9 Key Transitional Pieces for Spring

The first day of spring has come and gone, and as the temperature continues to fluctuate -- slowly and moodily making its way up the thermometer -- you will need some style pieces that are ready for the warm sunlight of spring, but that can also shield you from winter's lingering winds.

We're talking about items with the ease of the flower season but have the functionality of your cold-weather staples. We don't want you wearing a bubble coat in 50-degree weather or strappy sandals in the chilly rain! So, to make sure you're properly geared, here's a list of pieces that will help you transition from chilly to sunny and back during the year's most unpredictable season.

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Transitional Pieces for Spring

Animal skin is thick and durable enough to protect you from adverse weather, but easy enough that it can be thrown off the moment the temperature rises. Choose one that is lined for added resilience.

Laundry by Shelli Segal Leather Asymmetric Zip Jacket, $458, bloomingdales.com

Transitional Pieces

Granny boots are a stylish way to keep your feet covered, while letting your underexposed toes out to play for the first time this year.

Guess "Owenson" bootie, $150, guess.com

Transitional Pieces

This timeless style knows how to break harsh winds without the bulk of your hefty winter coat. Find a style that looks as great wrapped as it does unbuttoned.

Banana Republic Classic Trench, $198, bananarepublic.com

Transitional Pieces

Save your stunnas for summer, and your wrap-arounds for the slopes. Aviator shades set the standard for spring with their effortless wearability. You can't go wrong with classic Ray-Bans.

Ray-Ban Metal Aviators, $99, ray-ban.com

Transitional Pieces

There is a reason why your mom always made you wear shiny shoes for Easter. Nothing says spring like polished leather.

An added bonus? They're warm enough to get you through your work commute or a day of outdoor shopping when the weather takes an unexpected dip or when the spring sun starts to set.

Steve Madden "Koool" flats, $69.95, stevemadden.com

Transitional Pieces

Yes, we said it. Take a nod from the spring runways and don one of these head-turners. They offer chic head (and hair) protection when a hat is too much. Plus, they can be a great way to cover up frayed tresses between stylist visits.

Urban Outfitters Burnout Full Turban, $14.99, urbanoutfitters.com

Transitional Pieces

Well, we didn't have to tell you this one. What else leaves you comfortable enough to frolic, yet still keeps your not-quite-summer-ready gams concealed from the elements? Exactly. Black leggings are great staples, but try a fun print for spring.

Betsey Johnson Leggings, $21.99, macys.com

Transitional Pieces

What was once meant to add an extra layer between a winter coat and a short-sleeved top can be worn in place of a jacket as the weather gets warmer. Pair it with a dress or camisole for a cozy layer that can be removed if necessary.

Forever 21 3/4 Sleeve Knitted Cardigan, $17.80, forever21.com

Transitional Pieces

Scarves provide a boost of warmth under winter gear, but add major style to a sleeveless dress, as the model on the right shows.

Instead of bundling your scarf tightly around your neck like you did in winter, give your neck some room to breathe and lightly drape it for spring.

Antik Batik Nilo Scarf, $170, shopbop.com

Transitional Pieces

Warmer weather doesn't mean it's going to stop raining! Wellies are great for getting you where you need to be when the weather's muggy - instead of side-stepping every puddle, you can charge through them and come out unscathed. Plus, they're really cute paired with shorts.

Hunter "Regent Savoy" rain boots, $175, bloomingdales.com

Transitional Pieces