The transitional fashion pieces that make the switch to autumn easier, including M&S and Joe Browns buys
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The weather may be changing, but your entire wardrobe does not need to. These versatile fashion buys, from Marks and Spencer, Joe Browns and more, make the switch from summer to autumn much easier.
We are at that awkward point at the end of summer when your wardrobe feels out of step with the weather and it seems no matter what outfit you’ve put on you haven’t made the right choice.
One minute it is still warm enough for a summer dress, and the next you are reaching for an extra layer and your jeans again before leaving the house. But, with the weather and temperature so changeable it can be difficult to know what to wear. Transitional fashion is all about finding pieces that work no matter what.
The trick is to look for lightweight layers, versatile separates and dresses that can be worn with everything from sandals to boots. These are some of the pieces worth considering now if you want your wardrobe to work harder through the changing seasons.
The cardigan you will keep reaching for
A cardigan is arguably the ultimate transitional fashion piece, and the Shimmer Ribbed V-Neck Cardigan from M&S is a particularly easy option. The £50 Per Una design has a regular fit, classic V-neckline and button-through front, making it simple to throw over a vest top or summer dress when temperatures dip.
It is made from a viscose and polyamide blend, which means it is that perfect inbetween layer for when you just want something to cover your arms and give you a bit of warmth, but not too much. It comes in an understated oyster shade so it will match well with most of your existing wardrobe items.
Plus, don’t forget that M&S Sparks members can earn £10 this Bank Holiday weekend (until Monday August 31), by spending on fashion so this is the ideal time to buy.
A floral dress that will work in September and beyond
Floral dresses might feel synonymous with summer, but the right print and fabric can make it useful well into autumn. Joe Browns' Falling Florals V-Neck Jersey Dress costs £50 and is made from a soft viscose and elastane jersey blend, giving it the kind of easy-to-wear feel that works for everyday dressing. Again, the material mix means it offers some warmth but not too much.
The three quarter sleeves are also a practical addition when it comes to transitional dressing. Wear it with sandals on the warmer days and then add a cardigan, ankle boots and tights if needed when temperatures start to fall.
The pretty top that works under layers
For days when a jumper is too much but a basic T-shirt feels too summery, the Esme Ribbed Jersey Henley With Frill Detail from Joe Browns offers a useful middle ground. Priced at £40, it combines ribbed jersey with a Henley-style neckline and frill detailing, giving a simple everyday top a more feminine finish.
It can be worn alone with jeans, trousers or even a skirt now, and then layered underneath a jacket, cardigan or coat as autumn properly arrives. It’s a wardrobe staple but elevated, and because of the neutral colour it will also be an easy piece to match with items you already own.
The cover-up layer that feels more autumn-ready
If you want a layer that feels a little more substantial for cooler days, but still works on warmer days too, M&S has the perfect balanced solution. Its £32 Cotton Blend Crochet-Style Collared Cardigan has an airy crochet-style stitch, breathable cotton-blend yarn, a neat collar and scalloped trims. So, it’s both pretty and practical and proves crochet doesn’t have to be left in summer.
It’s available in either neutral or chilli red, and is very easy to style. Throw it over a dress, wear it with jeans and a simple top or cami, or even button it up and wear it as a standalone layer.
Buying this now would also help you qualify for the M&S Bank Holiday weekend £10 Sparks reward.
The trousers that are made for inbetween days
White and ivory trousers aren’t just for summer and can actually be very versatile. La Redoute's Broderie Anglaise Straight Trousers, which are currently reduced from £67.99 to £33.99 at the time of writing, are made from 100% cotton, with a straight cut, mid-rise waist and elasticated back.
The broderie anglaise detailing keeps them feeling fresh for late summer, while their straight-leg shape makes them easy to transition into early autumn with a knit, cardigan or jacket.
The lightweight nature of the material means these trousers are made for those days when you need your legs covered but jeans feel too heavy, and the elastic in the waist will make for a comfortable close fit.
They are also available in black, giving you the option to choose the shade that best suits the rest of your wardrobe.
The jeans that bring a little glamour to everyday outfits
There are days later in autumn, of course, when jeans will be needed. But, that doesn’t have to automatically mean going for dark colours and dark denim. These ivory embellished kick flare jeans from Klass offer something different. They are currently £16 at the time of writing, reduced from £38, and are made from a cotton-mix stretch denim with front embellishment.
The kick-flare shape makes them an easy alternative to classic straight-leg jeans, while the ivory colour means they can still work with lighter tops and summer-inspired pieces. As autumn arrives, simply switch sandals for ankle boots and add a chunky knit or tailored jacket.
They are also available in a light blue denim if you would prefer a more classic jean look, while the added diamantes on the front pockets brings extra sparkle and means they can easily be dressed up or down.
The blouse that works from day to night
A pretty blouse is another useful way to transition your wardrobe without making everything feel instantly autumnal. The Nobody's Child Ria Blouse at Simply Be costs £44 and features white broderie fabric, textured detailing, a fitted waist and button-front fastening, with short puff sleeves adding to its feminine look.
It is pretty versatile day-to-night piece with a bit of substance thanks to the sleeves, and that makes it particularly useful at this time of year. Wear it with lightweight trousers or jeans while it is warm, then layer it underneath a cardigan or jacket once the temperature drops.
Why transitional dressing makes sense
The best transitional wardrobe is not about buying lots of new clothes for every season change. Instead, it is about choosing pieces that can be styled differently depending on what the weather does.
You can make the most of clothes you already own while adding a few carefully chosen pieces that will earn their place in your wardrobe, both season after season and year after year.
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