If you’re like us, the recent arrival of spring already has you thinking about which key pieces you should add to your wardrobe for the season. A new midi, a sundress or a fresh pair of wedges, perhaps? We’ve waited months to see sunshine and flowers, and can’t wait to finally sport bright colors and prints as the weather gets warmer. But what about those tricky days when the clouds roll in and raindrops pour, or the ones where it’s nippy in the morning and scorching by noon? Cue the transitional coat. We found 15 of the most fabulous and functional coats to help you keep up with the changing temps and wonky weather, all while staying super stylish.
1. Via Spiga Color Block Trench ($239): We love that you could keep this jacket on all day and still be rocking an outfit. The pleated color blocking looks like a flirty spring skirt.
2. J. Crew Cotton Peacoat ($188): We typically see peacoats in fall, but this pick is made for spring. It’s lightweight, tailored and boasts a loud orange hue we’re proud to rock this season.
3. Penfield Summer Anorak ($113): The perfect option for those kind of rainy, kind of windy in-between days.
4. Mango Contrast Piped Mac ($132): This trench is a twist on an old classic. Mix things up a little with the contrast between tan and black and some fun piping.
5. Kate Spade Franny Coat ($358): Sail into spring with this bold, nautical pick. The added bow on the back gives it the girly touch we know Kate Spade is always good for.
6. Coat With Pockets ($159): Sunshine in the form of a coat. Oversized pockets and exposed zippers add a funky feel to this simple, sunny piece.
7. Cole Haan Leather Trim A-Line Coat ($395): Keep it simple with this fiery red choice. The brown leather accents on the collar and pockets break up the solid color and a-line shape.
8. YMC Spring Coat ($195): Don’t diss the toggle. This jacket is way trendier than the one you might have worn as a kid with your light-up sneakers.
9. Rainy Day Mac ($178): Pink, blue, yellow and gray have never looked so good together. We’d wear this upbeat trench rain or shine!
10. J. Crew Downtown Field Jacket ($148): Versatility is this jacket’s middle name. We see this as an option you can wear during the day or out at night, casual or dressed up.
11. French Connection Tulip Body Coat ($198): There are few things in the fashion world more wonderful than mixed media pieces. This leather-accented trench is even shaped like a tulip, so we know it’s perfect for spring.
12. Wavey Loose Spring Coat ($115): Bright pink and ruffles? Wavey loose spring coat for the win.
13. Color Block Trench Coat ($100): Not ready to adopt the colorful palettes of spring quite yet? This simple black-and-white color block coat is a solid option that will still keep you warm and covered, without the bulk.
14. Fitted Coat ($50): We admit this jacket would require us to be careful of coffee spills, pizza stains and dirty car doors, but we’re definitely willing to take the risks for this fabulous fitted look.
15. Spring Parka ($158): Stay dry and adorable on a wet spring day thanks to Boden. We think these tiny polka dots are just plain precious.
Which transitional coat do you see yourself weathering the changing seasons with? Let us know in the comments below.
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.