It’s almost the start of spring, and whilst I am excited for the warmer weather, we’re not quite there in London yet. It’s still that awkward in-between time where if I don’t layer up I’ll freeze but if I wear heavy clothes I am going to overheat on the underground. So what’s a London girl to wear in weather like this?

Basic long sleeve turtle neck tops

One of my favourite things to style is a simple, light long sleeve turtle neck top. Not only does it keep you warm, it’s also great to style underneath dresses, cardigans and jumpers - perfect for this weird weather. I like to have a variety of colours so that I can mix and match them with almost anything in my wardrobe. I’d suggest starting off with basics like black, grey and white then choose one with a warm tone and one with a cooler tone. This way you’ll have one for almost any outfit. Turtle neck tops also come in a large range of textures, like this one from Asos with a lettuce hem or this classic ribbed turtle neck also from Asos. Different textures can really help elevate a monochrome outfit. You can also play around with the shapes of turtle neck tops. I particular like the bodysuit variation because it can easily tuck into high waisted trousers or jeans without creating seam lines, like this one from Shein. I am also a fan of a turtle neck that can be worn by it’s own without too many accessories as it’s already interesting through either colour, pattern or texture - like this one from H&M which I think is the whole package.

Flat chunky ankle boots

For a practical girly like me, I cannot be without a pair of flat chunky boots, no matter what the season is. I think they’re so versatile! You can pair them with cute dresses in the summer or structured skirt and wool tights in the winter. I also love slipping them on underneath some tailored trousers or straight leg jeans to give me some height and the illusion of longer legs. They’re also pretty reliable for keeping out rain whilst still keeping you warm in the unpredictable weather. Although, not a traditional “ankle boot” I am absolutly in love with my Jadon Max platform boots from Dr Martens. They may look a bit much at first but I have styled them with so many things - dresses, skirts and jeans and they always look amazing. It gives your outfit a grunge edge whilst still looking put together. However if you want a more “normal” chunky boot I also love these ones from Asos. I can see them styled with a variety of outfits too but they look a little bit tamer in my opinion - great if you need to look a bit more conservative. When choosing ankle boots don’t discount colour or texture either. Sometimes a boot with contrasting colours, like these ones from Love Moschino, can bring a different colour palette to your look and give your outfit a bit more interest. Or these suede boots from River Island are great if you’re looking for a different texture - as long as you don’t get them too wet in the spring showers. Although all of my picks are basically black, I wouldn’t stray away from other classic, easy to style colours like brown, white and even burgundy. They can all look great when transitioning your winter wardrobe to your spring one.

Leather jackets

Leather jackets are a staple all year round for me - but they’re also great for battling the unpredictable London weather whilst still looking cute. Depending on the cut of a leather jacket, it can give your outfit so many different vibes. My personal favourite is the biker cut leather jacket - it’s a timeless style and goes with jeans, dresses and skirts. It also gives my look a bit of edge especially if I am styling it with a floral dress, or floaty skirt. This one from Asos, is a great option if you want a truly classic biker cut leather jacket. If you want to look a bit more formal, I would go for a long line leather trench coat like this one from Asos. It will look great with any outfit you wear to the office or date night. You could even pair it with some of those ankle boots from early or some black heels. Again, all of my picks are black mainly because to me a black leather jacket is the most classic options. However in the past I have had my fair share of brown leather jackets - which look great with warmer toned outfits. Or even burgundy, which I am very partial to and makes me feel like a true bad-ass bitch. So, pick your poison.

Straight leg jeans

You can never go wrong with a pair of classic straight leg jeans. They can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion. They are also so many varieties through colours and textures, there’s really a perfect pair out there for anyone. What I look for when buying a new pair of jeans first and foremost is the fit. Ill-fitting jeans are one of my biggest pet peeves, which is why is takes me so long to find a pair of jeans I actual like. My best peice of advice - always try them on! And don’t buy jeans you cannot return, so ones from sales or special promotions are always a no from me. For a more relaxed weekend look I love these grey 90s straight leg jeans from Asos. I think they’d be great paired with an oversized jumper layered over a polo shirt or for warmer days with a cropped jumper and some trainers. The nice thing about these jeans is that they’re from Asos’ hourglass range which is specifically designed for us girlies with wider hips. If you want something a bit more work-casual then I’d opt for a pair of classic blue denim jeans, like these ones from H&M. They’re very versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. I think they’d look perfect in the office with a blouse or jumper and some pumps or at brunch with a bardot top and strappy heels. Of course, if you want to ramp up the edginess of your outfit you could always pick up a pair of leather look jeans, like these ones from Shein. They’re perfect for those of us who like some grunge and alternative vibes in our wardrobes. Again, these can be styled for the day time or night time. For the day time style them with a simple crop top and long cardigan. Or for the night, layer them on top of your favourite body and accessorise with layered necklace and statement earrings. And finally for those of us who are partial to the nostalgic y2k trend, I’ve found these cargo-esque straight leg jeans from Berksha. For me, Berksha is such an underrated brand - I’ve purchased my fair share of jeans from them over the years and the fit is always perfect! These cargo jeans are definitely on the more casual side, but they are right on trend for spring 2023.

So what are your favourite winter to spring transitional trends for 2023? And how do you plan to style them? I think I’m looking forward to lighter fabrics and layers whilst still experimenting with textures and colours. But if I’m being honest, my favourite combination from this post has to be the black turtle neck, with my Jadon Max docs, the classic biker jacket and the Berksha cargos for a very casual weekend stomping around the London shops. Link your favourite pieces in the comments below - I’d love to check them out for even more style inspo.