Dresses are the ultimate #momhack for your wardrobe. Just slip one on, and you’re basically dressed in seconds, without wasting time mixing, matching, or styling separates. Our favorite kind? Spring dresses that can be layered in cooler weather, and worn solo through summer.
Kristin Koch, fashion contributor, Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine and the blogger behind Closetful of Clothes, says layers are key: “Dresses with short sleeves or no sleeves will work the best, and you can just toss a jacket or cardigan over while it’s still chilly. Stick to breezier fabrics like linen and cotton,” the mom of two suggests. “Heavier fabrics and silks aren’t as breathable and won’t be as comfortable once it gets hot and you’re sweating.”
Below, she shares her favorite transitional pieces that will easily adapt for double season duty! Plus, her styling tips to make them work from now until Summer.
Gap Lace Button-up, $118
Juliet Dunn Tie Shoulder, $443
Hill House Anjuli Nap Dress, $150
Zimmerman Devi Bandeau Midi, $725
Oliphant Pink Bloom Sleeveless Smocked Maxi, $298
CeliaB Marcellene Dress, $358
3 Tips for Transitioning Dresses from Spring to Summer
- Be mindful of footwear first.
To take a dress from spring to summer, it’s really as easy as changing up your footwear and accessories.
Swap closed-toe shoes for sandals to instantly summerize your look. If you didn’t have time for a pedi, opt for white shoes or I love a raffia flat to add a summery vibe (I love these ones: and these for a lower priced option.
- Layer Up…or Down
When it’s still chilly in the spring, add a lightweight jacket or cardigan to your dress. You can also throw a sweater on top to turn it into a skirt. Then in summer, you can just wear the dress on its own and just grab a cashmere wrap in case it gets cool at night.
- Choose Appropriate Accessories
During the summer, stick to lighter accessories in lighter neutrals like white and nude and more summery textures like linen and raffia.