Summer to Autumn: A Guide to Transitional Style

Ah, the great seasonal switch! One minute, you're sprawled on a sunlounger eating an ice cream, the next, you're warming your hands on a pumpkin spice latté wondering where you’ve stored your warmest beanie. It’s anyone's guess what the weather is doing as you read this article, so it’s time to revise the transitional style rules and embrace the challenge of summer to autumn dressing. 

Layering

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Savvy layering is the way to go as the seasons change and a chic, uncomplicated way to keep warm while mixing and matching existing pieces. 

 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed while planning layered looks, but the basic layering rules help to keep things simple and stylish. All you need is your favourite shirt or long-sleeved top as a base layer, a cardigan, lightweight wool knit or toasty jumper as a mid-layer and a timeless trench coat as the outer layer. 

To stretch the shelf life of summery strappy dresses, simply pop a lightweight knit underneath and take your calf-high boots for their maiden autumn voyage. Add some flashes of colour with silk scarves and ‘70s style plastic bangles to keep the summer spirit alive for a month or so longer. 

Versatile Pieces

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The transition between summer and autumn is time for your trusty statement pieces to shine. Successful layering relies on versatile pieces to mix and match and the list below outlines a few of the essentials. 

• Shirts 

We might be just slightly biased, but shirts are the cornerstone of the perfect transitional wardrobe. Sleek, simple styles, like those in our basic collection, often work best in a layering ensemble, but there is definitely a place for the more extravagant numbers too! We love the boho chic of a statement sleeve with a cosy gilet. 

Shirts are the heroes of transitional weather, effortlessly guiding your wardrobe from summer sunshine to autumn's cool embrace. They're lightweight enough to keep you feeling breezy when the sun is still shining, but with just the right amount of coverage to fend off those early hints of chill in the air. 

• Denim 

Whether it's a classic jean jacket that you can throw over a sundress or a pair of well-loved jeans that pair perfectly with ankle boots, denim effortlessly adapts to the changing weather. Plus, it’s versatile enough to layer up as the temperatures dip, ensuring you stay stylish and snug all season long. 

• Trench Coat 

With their sleek, tailored design and versatile layering potential, trench coats can turn a simple outfit into a chic ensemble in seconds. Whether you’re dodging a surprise drizzle or strolling through a crisp afternoon, trench coats offer that perfect blend of fashion and function. 

• Suede Skirt 

Autumn is suede’s natural habitat and the suede skirt is an oft-overlooked transitional piece which looks great with almost anything. Bringing a flavour of the cowgirl stylings which dominated summer 2024 pop culture while also looking smart enough for the office, suede is versatile and timeless. As a bonus, suede just gets better with age if it’s looked after properly and vintage pieces develop their very own unique patina. 

Faux Fur Jacket 

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Voluminous faux fur outwear is having a moment this season and a huge, strokable outer-layer will give your transitional dressing some edge this summer/autumn season. This surprisingly versatile garment can channel ‘70s boho, polished ice queen or indie rocker with some subtle styling differences. 

I love wearing a shaggy black number with a mid-length cord skirt, platform boots and statement tights for an easy, fun transitional look to brace the season changes. Just remember to bring an umbrella! Soggy strands are never a good look. 

Statement Belts

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The statement waist belt is back in a big way this summer/autumn transition season and brings a great way to play with proportions, making layering more dynamic. Effortlessly cinching in lightweight dresses or oversized sweaters can create a polished silhouette and belt shopping can also launch a great vintage shop treasure hunt! 

Embracing Earthy Tones and Deep Hues

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As the leaves begin to change, so should your colour palette. Summer’s bright, vibrant colours give way to the deeper, richer tones of autumn. Incorporate earthy hues like burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, and deep burgundy into your wardrobe to reflect the changing seasons. 

Leopard Print 

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Leopard print has roared back into the fashion spotlight and this surprisingly versatile print is a must have for the summer/autumn transition. While going full ‘mob wife’ is always a vibe, we recommend treating leopard print as a neutral and teaming it with classic pieces. Think a white shirt, gold jewellery and a leopard print scarf or sweater.