As welcome as the spring weather is, it can be tricky to navigate for our wardrobe. One day it’s bright and mild, the next it’s cold, grey and raining again, which can make even simple spring outfits feel impossible to put together.
This is exactly why I’ve been focusing on building a strong transitional wardrobe this year — and, naturally, I’ve been looking to London It girls for inspiration. No one does practical yet polished quite like Londoners. Their outfits always feel considered but never overdone, blending timeless staples with subtle trend-led touches that work for real life (and real weather). From trench coats thrown over simple layers to straight-leg jeans paired with loafers, their approach to spring dressing is all about versatility and ease.
After scrolling on Instagram for my weekly dose of It girl spring outfit inspiration, I noted seven key pieces I'd seen on repeat. They stood out to me because they fill the gap that's missing in my own transitional wardrobe, and I'm so glad they're on my radar in time for spring.
With that in mind, here are the seven key pieces I’ve spotted on repeat across the city, from classic essentials to fresh updates that feel kind of relevant right now. And if you’re looking to refresh your own wardrobe for the new season, you’ll also find a curated edit of the best options to shop now.
A London Girl's Transitional Winter-to-Spring Wardrobe:
1. Relaxed Shirts
Style Notes: An oversized shirt is one of those throw-on pieces that works year-round, but it really comes into its own in spring. Worn loose over tees or layered under lightweight jackets, it brings an easy, borrowed-from-the-boys feel that London It girls do so well.
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This is a steal.
Brown and white might be my favourite striped shirt combination.
Perfect for off-duty days.
Sezane have so many pretty shirts this season.
2. Thin Sweaters
Style Notes: When the weather can’t quite decide what it’s doing, a thin sweater is invaluable. It’s light enough to layer over tanks or under blazers, but cosy enough for breezy mornings—exactly the kind of versatile staple that defines transitional London dressing.
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Such a sweet colour for spring.
Endless styling opportunities await.
Striped sweaters are my favourite.
This looks way more expensive than it is.
3. Trench Coats
Style Notes: If there’s one piece that defines a transitional capsule wardrobe, it’s the trench coat. Practical enough for sudden downpours yet polished enough to throw over tailoring or denim, the best trench coats strike that perfect balance between effortless and intentional — a key feature of London It girl dressing.
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Two coats in one.
The GOAT brand for trench coats.
My favourite colour for a trench.
Don't sleep on Reformation's coat collection!
4. Loafers
Style Notes: Loafers are the unsung hero of the in-between season. Polished but comfortable, they anchor everything from cropped trousers to relaxed denim, embodying that smart-meets-nonchalant aesthetic which London girls always seem to have. Brown suede or black leather, it's up to you — but a trusty pair of loafers won't let you down.
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Every fashion person loves these YSL loafers.
These also come in black and brown leather.
A true classic.
All the It girls love The Row.
5. Capri Trousers
Style Notes: Capri trousers are the perfect in-between. Longer than shorts but shorter than full-length trousers, they can be styled to look both playful and smart. Wear with sharp flats or minimal heels to give spring outfits a fashion-forward twist. The London It girls approve.
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I love how these look with a trench.
These also come in classic black.
Perfect for warmer days at the office.
Expect to see this style a lot this season.
6. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Straight-leg jeans are the backbone of an It girl's transitional wardrobe. Easy to style with everything from trench coats to knitwear, they're probably the most versatile item on this list. What I love about straight-leg jeans is that they somehow feel both classic and current—a truly timeless form of denim.
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The sort of jeans you'd wear on repeat.
ALIGNE have some of the best jeans in the business.
Dark-wash denim is an easy to elevate your favourite top-and-jeans look.
Give me all the white denim in spring.
7. Trainers
Style Notes: Chunky sneakers are handy to have year-round, but they really come into their own at this time of year. They ground floaty skirts and relaxed tailoring alike, adding that slightly undone edge London It girls are known for. I like pairing mine with softer spring pieces when an outfit feels like it's tipping into the too formal territory.
Shop the Look:
You'd be hard pressed to find an It girl without a pair of New Balance on rotation.
Psst: there's five designs to choose from.
Too chunky? I think not.
I'm a fan of the colours.