As the evenings grow brighter and the temperature climbs, there’s a palpable sense of relief. The days of heavy coats and dark, wintry hues are behind us, making way for lighter, more relaxed outfits. While it’s crucial to stock up on your spring wardrobe staples, the real game-changer for your transitional style might just lie in your choice of colors. The right shades can truly elevate your look and make the transition from winter to spring seamless.

Colors are just as important as the garments themselves in spring fashion. To mirror the natural shift in light and warmth, consider incorporating fresher, softer tones that still have the depth to layer just like your winter pieces. Below, we explore some of the best shades to embrace for the season, along with tips on how to match them to your skin tone and style.

Olive Green: Earthy and Fresh

Olive green is a great choice for transitional weather. Although it’s typically associated with fall, it works just as well in the early spring months, offering a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter. Its military-inspired look gives it an evergreen appeal in fashion, while its softer finish makes it more wearable for brighter, sunnier days.

Best for: Medium to dark skin tones, particularly those with warm complexions due to its yellow undertones.

What to buy:

• Asket The Overshirt
• ISTO Chinos
• MR P. Recycled-Shell Field Jacket
• Paul Smith Elastic Waist Cargo Pants

For an effortlessly stylish look, combine olive green with off-white, sand, or ecru for a clean, tonal aesthetic. Add a splash of color with accessories like an orange beanie or scarf to elevate the outfit.

Ecru: A Soft, Clean Alternative to Beige

Ecru is lighter than beige but softer than white, making it the perfect balance for spring. It has a warm, inviting vibe without crossing over into the brightness of summer. Ecru pairs beautifully with darker spring hues, offering a crisp contrast to richer tones.

Best for: Ecru is versatile, but it particularly flatters darker and olive skin tones.

What to buy:

• Wax London Felix Ecru Loose Fit Denim Jeans
• ISTO Everyday Denim
• Closed Cooper True
• Velasca Millesimo

For a fresh take, opt for ecru denim, which is perfect for the lingering chill of early spring. Pair it with bolder or darker hues to balance out the look.

Light Grey: The Ultimate Neutral

Grey often gets a bad rap for being dull, but light grey is a versatile, timeless color that works in every wardrobe. It’s understated yet refined, making it an ideal base for creating outfits that can be dressed up or down. It reflects the soft light of spring and pairs beautifully with almost any other color.

Best for: Light grey complements all skin tones, making it a universal favorite.

What to buy:

• Mango Super Slim-fit Suit Jacket
• Suitsupply Light Grey Tailored Fit Havana Suit
• CANALI Tapered Linen and Wool-Blend Suit Trousers
• Brunello Cucinelli Straight-Leg Pleated Linen, Wool, and Silk-Blend Suit Trousers

For spring weddings or more formal occasions, light grey suits in wool or linen blends offer a modern, relaxed vibe. You can also pair light grey with pastels or bold colors to inject some personality into your outfit.

Dusty Pink: A Confident Touch of Color

Pink is often seen as bold, but dusty pink offers a more subtle, approachable alternative. It’s not as loud as fuchsia or salmon, but it still brings a refreshing touch to any spring wardrobe. Dusty pink is perfect for those who want to add a hint of color without being too flashy.

Best for: Fair to medium skin tones, and it works well with both warm and cool undertones.

What to buy:

• ISTO Work Jacket
• Reiss Hunt Cotton Textured Cuban-Collar Shirt
• SIRPLUS Chalk Pink Linen Collared Shirt
• H&M Loose Fit Sweatshirt

Pair pink with neutral tones like navy or olive for a stylish contrast. Keep it simple by wearing just one pink piece per outfit to avoid overwhelming your look.

Powder Blue: Fresh and Refined

Powder blue is a cool, calm color reminiscent of clear spring skies. It offers a refined alternative to traditional pastels and brings a touch of freshness to your wardrobe without being too overpowering. It’s ideal for both casual and office wear.

Best for: Cool undertones, though lighter shades of skin may want to avoid it as it might wash them out.

What to buy:

• David Gandy Wellwear Ultimate Crew
• Besnard Light Blue Cotton Skipper Polo
• Aurelien Cashwool® Light Blue Two Tone City Crew
• Velasca Ingria

Powder blue is perfect for lightweight knitwear or overshirts. Layer it under navy tailoring or pair it with white tees for a clean, classic look.

Camel: A Transitional Classic

Camel is the perfect color for bridging the gap between winter and spring. Its rich, warm tones work well with the lighter hues of spring and offer a grounded look for the still-chilly days. Camel outerwear, such as coats and blazers, can be your go-to piece for stylish warmth.

Best for: Medium to darker skin tones, particularly those with warmer complexions.

What to buy:

• Velasca Carloforte
• M&S Collection Bomber Jacket with Stormwear
• COS Car Coat
• Mango Water-repellent Belted Trench Coat

Camel works best when paired with contrasting colors. Opt for outerwear like trench coats or bomber jackets for a stylish and functional look this spring.

Navy Blue: A Timeless Favorite

Navy blue is a seasonless, versatile color that works well in every season. In spring, it serves as a perfect contrast against lighter hues, giving your outfit depth and sophistication without the harshness of black.

Best for: All skin tones.

What to buy:

• ISTO Casual Blazer
• Closed Organic Cotton Blend Sweater
• Todd Snyder Knit Military Shirt

Navy is great for layering and pairing with bolder accent colors. It’s ideal for tonal outfits and serves as a versatile base for mixing and matching throughout the season.

Spring offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with color, transitioning your wardrobe to match the shifting seasons. The key is to focus on shades that are fresh yet grounded, offering the flexibility to layer while reflecting the lighter atmosphere of the season. Whether you’re leaning towards earthy tones like olive and camel or adding a pop of color with dusty pink or powder blue, there’s a shade for everyone this spring. Happy styling!