Now that spring has officially arrived, there’s no time like the present to start transitioning your closet for the in-between weather.

With weeks that start out like the cold days of February and end with warm breezes that hint at May, dressing can be notoriously tricky.

When that temperature shift happens over the course of a single day, figuring out what to wear is just one of the challenges of a Pennsylvania spring.

The key to outfitting for transitional weather is layering with wardrobe essentials so each piece can stand alone if needed and be worn all together with ease. Let’s review some of the outerwear options, knits, dresses, and more that will help you navigate the early spring season in style.

Few staples shine during April and May quite like the classic khaki trench. I featured various trench coat options earlier this year. There are a variety available at Macy’s, thrift stores can also be a good source for oversized trenches, and I also like the selection at Gap. You can throw a trench over just about any outfit in spring: a button-down and jeans, a sweater dress and boots, or a Henley-style tee and loosely tailored trousers.

Give a nod to the season and throw in a bit of texture with a raffia or straw bag like Day Trip Tote from Natural Life or the Straw Crochet Tassel Shoulder bag by Universal Thread from Target. Both bags are big enough for everyday use and feature khaki and black patterning that speaks to the upcoming summer. They give this time of year a beachy yet functional feel.

Another staple that nods to summer while staying grounded in spring is white jeans. A pair of crisp white jeans, like those from Banana Republic Factory, paired with a colorful purple or fire engine red sweater, finished with a leather belt, provides coverage and structure while also projecting freshness. If you’re looking to unexpectedly elevate a white denim spring outfit, consider wearing leopard-print flats. Or, for a bigger impact, a leopard coat like Kohl’s Jess by Meiko Faux Suede Animal Print Trench. As spring gives way to summer, pack up the coat, swap the sweater for a tank, and keep the flats.

In line with flats are spring sneakers. Touches of red are trending this year, and a red sneaker, like Reebok’s Classic AZ Sneaker on sale at the time of this writing over at DSW, can act like the reverse cherry on top of the sundae that is your outfit. In general, wearing sneakers with more feminine pieces like dresses and skirts, or with more traditional suiting, creates a stylish contrast. A bright red sneaker makes that contrast more declarative if you’re looking to make a statement. An additional unexpected combo is sneakers with more rustic pieces like barn jackets and coveralls.

Another stylish contrast for spring is sporty outerwear with preppy underlayers. Think polo sweaters and shirts with windbreakers or track jackets with tailored pants and loafers. Functional outerwear is key to surviving spring on the really rainy days. I like the idea of Uniqlo’s Windproof Stand Blouse jacket in light green with the red sneakers above, a pleated skirt, and a striped button-down layered over a graphic tee for functional yet stylish options for when any given day goes from sun to rain and back again.

I also like sporty pieces with more romantic or beachy wares for spring. Take Lands’ End Women’s Packable Anorak Windbreaker in a bright, sweet mango shade and wear with a linen drawstring pant like Quince’s 100% European Linen Wide Leg Pants in olive green or moonstone blue. With this combination, you get a streetwear feel up top and a boho-coastal look on the bottom. On wet days, wear goloshes for coffee runs; for warmer weather, dig out your adjustable-strap, rubber-soled sandals from last summer for an after-dinner walk.

As the weather transitions, spring style is all about strategic layering. For this season, a stylish take is to pair contrasting aesthetics for both a fashionable and functional take. Let the forecast dictate the outerwear choice, then give a nod to upcoming warmer weather with accessories, bottoms, and shoes. And don’t be afraid to incorporate bright colors that suit you when you can.