl with a short skirt and a looooooooooooooooooooong JACKET!” Bonus points if you remember that song, because it’s the thing that inspired this outfit. I paired my long jacket with shorts, because I honestly don’t own many short skirts anymore!

Product Sources: H&M top and similar here from H&M | Vintage Levi’s shorts, similar here on Etsy and here from Levi’s | Marion Parke sandals, similar here from TKEES | Similar coat from & Other Stories

What have your favorite outfit staples been of late? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source for revenue to fund operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.