While we may have been excited for the first snow flurries in December, around this time of year, Columbia students are itching to put away their heavy winter coats and pull out summer’s sandals and bathing suits. However, with temperatures still in the 40’s, those flirty spring dresses are still banished to the backs of closets. And so we’ve come up against the dilemma which stumps fashion mavens every year: what do we wear between seasons?

Here are our suggestions on how to transition into spring without sacrificing on style or breaking the bank:

1. Invest in a Trench Coat. With wool coats and earmuffs no longer necessary, students are looking for fresh jacket options to tide them over until the (real) start of Spring. Worn by style icons Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn (as Holly Golightly), and even Blair Waldorf, the classic trench coat will last you for years, and looks oh-so-chic in those spring showers. Why not modernize the look by trying one in an unexpected color or print, like the pastel trench coats shown at Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2010?

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2. Ditch the black tights. Dark opaques may have been your winter staple, but an inexpensive way to switch up your wardrobe is to get a few new pairs of tights. Try colored tights instead – navy and maroon are safe options, but the bravest will try mint or periwinkle blue. Sheer tights are another great option. A fun print is a way to add texture and interest to any ensemble.

AmericanApparel.com

3. Switch in oxfords in lieu of boots. Knee-high or over-the-knee boots may have carried you through the winter, but the changing seasons is a great chance (or excuse) to get a new default shoe. Lace-up oxfords in a neutral color work with a variety of looks. With Low Steps finally clear of snow, why not try a pair with a platform heel?

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4. Try bright colored nails. Nail polish is a fun and inexpensive way to change up your look. Nude was a huge trend on the Spring/Summer 2010 runways, and nail polish is an unexpected way to incorporate it into your look. Pastel nails are also becoming a trend this season. Remember the Chanel Jade nail polish that everyone went crazy for? American Apparel’s Office and Essie’s Mint Candy Apple are more affordable options to get the look.

Essie.com

5. Incorporate a fun print. Embrace spring fully with florals – the more granny, the better! If florals aren’t your thing, try a less conventional print. Look to Alexander McQueen’s graphic printed dresses from Spring/Summer 2010 for inspiration. Do tie-dye shirts conjure up memories of bad summer camp projects? Think again! Proenza Schouler’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection made us all reconsider the print.

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This transition between seasons may be a difficult time for dressing, but it’s a fun chance to experiment with our wardrobes and try out those Spring/Summer trends from September. Check out Hoot’s first issue coming out in May for more ideas on how to wear Spring/Summer 2010 trends!

Do you have any transitional dressing tips not mentioned here?

Helen Chen
Fashion Market Editor