After the Longest January in History, Here's What to Wear in February

January has come to an end and spring is (almost) in the air—let’s all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Those of us who live in the UK likely have a couple of dreary months still ahead, but at the very least, we’ll soon be able to ditch the heavy wool coats and winterwear. With this in mind, it’s time to start thinking about which outfits will carry us through the transitional period. February isn’t just the first sign of spring; it’s also a month filled with hot-off-the-press inspiration, thanks to the succession of fashion weeks popping up around the world.

After finding our footing in the first few weeks of the year, now is the perfect time to take notes from the runways and start having fun with fashion. Alas, it's still slightly too early to pack away your knitwear and embrace the dresses and sandal trends that will come out in full force for summer. Instead, prepare for brighter days by opting for clever layers, hints of colour and fresh alternatives to your cold-weather staples.

To give you some ideas, I've rounded up six outfits that successfully toe the line between winter and spring. You know what to do…

1. Statement Coat + Maxi Skirt + Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: Until trench season is officially upon us, we're still wearing the thicker coats that saw us through a chilly winter. Not only are they the perfect layer for unpredictable temperatures, but a bold pop of colour (perhaps in the form of a red coat) will add some vibrancy to winter's final dark days. I especially love Valeria's maxi-coat-maxi-dress combination (pictured above), and I'll be copying it immediately. 

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2. Fair Isle Knit + Loose-Leg Jeans + Mary Janes 

Style Notes: After the post-Christmas gloominess of January, I think we could all use a little cheering up. You don't have to wear a big coat with a cosy, happy knit like a Fair Isle, and thanks to brands like Khaite, Loewe, and Loro Piana, they're currently enjoying a very fashionable revival. Pair with this season's trending baggy jeans and a pair of cute Mary Janes (with socks whilst it's cold) and you're good to go.

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3. Knitted Dress + Opaque Tights + Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: After colourful coats and novelty knits, here's something on the opposite end of the spectrum: top-to-toe neutrals, or "latte dressing", if you will. Beat the between-seasons chill with a knitted dress layered over tights (right now, red is topping the agenda followed closely by white), and finish with a pair of glossy knee-high boots. 

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4. Oversized Crew Neck + Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: If you've spent the start of the year in your PJs, smarten things up a bit with loosely tailored trousers. Still just as comfy but undeniably classier, add a fluffy knit on top and you'll feel like you haven't even left your bed.

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5. Gilet + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: February is the ideal time to try out some trends that are new to you. Bomber jackets, denim skirts and ballet flats will continue to be huge this spring, but how about bringing things up to date with a shearling gilet and dark grey or black denim? 

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6. Wool Jacket + Maxi Dress + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Too mild for a weighty jumper and coat but too cold for a tee? Pair a warm jacket with a light layer instead. We're ready to test the waters with an easy maxi dress—you can always stash a pair of emergency tights in your bag, just in case.

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This story was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

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