Portland Spring Looks: Easy Outfits for When It’s Neither Cold Nor Warm

By
Kat Depner
-
19

There is nothing like a Portland spring! Cherry blossom-lined streets, the sweet aroma of chalk and cardboard “Estate Sale” signs, and of course, the blinding visual display of beautiful, pasty Portlander legs basking in the glory of the once elusive thing called “sunlight” in every neighborhood park. And yet, when it comes to style, the beginning of spring is a bit of an awkward season to navigate. It’s marked by chilly mornings not cold enough for a jacket, and warm afternoons not warm enough for a tank top. So what is a Portland fashionista to wear that fits a spring transitional look?

Portland Spring Looks

The next month may feel like you are in a bit of style purgatory with the weather being neither here nor there, and nothing in your closet feels quite appropriate for this new weather pattern. Fret not; I have TWO easy spring transitional look options that will play nice with the volatile weather while keeping you adorable in the process.Portland Spring Looks - Kat Depner wearing kimono

Portland Spring Look #1: Kimono Top + Jeans and Tank

The kimono top is marked by its wide exaggerated sleeves and cascading asymmetrical or straight hemline. Pairing this piece with a tank top and dark washed jeans instantly transforms your casual outfit into a polished spring transitional look.

What I love about the top is the cascading hemline adds dimension and visual interest to your outfit while also camouflaging any additional winter insulation you may have accrued in the belly region. The tops themselves are typically constructed of lightweight materials (usually a polyester-cotton blend), which are just warm enough for the chill of April and can keep you cool enough as temperatures warm.

Portland Spring Look #2: Button-Up + Monochromatic MagicPortland Spring Looks - Kat Depner wearing open button up + monochromatic layer

The next look employs the powers of the humble and unassuming button-up top. While formerly used for work meetings and parent-teacher conferences, a simple button up shirt does wonders in navigating the strange temperatures of early spring. For this spring transitional look I have paired my favorite Portofino dress shirt from Express with a monochromatic base layer and wear it unbuttoned.

The 100% polyester fabric is incredibly soft and almost feels silk-like against the skin, and the material wicks sweat while being a powerhouse against stains. To finish the look, I’ve paired it with a monochromatic ensemble of black jeans and a black tank. The monochromatic layer will lengthen your leg line and make you appear leaner and taller, while the open dress shirt will add polish and warmth to your transitional spring look.

It’s All in the Layers

For this delightfully awkward season of cool mornings and warm afternoons, mastering your Portland transitional spring look is all about utilizing the right layers. The loose kimono and structured button-up provide enough stylish coverage without smothering you in the sun, and wearing them open allows enough breezy airflow in to ventilate any overactive underarms.

Now that the eternal winter gray has parted, get out there and enjoy the sunshine, you marvelous sun-deprived human!

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19 COMMENTS

  3. I love these 2 outfits! I’m not in Portland, but here in MS, Spring is the same way. So, I can easily see me utilizing both outfits right now! Thanks for sharing it!

  4. Great tips! In some ways I think spring is the most difficult season to dress for. And I always feel either too hot or too cold. Great tips, love kimono tops!

  7. It’s difficult to find the right outfit when the temperatures differ so much in a few short hours. These looks both so lovely, thanks for sharing your expertise!

  11. Love both ideas. I am obsessed with using kimonos as a transitional piece, so perfect for Spring and paired with jeans you can wear them even on colder Spring days!

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