Spring is here, and it seems like we might be past the dreary days and chilly temperatures.

However, spring is ever changeful with the wind turning in an instant.

The best defense against weather shifts is outerwear, and this time of year has me looking toward transitional coat options to throw on over my outfit and head out the door.

Some of these I’ve featured before, so bear with me, but there’s no shame in repeating classic style.

And what’s more classic in spring than a trench coat? A cropped or blousey trench can be a fun twist on this springtime staple. For a modern take on this classic, look for a cropped version to pair with knitwear on close-to-freezing days, or linen on sunny afternoons.

Lands’ End has a cropped Trench Rain Jacket with a water-repellent shell, double-breasted button closure, windproof fabric, and adjustable cuffs.

I like the idea of a cropped trench for errand-running or outdoor activities.

A blousey trench, like those with gathered, cropped funnel necks or cape-like features, is a rare breed in transitional outerwear. But if you are drawn to one like Loft’s Twill Trench Cape, lean into the whimsical silhouette of this coat and wear it with floral midi-dresses.

If you’re an experienced outfitter, you can go the opposite style route and pair it with tailored trousers for a contrasting aesthetic.

Another classic, but not so often associated with spring, is the leather jacket.

True, the standard leather trench or moto jacket feels more fall; however, less rigid silhouettes like bombers, oversized, and funnel-necked styles work as seasonless essentials.

A boxier, oversized tough leather jacket like Walmart’s HJYCHN Winter Jacket Motorcycle Style Coat in black adds subtle texture to an all-black outfit of a lightweight turtleneck and jeans.

For really windy days when your neck needs a bit more coverage, look to Topshop’s Leather Look Funnel Neck Jacket available at Asos. The buttery washed brown shade can elevate a basic white tee and jeans, or provide some quirk to khakis, loafers, and button-down.

From tough leather to sporty fun, a nylon bomber like Old Navy’s Full-Zip Windbreaker was made for the transitional days of spring, especially when offered up in pastel shades like sea salt, lunar path, and fairytale rose. You can also go with the coordinated skorts or leggings, which are also on offer, for an athletic-inspired look.

I would definitely go with that style approach for functionality when working out or hiking.

From a transitional outfitting perspective, I see a windbreaker and nylon zip-ups paired with easy pieces like pull-on pants, oversized tees, and baggy jeans, again a contrast of more relaxed pieces with performance wear.

From performance to the office, an oversized gray blazer, belted at the waist, pairs nicely with cropped trousers and chunky sneakers for your commute. You can pick up Uniqlo’s Double Breasted Jacket in gray or black if you want to don this coat type for your 9-to-5 but first look to the menswear owners in your life to see if you could “borrow from the boys” for this transitional coat. I’m not suggesting that a husband’s, boyfriend’s, or brother’s sports jacket will look “correct,” but why not try them on first before placing an online order? Thrift stores are also great resources for this trend.

Speaking of trends, if you’re in the market for trendy outerwear, then there’s no better way to make a statement with this season’s leopard jacket.

To be clear, leopard IS a neutral, but it’s also a bold pattern that comes at a variety of price points.

You can invest in this printed topper to bring a minimalist look to the next level, as with Madewell’s Single-Breasted Topcoat in Leopard Print paired with a sweater, jeans, and boots. Or, for something more accessible, there’s Walmart’s UTCO Women’s Leopard Trench coat to throw over a cocktail dress to ramp up the glam factor on spring evenings out.

Another trending coat with a much more subtle flavor is the reworked, or patchworked, denim jacket. Levi’s Women’s Free Range Denim Trucker Jacket, available at Country Outfitter, features a western-style yoke and a two-tone design with a darker wash across the shoulders and down the back, and a lighter shade on the front. This outerwear can go either edgy or rustic, depending on your boot choice for an out-and-about outfit. For a softer side, there’s Three Bird Nest’s Dahlia Sweater Denim Jacket featuring knit sleeves with floral patchwork attached to a denim “vest”. Pair this mixed-media garment with athleisure wear or your most whimsical maxi skirt to embrace the magic of spring. Etsy is also a great source for customized and vintage jackets that align with this trend.

Dressing for the season’s fluctuating temperatures is no easy task. However, with some of these transitional coat options, you’ll be able to don the right, stylish outerwear to face sunny, 50-degree days one day and frigid, windy days the next.