Parisians and transitional dressing, or the art of dressing for the in-betweens

The weather in Paris is finally turning a corner. After a long, cold winter, the sun lingers a little longer, ushering in milder, better days, albeit with the occasional rain. Enter transitional styles: looks we often put together to navigate the changing season, unpredictable temperatures, and erratic weather. At best, this time of year can be the most complicated for styling, especially in Paris, where it can be sunny one moment and raining the next. As we ease into this in-between season, our wardrobes naturally shift toward pieces that keep us warm enough for the City of Light’s ever-changing mood. Dressing for this kind of weather can be tricky (London can likely relate), so we took to the streets and the runways to see how Parisians are stepping into spring.

Soft tailoring or hard utility

Inspired by Anthony Vaccarello’s oversized suits for Saint Laurent, which transition seamlessly from day to night, soft tailoring offers a refined yet relaxed approach. In everyday style, Jeanne Damas, founder of Rouje, embodies effortless Parisian cool in a laid-back grey suit paired with bold red sandals, adding both contrast and a nod to the season’s warmth. In contrast, the utility trend brings functional fashion to the forefront. While utilitarian looks often feel more suited for fall, the runways of Hermès make a convincing case for these practical pieces in our spring wardrobes. Think structured jackets, roomy pants, and belted coats that balance functionality with cool, contemporary form. Sankuanz, on the other hand, managed to combine both soft tailoring and robust utility into their collection presented in Paris last year. The pieces featured military-inspired prints, utilitarian cuts, and tailored suits with distinct Asian necklines, creating a compelling fusion of sharp sophistication and rugged practicality. This mixing of styles proves that transitional fashion can be both practical and statement-making, whether you choose to move towards laid-back tailoring or sturdy utility wear.

Mixing textures

Transitional dressing invites playfulness in style because it’s the perfect time for layering. You can easily add or remove a piece depending on the temperature and weather. One way to have fun with your look is by mixing different styles and textures. Think leather with cotton or lace, or pairing athletic wear with something dressier, like a leather jacket. Paris-based creative Klaudia exemplifies this by pairing a sleek leather blazer with a sporty zip-up Adidas hoodie, creating a modern mix of high and low. Fishnet tights and lace-up boots inject an edgy vibe, while her structured bag—casually storing a banana—proves that Parisian style always has room for a bit of fun. On the runways of Coperni, a mix of various textures was on full display: a suede jacket over a cotton tee and washed-out denim jeans. Rabanne offered a more upbeat combination of not only textures but also prints.

Dressing up a dress

Our favorite dresses often hibernate through winter, but as the chill softens, this feminine staple can reemerge in full form with a bit of creativity. The key? Once again, layering. If you have a dress you love but hesitate to wear on its own during this transition period, try styling it over a fitted base, like a Heattech top or a slim turtleneck. Coperni did it with their ruffled satin dresses over casual Mickey Mouse graphic sweaters, which was a surprising but very effective fit combination. Parisian Content Creator Vicky Ferchaud does just that, pairing her dress with a cozy underlayer and mid-length boots for added warmth and polish. Alternatively, wear your dress under a sweater, and polish with boots and leggings to keep you cozy. 

Oversized bags

Our top pick for an accessory to carry during the transition season? A supersized bag. Oversized bags had a moment in last winter, and if the SS25 runways are any indication, they remain practical and beloved as we move closer to spring. Designers from Jil Sander and JW Anderson to Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Coach, and even the infamous Birkin dupe from Walmart showcased spacious carryalls as the ultimate companion. These roomy accessories are perfect for Paris’s unpredictable weather, allowing you to fit essentials like a scarf, sunglasses, or an extra layer—comfortably and stylishly. Léna Mahfouf, seen with her large D-Journey bag, shows how a roomy tote is ideal for stashing those just-in-case items.

Pastel Accents

Taking cues from the Chanel runway, you can start adding color to your transitional looks in the prettiest way. Soft pastel pinks, blues, and creamy oranges appeared in their SS25 collections, inspiring us to embrace a lighter, more playful palette as the city ushers in the blooms. While blacks, browns, and greys remain Parisian staples, bursts of color bring a welcome freshness to seasonal dressing. Unexpected hints of vibrancy can sure go a long way, as seen on the runways of Lacoste, where touches of green (woven into bags or subtly integrated into jewelry) breathe new life into otherwise monochromatic sporty brown ensembles. These thoughtful splashes of color offer an easy way to refresh familiar pieces without a complete style change. Paris-based beauty and fashion consultant Anne-Victoire LeFevre demonstrates this perfectly with vibrant blue leggings, a playful pop that instantly brightens her look while maintaining a chic balance. Incorporating pastels or vivid hues into transitional outfits not only uplifts the entire vibe but also echoes the city’s transition from a grey winter to a full bloom spring.