The Under-$200 Transitional-Weather Staples ELLE Editors Love

Fashion editors’ excitement for spring extends far beyond sunny skies and burgeoning blooms. The change in seasons also brings new outfit opportunities. As temperatures rise, we finally get to reach for the tank dresses, sleeveless knits, and sandals we’ve been aching to wear.

To help you change over your wardrobe from winter to spring, ELLE editors are sharing the transitional-weather staples they’ll be wearing over the coming weeks. From layering tops to light jackets, these are the closet essentials we rely on as seasons change—and they’re all $200 or less. Looks like fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions have finally met their match.

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The Sheer Turtleneck

“Layers are my M.O. for transitional dressing,” says Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor. “I use a sheer long-sleeve top or turtleneck to give my warm-weather staples a cold-weather appeal in a way that doesn’t compromise my style. And since they come in such a variety of colors, prints, and textures, it’s a great way to mix up your everyday pieces.”

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The Vest Top

“I love the ease of throwing on a vest with a pair of jeans,” says Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead. “It’s an instantly chic outfit formula that I live in during the spring. What’s even better? The affordable price points that several trending styles come in.”

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The Uncomplicated Carry-All

What’s the point of dressing in layers if you can’t properly shed them? When temperatures begin to rise, reach for a reliable tote bag with enough space to stash a sweater or light jacket when you start to overheat.

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The Maxi Skirt

“Hear me out: Maxi skirts are great for this time of year,” says Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor. “On cold days, I can slip into wool tights, heeled boots, and a chunky sweater. When it heats up, I’ll swap in sandals and a short-sleeve bodysuit—or a tank top if I’m feeling really crazy.”

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The Spring Sandal

Few feelings compare to the satisfaction of finally being able to wear open-toe shoes again. Save flip-flops and delicate strappy styles for beach weather and welcome the season with these practical spring sandals instead.

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The Tank Dress

“I’m a fan of a one-and-done dress, especially the easy-going silhouettes of a tank dress,” says Bennett Parker. “I love that I can throw these on with a pair of flats and still look put together.”

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The Classic Cardigan

The beauty of a classic crewneck cardigan is that it can be styled as a top or lightweight outer layer. A simple white tee or tank underneath, and voila. You’ve got an outfit that can handle a wide range of weather conditions. Opt for classic spring pastels or add a pop of color with the cherry red hue ELLE staff saw all over NYFW.

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The Laid-Back Loafer

“The weeks during late winter and early spring seem primed for a footwear staple like loafers,” says Chong. “Sure, this is a shoe you can wear year-round, but I love loafers most when it’s warm enough to show my ankles. Plus, they look great with or without socks.”

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The Oversized Blazer

“An oversized blazer is one of my most trusted transitional pieces,” says Donohue. “It’s a light layer that can easily be built upon, and it looks polished, whether I’m wearing jeans and a tee or a slinky dress on a night out.”

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The Sleeveless Knit

Spring 2025’s sleeveless knits give the appearance of a sweater without the added heat under a jacket or blazer. Elevate your casual attire by styling the lightweight, fitted style just as you would a T-shirt.

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The Timeless Trench Coat

Few items are as quintessentially spring as a trench coat. It’s a wardrobe staple you’ll find in virtually every fashion editor’s closet. For an updated take on the classic, try the boxy, cropped silhouette trending this season.

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The Button-Up Shirt

Like cardigans, button-up shirts work double duty as tops and lightweight outerwear. Whether striped, solid, or ruffle-accented, opt for an oversized fit to make spring layering even more of a breeze.