Finally, we can talk about transitional dressing. To be honest, this isn’t something I figured out until recently. I will never forget moving from Miami to Philly during the spring for my first job and not understanding why I was always so damn cold. I thought you could wear ankle socks year-round, didn’t understand what base layers were, and was perplexed by the concept of layering. While I’m still not an expert, I now welcome transitional-dressing season with open arms and savor all of the outfits I can wear for only three weeks out of the year: sweaters with shorts, T-shirts under parkas, tall boots with mini dresses, socks and fisherman sandals (more on that below). The list, luckily for all of us, goes on.
Finds of the Month:
Products I’m wish-listing, wearing, or coveting
A. Denim Shirt Jacket
$35 | H&M | Denim Shirt
I’m going to Santa Fe at the end of the month and have visions of myself in a denim shirt jacket. It must be slightly oversized, made of thick cotton with a curved hem, preferably in a medium-denim like this one from H&M. I imagine wearing it paired back with relaxed jeans in a similar shade and garden boots.
B. A Between-Seasons Parka
$240 | Skall Studio | Garden Parka Jacket
I found the perfect trench coat last year, and now I’m on the hunt for the perfect parka to add to my closet. I love this utilitarian version from Skall Studio. The drawstring details make it extremely versatile when it comes to styling, and it comes in a classic khaki and the perfect earthy-green shade. Here’s another two-tone option from Mango that is a nice low-end option, while this Toteme army jacket option would be a suitable splurge.
C. A Cargo Moment
$159 | Donni | Nylon Cargo Pant
Cargo pants make me nostalgic for my adolescent years when I shopped at Limited Too and my main priorities were As Told By Ginger and working on my splits. My favorite pair of cargo pants was khaki with tiered, light blue convertible zippers on the leg. I’ve been on the hunt for relaxed cargo pants and love this pair from Donni (act quickly — they are selling fast). It’s made of a lightweight, cooling nylon that you can wear well into summer, and the drawstring detail at the ankle gives you the ability to achieve a tapered look. And, hey, cargo pockets aren’t just reserved for apparel; By Far has this fun cargo-inspired bag that feels like a modern take on the early-aughts trend.
D. Lowrise 90s Skirt
$145 | Paloma Wool | Vicky Skirt
I’ve eyed this Paloma Wool stretchy skirt ever since I was (unsurprisingly) influenced by Zoe Kravitz. I would style this with Mary Jane flats, a rib tank, and an unbuttoned men's shirt. Paloma Wool also makes a matching top, if you want to wear it as a set for a Helmut Lang-inspired outfit.
E. Beaded Rope Belt
$70 | Gemsun | Perlen Belt
Statement belts are making a comeback. The beaded rope belt in particular feels like another relic from my tweens. I would style it with pants, skirts, or a waistless dress to create definition. This handmade belt from Mexico City-based brand, Gemsun, is really good.It's like wearing a beach souvenir necklace around your waist—a signal of vacations to come. Here’s one more versatile option that’s only $23!
F. Tube Tops
$32 | Aritzia | Contour Tube Top
Tube tops are an underrated staple for transitional weather. I love this one from Aritzia that comes in 10 different colors. When that unexpected heatwave hits during the day, you can wear it under a cardigan, blazer, button-down or on its own. I’m also eyeing this tube dress from Gimaguas. I love the idea of wearing it with the beaded belt from above.
G. Pleated Cotton Trousers
$258 | Shaina Mote | Boy Trouser
Easy cotton trousers are one of my must-haves for spring. I love that these pleated Shaina Mote pants are slightly cropped, which balances the wide-leg shape. I’ve also discovered that vintage pleated Dockers achieve a similar look.
What You’re Looking For:
Answers to your pressing shopping questions
Ugly Sandals
My name twin, Kristine, recently asked me what ugly sandals I’ll wear this spring. I’m thinking clunky, bulbous, and crunchy! Here’s what’s on my radar:
Fisherman
J.Crew Leather Fisherman Sandals - $75 (originally $148)
Shop- Pêche Esme Sandals - $87
Rachel Comey Tucker Sandal - $595
Comfort
Crocs Classic Clog in Stucco - $49.95
Birkenstock x Jil Sander Buckle Slide - $475 (though I somehow snagged a pair at Neiman Marcus Last Call in Miami for under $200. Birkenstock’s recent collab with Manolo are another wonderful, ironic option)
Platform
Alohas Overcast Thong (identical to The Row Ginza Thongs) - $135
Active
Teva Voya Infinity - $40
Suicoke Depa Cab (comes in fun colorblocked alternatives too) - $135
Suicoke Nylon Slide - $199
Looking for something? Email me and I’ll share my finds for you in the next newsletter.
Recently Discovered:
Tucson-based Desert Vintage has opened a Lower East Side location of its carefully-curated vintage store. The warm interiors (an homage to the founders’ ancestry and love of the ephemeral) were designed by Green River Project. The store brims with treasures, and you’re bound to discover a piece or two that you won’t be able to forget once you walk out. Desert Vintage, like Bode and Prounis, has created a signature aesthetic that reimagines antiquities of the past.
Finds With Substance:
Listen to Charli XCX’s new album Crash. It is pure springtime joy!
Subscribe to the newsletter After School so you can impress your friends with your knowledge of youth culture. My new dinner table-topic is the rise of the “night luxe” aesthetic.