Style In Season: 10 Tips For Transitional Dressing

While some aren’t ready to wave breezy beach days goodbye, others are excited to move from ‘sweaty’ to ‘sweaters’. Right now, however, it’s neither one nor the other: it’s that time of the year when checking the weather app before leaving the house won’t really tell you whether you’re wearing too many layers or not enough, leaving you in style limbo. 

But we’ve got the ticket out. From trend-forward to fashionably practical, we share 10 simple tips for styling these unpredictable days without freezing at dawn and melting by the afternoon.

Pick A Do-It-All Piece

The most reliable way to bridge both seasons in style is to lean on one key foundational piece that is versatile and can be adapted to your needs with minimal adjustments. As a quintessential piece, a hard-working shirtdress fits not only summer and fall – and the transition in between – but also numerous contexts, from the office to errands and leisurely days off. Just keep in mind that, for such an easygoing staple, the devil is in the details: wear it loose with a few buttons undone and a relaxed crossbody bag in late summer, and add a belted waist and a crewneck sweater over your shoulders for crisp early autumn days.

[Pictured: Shirt dress from Mango, Jumper from American Vintage, Shoes from Loeffler Randall, Bag from Cult Gaia, Headband from Oliver Bonas, Sunglasses from Warby Parker]

Embrace The Seasonal Palette

Sometimes the easiest way to make last season’s looks less ‘last season’ is to switch the colour palette. Replace bright, vibrant summer hues with the deep, rich tones of autumn, and you’ll instantly look more put-together. From burgundy and olive green to burnt orange, navy blue and mustard yellow, wearing fall colours not only feels more in tune with nature’s changing tones, but also instantly reflects a more modern aesthetic. Simply trade your light-washed jeans for a darker hue, your floral frock for a dress in a darker, monochrome colour, and your bright sandals for a pair of muted mules. 

[Pictured: Dress from Desigual, Cardigan from Stradivarius, Shoes from Birkenstock, Bag from Massimo Dutti, Necklace from Eliou, Earrings from Eliou, Sunglasses from Aire]

Follow Your Favourite Trend

Much like introducing a more demure colour palette, you can embrace seasonal style while still wearing your favourite summer staples by incorporating one or two autumn trends into your warm-weather wardrobe. For example, add a structured blazer to your go-to sun dress; wear your shorts with an oversized off-the-shoulder sweater; make a subtle statement by introducing a pair of mesh ballet flats into your footwear rotation; or style your mini skirt with a matching cropped jacket as a nod to the preppy-chic trend. You’ll be giving small hints of the changing seasons without completely transforming your entire wardrobe. 

[Pictured: Dress from Omnes, Blazer from COS, Shoes from Jeffrey Campbell, Bag from NA-KD, Sunglasses from COS, Earrings from Monica Vinader]

(But Also) Create Your Own Formula

Fashion is synonymous with experimentation and self-expression any time of the year, so take advantage of the blurry-lined in-betweens to come up with new outfit formulas. You can either combine a style you know and love with another you’ve been reluctant to try, or blend occasions, patterns and fabrics for a unique result. Take, for instance, a casual tank dress and amp it up with a luxe faux leather jacket. Try a corduroy-trimmed wax jacket over a floaty linen dress. Wear a structured suit vest with a pair of relaxed trousers. Or stick to your summery plain white tank and add depth with a maximalist plaid floor-length skirt. This unexpected mixing and matching will keep you looking fresh for the season ahead, and might even uncover a new and improved sense of personal style.

[Pictured: Bodysuit from Skims, Skirt from Banana Republic, Jacket from J. Crew, Shoes from Madewell, Bag from Mango, Necklace from Ssense]

Balance Coverage

What’s hard about the summer-autumn transition is not knowing where and if you’ll feel too hot or too cold, so you might be better off balancing where you add coverage and where you’re keeping it light. For example, if you’re not ready to pack away your favourite pleated shorts or silk skirt, wear them with a turtleneck and a light trench. Or, if you’re going for a sleeveless top, make it rib-knit for a bit more warmth without adding too much heat. The idea is that you can still wear your go-to warm-weather pieces while switching to either heavier fabrics or warmer layers for a smart multi-weather formula.

[Pictured: Shorts from Faithfull, Top from Everlane, Coat from Kule, Shoes from Jeffrey Campbell, Bag from 8 Other Reasons, Sunglasses from Le Specs]

Rethink Light Layers

By now, most of us know that the key to transitional dressing lies in the onion principle (layers, layers, layers!), but instead of reaching for the obvious choices – a knitted cardigan or a denim jacket – modernise your look with unexpected pieces. Think: a thick overshirt, an oversized button-down, a rib-knit sweater tank or a long-sleeve top underneath a sleeveless shirt or dress. These will all make for easy layering without adding unnecessary-for-now bulk. Wear your usual summer looks and keep those light layers handy for when it starts to cool down.

[Pictured: Trousers from Hudson, Top from Zara, Shirt from H&M, Shoes from Veja, Bag from florabella, Earrings from BaubleBar]

Double Up On Denim

Sure, denim works year-round, but it becomes particularly useful when it can do double duty in the changing weather. Take a straightforward approach with the head-to-toe denim trend that makes getting ready a cinch while feeling fresh and effortless, yet well put-together. Whether it’s a denim top with straight-leg jeans, a midi skirt or a pair of culottes, the key is to choose pieces in the same denim tone – preferably a darker shade for a more polished early autumn look. Style with a pair of sleek sandals while the heat is still hitting, and swap for cowboy boots when it’s time to keep those toes toasty and warm.

[Pictured: Top from American Vintage, Skirt from Frame, Boots from Steve Madden, Bag from Zara, Necklace from Parfois]

Freshen Up Your Footwear

Speaking of shoes, feet play a vital role in regulating body temperature – and in defining your seasonal wardrobe, too. Pack your flimsy strappy sandals away, and start embracing boot season. From classy suede booties to edgy moto boots or a feminine pointed-toe pair, your favourite summer looks will instantly fall into autumn rotation with a simple switch to cool-weather footwear. However, it isn’t exclusively boot season – this year’s trends also come in the form of lug-sole loafers, embellished ballet flats, boho clogs and the grand comeback of the ultra-preppy boat shoe. You’ve got options.

[Pictured: Top from Massimo Dutti, Pants from Aritzia, Boots from COS, Bag from & Other Stories, Scarf from Aritzia, Earrings from Zara]

Mind The Details

Autumn accessorising is a whole different ball game. Choose daintier jewellery pieces instead of chunky alternatives, and cinch your waist with a belt. Add a chic (and cosy) hat into the mix, and complement with a trendy scarf or a timeless shawl. Go for a chocolate-coloured structured tote bag, and add more drama with bolder, golden-hued makeup. Selecting your accessories with the tone set on ‘autumn’ will instantly confer cold-weather status on your beloved light and breezy looks. 

[Pictured: Top from Omnes, Jeans from Everlane, Coat from H&M, Shoes from J. Crew, Hat from Aritzia, Bag from Ganni]

Update Your Scent

As much as your clothes, fragrances can easily bridge the gap between the carefree days of summer and the cocooning days of autumn. While summer scents are fruity, floral and cheerful, fall calls for something warm, woodsy and hearty. Even if you’re still wearing a slip dress or a sleeveless tank, your mood will instantly shift and signpost the new season with a fragrance that feels (and smells) more in sync. From softly smoky cedar to boozy vanillas, smooth caramel, pumpkin spices and creamy praline notes, a single spritz of the right scent will usher you into autumn just as much as your favourite chunky knit.