What to Wear Between Winter and Spring, Inspired by 10 Off-Duty Supermodels
3 min readThere’s a window between winter and spring that can feel impossible to dress for—and we’re currently in it. One minute you’re too hot, the next too cold. You’re ready for knee-length hems and open-toed shoes, but not yet ready to part with boots and cozy sweaters. But, this is where a few of our favorite supermodels excel (hello, Kendall Jenner). Known for their timeless, effortlessly put-together off-duty street looks, they’ve mastered the art of transitional dressing—balancing practicality with just enough spring touches.
Below, we’ve highlighted ten transitional outfit formulas that Bella Hadid, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, and other icons consistently rely on. From trench coats to classic denim, these wardrobe staples should go straight to the top of your shopping list.
Bella Hadid’s Dark Wash Jeans
Bella Hadid’s bootcut jeans add an equestrian feel to her casual outfits while maintaining a sense of sophistication thanks to a sleek dark wash. The mid-rise silhouette often borders on a straight-leg fit, meaning it works equally well with ballet sneakers as it does Western boots.
Cindy Crawford’s Black Turtleneck
Throughout the 1990s, jeans and a black turtleneck were among Cindy Crawford’s default combinations. Her iconic airport outfits often contrasted brown suede and black leather, breaking a long-standing “rule” that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy also defied during the decade.
Kendall Jenner’s Coordinating Scarf and Coat
During spring and fall, Kendall Jenner frequently tops off her baseball hat-and-white tee uniform with a coordinating scarf and coat from The Row. When temperatures rise, you can tuck your accessory inside the Freja Paloma Tote she’s been seen carrying.
Gigi Hadid’s Leather Jacket
Decade after decade, all-black outfits remain central to model-off-duty style. Borrow from Gigi Hadid’s playbook with a vintage-looking leather bomber, faded denim wash, and minimalist glove flats. As her looks prove, a designer black leather belt is the type of investment piece that pays off over the years.
Kate Moss’s Slip Dress
Off the runway, Kate Moss often relies on simple silk slips. She’s known for layering a minimalist black crewneck sweater over dresses, allowing her outfit to evolve throughout the evening. For casual outings, she embraced classic ’90s layering with a white crewneck tee.
Kaia Gerber’s Oversized Trench Coat
Runway mainstays like Kaia Gerber often utilize oversized trench coats for casual looks, so try throwing one on over athleisure for your next travel day. The versatile outerwear style will come in handy throughout your trip, especially during the rainy season. Cropped silhouettes are trending for spring, but long, oversized fits exude a more effortless, model-off-duty energy.
Beverly Johnson’s White Button-Up
Beverly Johnson pushed the fashion industry forward in the 1970s, but her personal style remained largely the same throughout her career. Menswear-inspired button-ups were one of her signatures, often worn with the sleeves pushed up, collar popped, and neckline nonchalantly unbuttoned.
Alex Consani’s Knee-High Boots
Staple pieces don’t have to be demure, as Alex Consani’s knee-high harness boots and oversized fuzzy sweaters prove. The Victoria’s Secret Angel often balances out grungy pieces with lace and sheer elements.
Tatjana Patitz’s Black Blazer
Considered one of the “Big 5” of the early ‘90s, the influence of Tatjana Patitz’s style is undeniable. Currently, the dominant blazer silhouette appears to be shifting away from oversized, boxy shapes towards slimmer, single-breasted fits like those favored by the German supermodel. Her go-to uniform throughout the decade also included slouchy black trousers, a white T-shirt, a minimalist black leather bag, and loafers.
Emily Ratajkowski’s Sweatsuit
Supermodels like Emily Ratajkowski aren’t above wearing sweatpants and hoodies, so long as they’re styled with an enviable designer bag or sunglasses. A sleek gray Anine Bing sweatsuit adapts to a wide range of temperatures and settings, making it the perfect choice for a travel day.
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.