Get spring fever with these 6 stylist-recommended jackets, blazers, and more

The transition from winter to spring is one we’re looking forward to: Bring on the bluer skies and warmer weather, the green grass and the mornings we don’t have to scrape ice off our windshields. 

Since we’re insanely bored of our wardrobes at this point in late winter, we’re already shopping in anticipation of the new season. Our eyes are on transitional pieces like easy-to-shrug-on knits and midweight jackets that are easy to layer up with chunky knits now or down with a summer dress or T-shirt later. 

To drill down on the best layers to shop for spring, we talked to a ton of stylists to get their favorite picks for the transitional season and find out what they’re adding to their carts to. 

The best layers to shop for spring, according to stylists

“The best transitional pieces are the ones that can be styled multiple ways and layered intelligently, not just worn once the weather changes,” says Anna Lavo, an NYC-based celebrity fashion stylist. 

Here’s what she looks for when the stylist is looking for winter-to-spring clothing and accessories: 

  • Lightweight coats. “I always look for lightweight coats like trench coats or relaxed wool coats,” she says, adding that she also pulls tailored blazers and fine knits in to top off outfits. 

  • Layerability. “Layering is the key,” she says. “A thin knit under a blazer, a button-down worn open over a tank, or a sweater draped over the shoulders instantly makes an outfit adaptable. 

  • Breathable fabrics. “I also love pieces with breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, and lightweight wool because they regulate temperature better than synthetics,” Lavo says. 

“From a stylist’s perspective, transitional dressing is about re-styling, not re-shopping,” Lavo says. “When a piece works across seasons with just a shoe or accessory change, that’s when a wardrobe really starts working for you.” 

We’ve gotten Lavo’s picks and asked other top stylists for their recommendations for the best winter-to-spring transitional pieces. What we got back? Sleek anoraks, overproportioned leather jackets, and so. many. cardigans.  

Read on to find out the stylists’ choices and to shop their picks yourself.

Stylists’ top picks for winter-to-spring transition pieces

A cropped cardi: GAP 100% Cotton Relaxed Crop Cardigan Sweater, $70. A classic cardigan gets a 2026 update with a boxy fit

A peplum cardigan: Zara Peplum Cardigan, $60. This beige beauty has covered buttons and a shaped waist for an elevated look.

A cool anorak: Lulemon Always Effortless Classic-Fit Jacket, $148. A seriously cool jacket to pair with athleisure or Docs

An overproportioned leather jacket: Oak + Fort Vegan Leather Double Collar Biker Jacket, $188. This almost intimidatingly cool jacket’s oversized shape and great details make for a three-season statement.

A sporty faux-leather bomber: ANINE BING Leon Bomber in army green, $400. A faux-leather bomber in avocado? Trust, you’re here for it.

An asymmetric blazer: Open Edit The Icon Asymmetric Fitted Blazer, $188. An off-kilter shape adds a major vibe to this go-anywhere layer.

Expert Spotlight

Anna Lavo is an NYC-based celebrity fashion stylist who has run her own company for more than 11 years. She’s worked with more than 500 clients, including not just individual clients but celebrities, fashion campaigns, social media content, photoshoots, and model styling.

Maryland-based Tami Harrigan started style coaching service Exclusively Styled as a way to help working moms add longevity to their wardrobe with versatile pieces they feel and look great in.

Sahra Brandt is the LA lead stylist at Shop the City. She’s spent the last 18 years in the fashion industry, from model to buyer, and has been a personal stylist for the past eight years. She received her degree from New York City’s LIM College with a degree in fashion merchandising. Brandt’s also written for New York Magazine and been featured in Real Simple, People, Bustle, and more.

Montreal-based wardrobe curator Sharon Warten has worked in most parts of the fashion industry during the past 24 years, including buying, merchandising, showroom sales and designer collaborations. For the past decade, she’s focused her work on private personal styling both virtually and in person, and she’s also been featured as an expert in publications like InStyle, The Zoe Report, Real Simple, CNN, The Today Show, Bustle, and Brides.

Chicago-based stylist Rachel Jimenez Penca lends her expertise to helping her clients style their wardrobe and edit their closet, and she also does personal style consulting and personal shopping. Her business, Rachel J Styling, is more than 15 years old and is based between Chicago and Los Angeles.

FAQ

  • We only spoke to professional stylists and fashion experts to recommend products for this article. 
  • All recommendations from the featured professional stylists and fashion experts are independently chosen. They don’t have any brand affiliation with featured brands or products.
  • We never pay experts for their recommendations.

If These Walls Could Talk” operates independently and exercises sole editorial discretion in all content decisions. While certain brands, products, or services referenced may have current or prior relationships with our affiliated marketing agency, such relationships do not influence our editorial content. We disclaim any liability for conflicts of interest, omissions, or outcomes arising from reliance on our content. All information is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as professional or individualized advice.

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