We’re all itching for spring (although it could be that polyester-blend sweater) and with the chicest in warm-weather wear debuting on racks everywhere, we’re barely able to contain ourselves. We’ve worn our winter garb to sweatery shreds and, frankly, we’re just about ready to shed this season’s skin.

With the mercury beginning to rise, debuting filmier fashions is becoming feasible, but we’re still a long ways off from sundress and sandal weather. Testing out the latest and greatest of new editions to your closet need not be reserved for days when global warming rears its sunny head. Instead, anxious fashionistas can incorporate transitional pieces to get their spring gear into circulation.

SUNDRESSES
While we traditionally associate sundresses with, well, sun, this summer staple can be easily reinvented to suit any climate. Add a leather jacket and tights to your favorite frock and instantly transform the piece. The jacket adds instant edge to a saccharine style while giving a new dimension to an item formerly relegated to the warm-weather section of your wardrobe. Pair the look with ankle boots, which will add a sense of continuity to the leather jacket and keep the silhouette balanced.

More adventurous style seekers may want to consider topping off the tights with a pair of leather platform sandals and bobby socks in a neutral shade. The unexpected combo fuses fashion and function to create a runway-ready look that protects our toes from the elements. Don’t be shy to try it with this season’s cropped pants either. The socks will keep the breeze from flying up your pant legs while the height will add sex appeal to a menswear-inspired bottom.

MINI SHORTS
Spring and Fall ’08 runways have shown the return of sheer legs. Girls with the gams to support mini shorts may want to integrate the trend into their spring styles. A pair of sheer black tights look sexy but refined and especially fresh given the last three years of opaque stems. Still chilly? Add a loose v-neck sweater to balance your bottom and keep things conservative.

Showing sheer legs before the snow melts is just the beginning of a new era in fashion where boldness reigns. Rules like "no white before Labor Day" are becoming increasingly antiquated and those of us suffering from S.A.D.D. should take this as our cue to incorporate sunnier styles into our still-winter wardrobes. Pair white minis with leather boots and a sweater to make your shorts pop without appearing unseasonable. The white of the shorts will compliment this season’s bold colors for a clean, current aesthetic.