We’re in that in-between season — the one where it’s 50 degrees in the morning, 70 by lunch, and back to chilly by dinner. Winter isn’t quite done, but spring is definitely knocking.
This is when I reach for prints. Not bold, statement-making prints that feel like a commitment, but classic patterns that work just as well in February as they do in April. The kind that feel fresh without screaming “spring” when there’s still a chance of frost.
Today I’m sharing four of my favorite transitional prints and how I’m wearing them right now. If you’re ready to add a little life to your wardrobe without a full seasonal overhaul, these are the patterns to reach for.
What You’ll Find in Today’s Post
- Leopard Print: The Neutral That Isn’t Boring
- Floral Print: The Mood Boost Your Wardrobe Needs
- Gingham Print: Spring’s Calling Card
- Stripes: The Year-Round MVP
- FAQS – Winter to Spring Prints Petites
- Shop Kelly’s Printed Picks
- More Petite Style Inspiration on the Blog
- Closing Thoughts Winter to Spring Prints Petites
Leopard Print: The Neutral That Isn’t Boring
Leopard print isn’t just a print — it’s a neutral. It pairs with black, navy, cream, camel, and just about everything in between. That versatility makes it perfect for transitional dressing.
Shop the Look
- Perfect Cashmere Sweater
- The Colette Sweater Knit Pants (petite sizes are limited)
- Try Instead: Alternative Animal Print Petite Knit Pants
- Loraine Bit Loafers
I love these Colette sweater knit pants because they’re comfortable enough for everyday but polished enough for work or dinner. Paired with a simple black cashmere sweater and black loafers, it’s an outfit that works from January through May. The Colette pants are nearly sold out, but these Animal Print Petite Knit Pants from Ann Taylor are a perfect alternative (especially for spring with their lighter color palette), and they’re stocked in petite sizes!
✨ Kelly’s Petite Style Tip: When wearing a bold print on the bottom, keep your top simple and fitted. This creates balance and keeps the print from overwhelming your frame.
Floral Print: The Mood Boost Your Wardrobe Needs
I know — florals for spring isn’t exactly groundbreaking. But hear me out: a floral sweater tee is the perfect transitional piece. It’s warm enough for cooler days but lightweight enough that it won’t feel heavy when temperatures climb.
This fuzzy floral sweater tee in pink and coral tones adds a pop of color to an otherwise neutral outfit. I paired it with black tapered trousers and loafers for a look that’s polished but not overdone. This Floral Sweater Tee is nearly sold out, but I have selected three alternatives:
Try Instead: Floral Print Crewneck Sweater | Floral Print Short Sleeve Sweater | Printed Short Sleeve Sweater
Shop the Look
- Floral Sweater Tee (sizes are limited)
- Try Instead: Floral Print Crewneck Sweater | Floral Print Short Sleeve Sweater | Printed Short Sleeve Sweater
- Similar Petite Tapered Trousers
- Loraine Bit Loafers
The easy thing about this outfit is that the neutral bottoms let you go with whatever floral top works best for you.
✨ Kelly’s Petite Style Tip: If you’re hesitant about florals, start with a top rather than a bottom. It’s easier to style and feels less committal than a floral dress or pants.
Tips for Wearing Prints as a Petite
- Balance is key. If you’re wearing a print on top, keep the bottom simple (and vice versa).
- Pay attention to scale. Medium-sized prints tend to be most flattering. Very large prints can swallow you; very tiny prints can look busy.
- Treat leopard as a neutral. It goes with more than you think — black, navy, cream, olive, burgundy, and beyond.
- Start small if you’re print-shy. A printed top or scarf is an easy entry point before committing to printed pants or a dress.
- Layer with solids. A solid jacket, cardigan, or denim shirt over a printed piece helps ground the look.
Gingham Print: Spring’s Calling Card
Nothing says “spring is coming” quite like gingham. It’s cheerful without being over the top, and it pairs beautifully with denim, which makes it perfect for this time of year when you’re layering a jacket on and off all day.
Shop the Look
I styled this navy and white gingham button-up with navy kick flare pants and white Converse for a casual, pulled-together look. A denim jacket thrown over the shoulders handles the temperature swings.
✨ Kelly’s Petite Style Tip: Gingham in smaller to medium checks tends to be most flattering for petites. Very large checks can overwhelm a smaller frame.
Stripes: The Year-Round MVP
Stripes are the print that works 365 days a year. They’re classic, they’re flattering, and they go with literally everything. A Breton stripe tee is one of those pieces I’ll never stop recommending.
Shop the Look
For a transitional look, I layered a denim western shirt over my striped tee, unbuttoned and relaxed. It adds warmth when you need it and rolls up easily when the sun comes out. Paired with white jeans and Converse, it’s the kind of effortless outfit that looks intentional without trying too hard.
✨ Kelly’s Petite Style Tip: Horizontal stripes get a bad rap, but they’re actually flattering on most body types. The key is fit — a fitted stripe tee creates a clean line, while an oversized one can look bulky.
FAQS – Winter to Spring Prints Petites
Petites can wear any print, but scale matters. Medium-scale prints like classic gingham, leopard, and stripes tend to be most flattering. Avoid prints that are too large, which can overwhelm a smaller frame, or too tiny, which can look busy. The key is proportion — balance a printed piece with solid basics.
Transitional dressing is all about lighter layers and prints that bridge both seasons. Swap heavy knits for lightweight sweater tees, add fresh prints like gingham and florals, and layer with a denim shirt or light jacket for unpredictable weather. Prints like leopard and stripes work year-round and easily cross seasons.
Yes! Leopard print is a neutral that works beautifully on petites. The key is choosing a medium-scale print and pairing it with solid pieces to avoid overwhelming your frame. Leopard print pants with a simple black sweater is a classic, flattering combination.
Shop Kelly’s Printed Picks
Shop the Collage
Print Button Front Crepe Skirt | Striped Stretch Cotton Tee | The Shrunken Bennet Button-Down | Mock-Neck Mod Sweater Mini Dress
Longline Collarless Blazer | Floral Print Sleeveless Top | Featherweight Cashmere Sweater Shell | Relaxed Fit Striped Broadcloth Shirt
Set of 2 Printed Scarves | Mesh Floral Ruffle Tote | Printed Beaded Canvas Tote | Slouchy Scarf Bag | Animal Print Peplum Top | Animal Print Quilted Jacket
Gingham Picks
More Petite Style Inspiration on the Blog
- Daily Looks
- Petite Layering: The Art of the Third Piece
- Petite Jeans That Actually Fit: The 4 Styles I am Living in For 2026
- Yes, You Can Wear Leggings if You’re Petite
Closing Thoughts Winter to Spring Prints Petites
Transitional dressing doesn’t have to mean boring dressing. These four prints — leopard, florals, gingham, and stripes — are classics for a reason. They work in cooler weather and warmer weather, they pair with pieces you already own, and they add just enough visual interest to make getting dressed feel fun again.
Which print are you reaching for this season? I’d love to hear in the comments!
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