TRANSITIONAL OUTFIT IDEAS:
WHAT TO WEAR IN
BETWEEN SEASONS

The season is changing but the forecasts are changeable. And so begins the shift into autumn.

Transitional dressing provides an opportunity to fill any gaps in your wardrobe with a few new pieces, while looking for ways to take some of the styles you loved in summer, into the next season with you. When it comes to what to wear to bridge the gap, it’s all about opting for a versatile colour palette, considering each layer and investing in the things you know you’ll wear until the cows come home.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the art of transitional dressing, or you need a few pointers, we’ve made a checklist of the key categories that should hold residence in your wardrobe throughout autumn.

Knitwear

At the first sight of a grey sky, it’s natural to start craving cosy knits. They’re non-negotiables in any transitional wardrobe as they’re easy to style, extremely versatile and when you invest in the right ones, they’re forever timeless too.

Knitted vests are a great choice for navigating the start of the season. Their sleeveless design means they can be worn alone or layered over slim-fitting tops and collared shirts for a cool look you’ll never tire of wearing.

Then, when the temperatures remain consistently low, you can start to welcome heavier gauges, higher necks and all-round chunkier knits into your day-to-day life. When shopping for new knits, look to invest in 100% wool or wool blends, cashmere fabrics and cottons, to ensure you’re getting quality that will last.

Dresses

Don’t ditch the dresses just yet - with the right styling, they’re more versatile than you might imagine. Searching for the perfect autumn dress? Opt for a shirt dress as they increase the wear-ability throughout the season as they can double-up as a layer when worn over long sleeve tops or blouses. A neutral palette is an easy win for the season, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with key prints such as florals in jewel tones or introduce pops of colour, as they’ll break up your looks and add interest.

The good news is that your most reliable midis or maxis from summer can still very much have a place in your autumn wardrobe. Simply layer a knit or unbuttoned shirt over those lighter linen or cotton dresses and switch out sandals for leather boots or closed-toe pumps.

Tailoring

Autumn is the perfect time to experiment with textures and the place where you can really go to town is tailoring. No longer limited to the realms of office wear, when worn well tailoring will elevate your everyday looks. Pick a pair of well-cut, mid to high rise waisted trousers with a wide leg for a flattering fit that’s comfortable too. When it comes to blazers, an oversized fit will always remain stylish while a more structured shape is perfect for adding timelessness into your wardrobe. Investing in a whole suit will give you lots of looks in one - worn together or separate.

Just as summer lends itself to light linens, autumn is all about those heavier-weight fabrics. With tailoring look for textured tweeds and corduroys as these stay in style year after year. The addition of leather accessories such as a belt or bag will complement these textured fabrics and complete any look.

Rugby Shirts

With their statement stripes and sporting influences, a rugby shirt will raise your layering game in early autumn. Choose a classic style made from heavyweight cotton to ensure they see more than just one season. If you only have space for one then sticking to your neutral colour palettes of navy, cream, brown or white stripes will make this piece easy to style. But if you have room for two, be more bold with the second option, such as pinks or blues to mix things up.

When choosing the fit, a relaxed shape not only stays true to the rugby’s sporty origin, but will also leave enough room underneath for a top or even a shirt, enabling you to wear it well into the winter too. Wearing it with mid-wash jeans and trainers is an easy win, but teaming with a skirt will give this sporty style a feminine edge.

Versatile Outerwear

Aside from the falling of leaves, the consideration of a winter coat is a sure-sign the seasons are changing. But don’t pull out the fur-lined, all-singing-all-dancing, padded coat too hastily. This is the time to reach for the trench coat. Lightweight and truly timeless, a trench will work hard in any transitional wardrobe navigating the inclement weather, and also return again during the spring into summer period too.

With the high likelihood of rain in autumn, investing a little more in a raincoat is a practical idea and will minimise the number of coats you need hanging on your hook at any one time. Our styles are adjustable at the waist, meaning there is plenty of room to add additional layers without compromising on a flattering fit.

Shirts & Blouses

It’s likely your wardrobe already has one (or a few) shirts and blouses in it, as these are pieces that can live through every season with ease. And just as your dresses can, your summer shirts can just as easily move into autumn as you do. Those light linen shirts or summery stripes that in the warmer months look great thrown over swimwear or shorts, can now sit layered under a knitted vest or with the collar popped out of a round neck jumper. But if there’s a few spaces yet to fill when it comes to your shirt collection, you’ll never regret investing in enduring fabrics such as 100% cottons or soft jerseys.

As shirts and blouses will form the base for many layering outfits in autumn, you can introduce a few different styles. A plain and simple button-down is timeless and should be top of the list. Adding in blouses with ruffle trims or necklines will add dimension to your outfits and make your looks more eclectic and well considered. Finally, a printed shirt in an autumnal palette will mix things up and look great when worn both alone or layered-up.

Socks and Accessories

If you thought your socks and accessories didn’t need an autumn switch-up, then think again. These small but mighty pieces are the ‘finishing’ touches to any outfit and are where you can have fun with colour, or be more playful with your style.

While the straw sunhat has certainly seen its last outing, it’s too early to bring the beanie out from the back of the wardrobe. Caps, in autumnal fabrics such as corduroy or tweed, are a great way to accessorise the season and will pare back your outfits in a casual way. A wool fedora in rich hues provides a more elevated look and is a style that has held a constant place in autumn style for a long time.

Leather accessories are an essential year-round, but seem to thrive particularly in this season. Choosing deep chestnut, burgundy or rich tan leathers will ensure every outfit feels elevated and special. Finally, no longer the unsung heroes of your outfits, showing your socks is cool again. Whether it’s wearing bright colours teamed with loafers, or delicate glitter socks with a pair of Mary-Janes, this autumn roll up your trouser cuffs and show them off.