Spring Transition
The 5 pieces I am reaching for as we enter the new season.
We are having that in-between weather in New York City right now where winter is not quite over just yet (sadly) but we also have not hit the warm days of spring. It makes it hard to know what to wear? How many layers?
I thought I’d share what wardrobe items I am reaching for and buying as we transition into the spring weather. Below you will find the five categories I am leaning into with my honest sizing notes (I am 5’11, wear a women’s 14 or XL and a size 12 shoe.)
As always, let us know in the comments if you have tried any of these items or have other recommendations.
xo Nan
1. Lightweight Spring Coats
I have never been much of a trench coat girl but suddenly I want to be! Something shifted this season and I find myself gravitating toward the classic silhouette in a way I never expected. The challenge with a tall frame is finding a length that actually works (on me at 5’11”, a coat that hits mid-thigh on most people barely grazes my hip), but when you find the right coat, it’s such an easy, put-together layer.
In my closet:
I’ve had this for a year or two and it remains one of my most-reached-for pieces. It’s pricier, but the fabric is beautiful — lightweight with no lining, which makes it feel spring-appropriate rather than just a lighter version of a winter coat.
Sizing: I bought my true size XL. It is not too fitted allowing me to still wear a sweater underneath which I like.
I just bought this last month. I knew I wanted a tan trench but wasn’t ready to make a major investment, and this landed at a right middle-ground price point. It’s lined and slightly heavier than the Nili Lotan, but still a great spring layer.
Sizing: I bought my true size 14.
promo: NAN15 for 15% off
I just ordered this over the weekend, so I can’t speak to fit just yet. My hope is that it fills a gap in my wardrobe: a casual coat that works well paired with leggings or sweats for dog walks and gym runs. The key question is if it will cover my bum…? This is where my 5’11 height can be tricky but I think/hope it will.
Sizing: I ordered my true size XL
Also on my radar:
This summer-weight tan trench feels like the dream version of the trench coat category — I’m treating my J.Crew trench as a trial run and may upgrade to this next season if I get the wear I’m hoping for.
I’ve seen a lot of people wearing this tan coat (promo: NAN15) — so this is a tempting option also.
And if you’re a color person: this red trench is chic!
2. Chic Sneakers
Living in New York means I’m walking constantly, which means sneakers are a key part of my wardrobe. The added challenge: I wear a women’s size 12 shoe, which significantly narrows the field of chic options that actually come in my size.
In My Closet:
Serina Suede Sneakers from Dolce Vita
I am surprised by how much I like these / how much wear I have gotten out of them in the past few months. I like the slim profile and the fact that there’s no logo in sight (I hate that so many sneakers essentially feel like walking brand advertisements…!) Dolce Vita tends to be affordable and offer inclusive sizing (typically up to a size 13), which I appreciate. These feel like a smart alternative to this Miu Miu pair I also love the look of.
See these sneakers in action here.
Sizing: true to size, wearing US 12. *gifted
Classic 327 Sneakers from New Balance
I bought these recently after My Sister Made Me Buy It raved about them as a comfortable everyday sneaker that actually comes in size 12. I’ve only worn them a few times, but the simple black and white colorway is exactly what I was looking for. These are my attempt at a sensible alternative to these Loewe sneakers I’ve been tempted to buy for months— knowing me, I’ll probably cave on the Loewe version eventually. (My friend Katie has the Loewe pair and loves them. So that is not helping my restraint.)
Sizing: I bought my usual size 12 in these New Balances
On My Radar:
I love the look of this chic green sneaker (with no logo in sight!) and would order them in a heartbeat but the sizing notes make me think that their biggest size won’t fit me.
3. Cotton Sweaters
As temperatures warm up, I start to store away my thick cashmere sweaters and reach for cotton knits instead. The lighter, more breathable fabric is a nice reset for spring.
In my closet:
100% Cotton Rollneck from Gap — This is a classic fitted rollneck that is wallet-friendly (under $80) and offered in inclusive sizing from XS–XXL across regular, petite, and tall fits. This is the one I’d recommend if you want one reliable cotton sweater that is fitted and classic.
Sizing: I bought mine in red, Regular XL.
2025 Rollneck from J.Crew — We’ve all seen the marketing push on this one, and it clearly worked on me. I’ll be honest: the fit is not so flattering — it’s oversized and boxy with wide sleeves, which makes it feel more like a comfortable loungewear piece than an everyday polished layer. I’ve found that I mainly wear this as a casual option paired with leggings, not with jeans. For anything more put-together, I go back to the Gap version.
Sizing: I bought my true size XL.
Cream Devon Cotton Jumper from With Nothing Underneath
Promo: NAN10 for 10% off
If you prefer a crewneck over a rollneck, this is a beautiful option. Classic fit, lovely fabric. The team kindly sent me this cream colorway, but I also love the striped versions — they feel very spring-ready.
See me in the sweater here on Instagram.
Sizing: mine is my usual size, XL (I wear a size 14 in their button ups.)
Mini Marina Sweater from La Ligne
Promo: NAN10 for 10% off, new customers only
This cropped sweater is one of those pieces I keep reaching for more than I expected. It’s the right length to pair over a dress or with high-waisted skirts, and I often start an evening with it tied over my shoulders and then when the temperature dips and I put on the sweater it will hit me perfectly at my waist rather than falling awkwardly at the hip like longer sweaters tend to do.
Sizing: I bought my true size XL.
Also on my radar:
Alex Mill joined the rollneck moment with the Eastport Rollneck — and it looks like another great 100% cotton sweater in a range of pretty hues.
4. Flowy Midi Dresses
I barely touch skirts or dresses in winter, but the moment the season shifts toward spring, I want to live in a flowy midi dress. I love how they can feel effortless and polished at the same time.
In my closet:
I own this in Black and the new Navy Polka Dot, and I reach for both constantly. This is a dress that I think flatters everyone (all body types) thanks to the smocking and ties at the bust and waist. It’s one of those pieces I continually recommend without hesitation.
One note: the cotton is sheer, so I always wear a simple slip skirt ($10) underneath.
Sizing: mine are my true size XL, though you could likely size down if you’re between sizes.
Navy Myrtle Dress from La Ligne
This is a newer find that I already know is going to carry me through the spring and summer. I love the A-line cut and the square neckline, it’s flattering in a way that feels almost effortless. The smocking detail at the back is a bonus for comfort.
See the dress in motion here.
Sizing: runs true to size, mine is my usual XL. *gifted
Azalea Maxi Dress from Hill House Home
I reached for this dress in the brown gingham print countless times last summer. (I loved it paired with a sweater!) Because I know I already love this cut - I am considering buying it again in black or the green stripe this spring.
Sizing: I sized down to L from my usual XL due to the smocking that makes for a comfortable and generous fit.
On my wishlist:
My friend Sadie Loving has been raving about this black tank dress and told me that she thinks I need to buy it. She said she’s already worn it multiple times in Charleston this spring and describes it as the perfect comfortable everyday dress.
Sizing: I would buy this in size L, I find the sizing of this brand generous.
This white 3/4 sleeve mixed media dress is also a new addition to my wishlist. I love when a dress has sleeves! I feel like I could get a lot of wear out of something like this.
Sizing: I would buy this in my true size, XL
5. Classic Ballet Flats
The return of ballet flat season is one of my favorite moments of the year. As you all know, my go-to outfit is jeans, a simple t-shirt or sweater and ballet flats. At some point I should probably do a full breakdown on all the different ballet flats I own / what I like about each brand and style. But in the meantime, I thought we would focus on classic styles that are readily available.
In My Closet:
You’ve heard me talk about these for years because I just love them that much. For a classic leather flat with a bow detail and real padding underfoot, these are the ones I come back to every time. I particularly love that they go from a US 3 to a US 14 (inclusive sizing in shoes feels so rare and I’m always grateful for it.)
For warmer months, their woven leather style is a favorite!
Sizing: I wear my true US 12 (43) M, but if you’re between sizes, size down — they stretch and mold with wear.
This New York-based, female-founded brand came onto my radar last year and I’ve become a real fan. These have a slightly longer toe box and thicker leather than the Margaux Demi making for a slightly different look and feel but equally classic.
Sizing: I buy my true size, US 12/43.
Pascale Ballet Flat from Margaux
A newer style from Margaux that I was gifted in brown suede and loved enough to go back and buy in black leather. The soft leather and elastic back make them comfortable from the first wear!
Sizing: I bought my usual Margaux size (12/43M) but if I were buying them again I might size down a half size, due to the elastic back.
On My Radar:
Alex Mill launched a beautiful range of colorful and classic ballet flats this season that I would certainly have considered buying but they only go up to an EU 42 (US 11), so they’re not an option for me. Mentioning it for those of you who can wear them, because they look great!
So there you have it, five categories that I am relying on as we transition into the spring weather.
What are you all currently reaching for in your closet?
I’d love to know in the comment section below.
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