7 Easy Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe Into Spring

As the days grow longer, our circadian rhythms change — and we naturally feel more carefree. So, it’s time to put aside any winter gear lingering in your wardrobe (See ya, tweed! So long, bulky sweaters! Adios, Uggs!) and let a little light into our closets and our hearts.

Here are some quick and easy updates in celebration of spring:

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1. Switch from black to navy.

(Left to right) Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Wide Leg Pants in Navy; Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Size Double Breasted Blazer in Lauren Navy; Boden Catriona Cotton Cardigan in Navy

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Athleta; Bloomingdale's; Boden)

We all know the benefits of wearing black. It’s slimming. It’s chic. It doesn’t get dirty. But navy provides all these gifts with just a touch more vibrancy. A navy blazer like the Lauren Ralph Lauren Plus Size Double Breasted Blazer in Lauren Navy ($258, bloomingdales.com) can be worn year-round, but I especially love this one for spring. Its sharp tailoring, nipped waist and natty gold buttons give it a nautical air. Other nice black-to-navy swaps: a classic wide-leg trouser like the Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Wide Leg Pants in Navy ($109, athleta.gap.com) or an elevated preppy sweater like the Boden Catriona Cotton Cardigan in Navy ($64, bodenusa.com).

2. Add a stripe.

(Left to right) Lands’ End Women’s Relaxed Supima Cotton T-Shirt in Navy/White Breton Stripe; Zara Basic Knit Sweater in Striped

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Lands' End; Zara)

Stripes somehow signal the coming of spring and summer. A key item is a Breton-stripe t-shirt like the Lands’ End Women’s Relaxed Supima Cotton T-Shirt in Navy/White Breton Stripe ($40, landsend.com), inspired by the uniform of French sailors in 19th century Brittany. Coco Chanel later popularized the look for women in the early 20th century, and, of course, the gamine actress Jean Seberg became a fashion icon after wearing one with jeans in the film Breathless in 1960. Other light-hearted stripes: the mariniere sweater, like the Zara Basic Knit Sweater in Striped ($40, zara.com) and a boyfriend shirt like the Ralph Lauren Polo Relaxed Fit Striped Linen Shirt in Blue/White ($128, ralphlauren.com)

3. Trade blue jeans for white.

(Left to right) Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans in Calla Lily White; Levi’s Classic Straight Women’s Jeans in Gray

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Old Navy; Levi's)

There is nothing chicer than white jeans like the Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Flare Jeans in Calla Lily White ($24, oldnavy.gap.com) worn with a navy blazer and striped tee shirt. But they also look great with a bright-colored crewneck and white shirt or a print tunic top. The one caveat: They are not as slimming as jeans in a dark wash, so if you want to minimize your lower body, think twice. Other jeans upgrades: An indigo high-waist trouser style like the Banana Republic Factory Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser Jean in Medium Wash ($50, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com). Or, if you are married to your slim jeans, try gray instead of blue, like the Levi’s Classic Straight Women’s Jeans in Gray ($60, levi.com).

4. Embrace airy fabrics.

(Left to right) J.Crew Collection Layered Tulle Skirt in Blush; Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen in Bluestone

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: J. Crew; Madewell)

Try wearing a layered tulle skirt in a soft color with a thin cashmere top for an ultra-feminine, comfortable, easy evening look like the J.Crew Collection Layered Tulle Skirt in Blush ($168, jcrew.com). Keeping the shades in the same color family makes for an easy formula. Ballet flats are optional. Other lightweight options: a linen trouser like the Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pant in 100% Linen in Bluestone ($88, madewell.com) or a chiffon dress in a delicious pastel color, like the Banana Republic Factory Chiffon Pleated Maxi Dress in Lei Flower ($102, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com).