14 Things I Want to Wear the Second It Hits 40 Degrees

A moodboard for the season of false hope: when retailers say spring, but Chicago says “not yet.”

This week has been sunny and we’ve even hit 40 degrees, which in Chicago basically counts as spring. Of course we know better, but we’ll take what we can get. February, March… and even April can be such a weird time to get dressed because shops are already pushing spring colors and lighter layers, while most of us still have 6–8 weeks of real winter left. I like putting together these moodboards because they help me see what’s actually on my mind - and figure out what’s worth investing in versus what’s just fun to appreciate from afar because it doesn’t actually fit into my life.

Clockwise: Barn Jacket, Fleece, Cardigan, Cable Knit, Trench, Green Trench, Drawstring Denim

Outerwear

Outerwear is top of mind right now because the sooner I can put away my long puffy coat the better, but it’s always hard to know what to replace it with. I have a full length denim jacket that I will probably pull out as well as my Vincent James duster, but I’m looking at a few other options.

I used to have this amazing, pale pink trench coat from Anthropologie that I wore out about a decade ago and have yet to replace it with something I like as much. This green one from Sezane feels close. It’s classic, but with a little color twist. There’s also the more structured trench from Sezane. Alex Mill’s shorter waxed canvas barn jacket looks really beautiful. I love the contrasting collar.

On the more casual/ comfy side, I’m also looking at fleece pullovers and this really cute lightweight puffer. The colors are so good - could be fun to get one of the blues, but I probably gravitate toward the lighter neutrals (surprise, surprise!). I’ve found some really good fleece options. The Loeffler Randall ones are so cute and special. I also am liking the longer style I’m seeing at Varley and Tuckernuck.

Lightweight Sweaters

Lightweight sweaters are also on my mind. Something to replace my big, chunky ones - maybe less wool, more cotton. I love this yellow cardigan from Alex Mill. It would be great with a button down under it or with just a tee/tank. I also love the look of the sweater jacket - it feels like a really good transition piece. And the cable knit roll neck from J. Crew is a staple - it comes in so many color options (some on sale). I feel like this one is a no brainer. I have this sweater from Sold Out NYC in the cream color, but I also love it in the stripe. I am really looking forward to wearing it again soon! Last but not least, this isn’t a sweater, but I keep coming back to this Vincent James sweatshirt. That probably means I should go for it, right?!

Drawstring Pants

Comfort continues to be a theme for me. I love that drawstring pants continue to be shown for spring. These La Ligne denim look like a dream. And the Clyque poplin pants feel like a must…but probably not in Chicago for another few months. If I lived in CA or somewhere warm, I’d get them now for sure. I’m also eyeing these Tivot pants from Mirth. They aren’t drawstring, but they do have an elastic waistband in the back and they look like that perfect balance of comfortable and put together. In addition to off white, they also come in a really pretty pink color that could be fun.

Shoes

You may not know this about me, but shoes really used to be my thing. I used to plan my outfits around the shoes I felt like wearing. Somewhere in the last few years (maybe around Covid?), that shifted and I haven’t really felt the same way. It could be that since I don’t wear heels really at all anymore, I just don’t need as many options, or it could be that I’m just not as into the current trends (like ballet flats and loafers). I am in the market for a new pair of sneakers, and I’d like to get a pair that I can wear to workout and that I can wear as “fashion sneakers,” so these Asics seem like a good option. And these Freda loafers just might have enough personality for me to give them a try! Maybe it’s my way back into being excited about shoes?! I really love them in blue too. And good news…I have a Freda Salvador discount code for you! You can use ABBYA10 for 10% off your first purchase. :)

Clockwise: Sweatshirt, Loafers, Cardigan, Drawstring Pants, Cream Pants, Puffer, Sneakers

If you’re also in the “I want spring but I’m still wearing my puffer” stage, I’m with you. Let me know what you’re shopping for right now - I’m always curious what everyone’s in-between-season go-to pieces are.

xo,

Abby

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