As various reputable news outlets report on non-news [link to Jezebel instead of NYTimes for paywall purposes] with regards to how cold it STILL is, I find myself shopping end-of-season sales for parkas and boots in the hopes that I won’t have a chance to wear them in the first eight months of ownership. However, I can’t help but hang my hopes on the news that I got last night: yesterday was supposed to be DC’s last day of freezing temperatures until, you know, December.

Now, that doesn’t mean we’re out of the (cold, tiring) dark; it just means it’s all (reportedly) above 32ºF from here. The next few months will be a mix of temperatures requiring a mix of styles. Here are my recommendations for surviving the transition into spring:

Skirt: Banana Republic | Tee: J. Crew | Earrings: Melinda Maria | Wedges: Cole Haan

Spring is a time when flowers are blooming, allergies are skyrocketing, and love is in the air. This ethereal look is great for the very start of all that – the fabrics are heavier weight, but the colors scream “April!” The lace skirt is almost a jacquard; the turquoise in this long-sleeved tee offsets the copper color perfectly. These fairy-like earrings are edgy and feminine at the same time, and a nude-to-you wedge lengthens the legs and stabilizes the heels all at once.

Still too cold to go bare-legged? No problem – swap out the wedges for ankle boots and add a pair of tights to match the boots. Bam.

Pants: J. Crew | Earrings: Elizabeth and James | Ring: Melinda Maria | Sweater: Madewell | Shirt: J. Crew | Shoes: Naturalizer

Springtime is also a quirky season; as the weather gets warmer, people are shedding their winter looks for something brighter. A pair of slouchy ankle pants is perfectly complemented with a fitted chambray shirt, and who can resist the ampersand on this sweater? Add a pair of neutral oxfords and some hardware-inspired jewelry, and you’ve got a look going.

Warmer than you expected? The ampersand look comes on a tee as well!

What looks take you from winter into spring, #PetiteCrew?