Spring weather can bring out the best and the worst of our closets and temperaments, especially when the weather is invariably indecisive as it has been here in Paris for the past two months. From highs in the upper 70s to lows in the frigid forties all experienced within a matter of hours accompanied by hail, sudden thunderstorms, extreme gusts of wind, and scorchingly sunny skies. Though dressing for Spring can feel like a Sisyphean task, a curated wardrobe can make this sartorial endeavor a breeze!

1. Focus on the fabric

The key to mastering dressing for every season is having a good understanding of what fabrics best suit your needs, and for spring, having a versatile arsenal at your disposal is critical. While it may not be warm enough to strut in silk alone with wild abandon, pair this delicate fabric with crisp lines from leather, suede, or wool jackets, blazers or trench coats for an ideal hybrid of textures suitable for various seasons. Water-repellent materials such as wool are the antidote to capricious weather as they are suitable for the rain but can also be worn in contrast with lighter fabrics to create a dynamic look that reflects the complexity of the transition from winter to spring.

2. Layer Lightly

The suggestion of layering, or rather packing in layers for Paris has been suggested to no end, but what layers exactly, depends on your wardrobe, sense of style, and what you are comfortable with. The easiest combinations if you’re in a pinch include a blazer over a button up over a tank top or tee in silk, cotton, or linen paired with jeans or well tailored wide-legged trousers that provide a lived-in feel thereby making your ensemble seem enviably effortless. A more feminine take on this tricameral structure could include a silk, linen, or cotton dress layered under a cardigan (or indeed a button up) and a light jacket (or under the jacket alone) in a warm but soft material such as silk-lined suede.

3. Loafers & Brogues

A simple way of circumventing the casuistry of the seasons, it through footwear! Perhaps it’s too hot for a boot but too cold for a sandal leaving a gap for interseasonal footwear that loafers perfectly fill. Whether you prefer leather or suede, a wingtip brogue or a penny loafer, any variations of these shoes are perfect for Spring, either worn by themselves or layered with a cute pair of socks to brace for the flippant weather.

4. Clogs

Some find them ugly, some (read: me) can’t live without them, clogs are the perfect inter-seasonal shoe that run the gamut of casual to chic depending on what you pair them with. For colder days, wear them with a pair of cute socks that match other accents or major colors in your outfit or by themselves! My personal favorites are the Husband Sky Highs from Swedish Hasbeens in all colors: they add shape and structure while also being a casual neutral that can tone down a professional outfit yet are extremely comfortable.

5. Hop on the Trend: White Midi Skirts

This year white midi-skirts and maxi skirts are set to continue their chic trajectory as a trend that emerged last fall. If you want to avoid looking like you’re all gussied up for your feature on an episode of Little House on the Prairie (unless that’s your vibe - no judgment!) or not look like every other influencer this Spring/Summer, pair your white midi-maxi skirt with a chic pair of cut-out boots such as the Chloé Rylée ankle boots from 2018 (they’re available on virtually every digital retail site) and a chic light weight sweater, or, commit to the bit and wear your skirt with a vintage French blouse (unbelted to emphasize modern oversized and not Victorian) with the aforementioned cut out boots or clogs for contemporary 70s realness.