Transition seasons — when the weather can’t decide what it’s doing — are honestly my favorite time to play with fashion. It’s a chance to mix lightweight layers with cozy textures and experiment a little. As someone who’s 5’2″, I’m always thinking about how to keep my outfits looking proportionate and put-together, even when I’m layering up.
Today, I’m sharing 7 outfits I’ve been loving for this in-between time. They feel polished but relaxed, stylish but wearable — and yes, if you’ve been following along, you’ll probably notice a few button-down shirts making another appearance. I just can’t resist their versatility!
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Trench Coat + Light-washed Jeans
Coat S | Jeans 26 | Bag | Shoes
There’s just something about a classic trench coat that instantly makes any outfit look more polished. I threw mine over a lightweight knit top and cinched my waist with a brown leather belt — a small trick that helps add a little shape, especially when you’re petite. I kept the base casual with light-washed jeans and neutral heels to keep everything fresh and easy. It’s the kind of look that’s perfect for a chilly morning that warms up by lunch.
Knit Dress + Knee-high Boots
A knit dress is one of my secret weapons for transitional dressing. I wore a light beige knee-length one that skims (but doesn’t overwhelm) my petite frame. To add a little extra warmth and dimension, I wrapped a long-sleeve sweater around my shoulders — such a simple trick that instantly makes the outfit feel more styled. Knee-high suede boots polish off the look while keeping everything cohesive and weather-appropriate.
Tweed Jacket + Wide-leg Jeans
Jacket S | Jeans 26 | Bag | Shoes
I love when a jacket does all the heavy lifting, and this pastel blue tweed jacket definitely delivers. I layered it over a simple black tank top and light-washed wide-leg jeans, cinched with a black leather belt featuring a bold buckle. Skin-tone heels keep the outfit from feeling too heavy and help elongate the legs (always a win when you’re 5’2″!). A structured mini bag finishes it off and makes the whole look feel chic but approachable.
Tailored Blazer + Pencil Skirt
Blazer S | Skirt S | Bag | Boots
For a slightly more elevated transition look, I paired a tailored beige blazer with a light beige turtleneck top tucked into a white pencil skirt. Brown tall leather boots add a gorgeous earth-tone element and are such a flattering choice for petites because they create a long line down the leg. Of course, I had to add my beloved Chanel flap bag to polish it all off. This outfit feels refined but still totally wearable for a casual meeting or lunch date.
Checkered Blazer + Mom Jeans
Blazer S | Jeans 26 | Bag | Shoes
Blazers are such MVPs during this season, and I couldn’t resist styling another one. This time, I wore a checkered blazer over a white high-neck knit top and added a brown leather belt to cinch the waist. I paired it with mom jeans for a slightly relaxed vibe, and slingback suede heels to keep things feeling feminine. A small handbag adds just the right amount of polish without overwhelming my frame. (And yes, if you’re noticing — I’m definitely getting a lot of mileage out of button-down and knit tops lately!)
Buttoned Cardigan + Long Skirt
Cardigan S | Skirt S | Bag | Shoes
Monochromatic dressing doesn’t have to be boring! I styled a lightweight gray buttoned cardigan with a dark gray long knit skirt, cinched at the waist with a black leather belt. The key to making it petite-friendly was choosing slightly different shades of gray to keep things interesting, and topping it all off with pointed-toe heels. This look feels a little bit cozy, a little bit dressy — perfect for those days when it’s chilly in the morning but warms up by mid-afternoon.
Crop Jacket + Black Jeans
Jacket S | Jeans 26 | Bag | Shoes
I love a good matching moment, and this crop jacket paired with a matching turtleneck top just makes me feel instantly put-together. I styled it with black wide-leg jeans (so comfy!) and a brown leather belt for a little contrast. Neutral block heels added height without sacrificing comfort, and a structured leather bag made the whole outfit feel intentional. The cropped jacket length really helps balance out the wide-leg silhouette, keeping everything proportioned just right for a petite frame.
Transition outfits are all about blending cozy textures with lighter pieces — layering just enough without feeling bulky. As someone who’s 5’2″, I’m always thinking about how to use belts, structured layers, and smart proportions to make sure I feel polished but not overwhelmed by my clothes.
I’ve definitely been reaching for my button-down shirts and lightweight cardigans on repeat lately — they’re just such easy pieces to layer under jackets or over tanks without adding a ton of bulk.
If you’re building your own transitional wardrobe, I hope these ideas help you feel inspired! Which look are you excited to try first?
