Hands up if you love candles, open fires, blustery days, colourful leaves and getting cosy on the sofa with a blanket or two? Us, too. Autumn is officially here, and it’s bringing with it a whole new world of fashion possibilities.
But while we’re firmly ready for frosty mornings, at this time of year the days can still get quite warm - so how do you dress for the summer-to-winter period? It’s all about transitional fashion. The key is to choose flexible pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, so you can easily adapt your look during the day depending on what the weather decides to throw at you.
Neither overheating in the office nor shivering on the way home are good looks - so you need to choose autumn clothes carefully. We recommend looking for natural, breathable materials like cottons, linens or wool knits which will help to wick moisture away from your body if the temperature rises, but keep you warm on cooler evenings.
Autumn is a fantastic time to play with your fashion choices as there is so much versatility in a transitional wardrobe - so have fun with it! Choose unusual statement pieces to work around; play with bold, rich hues or why not try out some chic accessories to create a new look?
Read on for 9 ways to transition your wardrobe from summer with the best clothes to wear in autumn.
1. Layer like you've never layered before
Product Inspiration: Openwork Knitted Hoodie
The number one word when it comes to a transitional wardrobe is: layering. The nights might be drawing in but we can still have some beautifully warm days at this time of year, so planning outfits where you can easily put on or take off layers helps prevent sweats or shivers! Think lightweight knits, trench coats and silk scarves - pieces that you can adapt to suit the day.
2. Mid-length hems are your best friend
Product Inspiration: Textured Mid-Length Dress
Minis, tights and boots are an autumn staple, but mid-length hems are making a huge splash this autumn. We’re seeing them teamed with chic ankle boots and light jackets, adding seasonal updates to this more summery style. Alternatively, mid-length knitwear pieces are the perfect blend of cool and cosy and look great with bright white trainers and a denim jacket.
Minis, tights and boots are an autumn staple, but mid-length hems are making a huge splash this autumn. We’re seeing them teamed with chic ankle boots and light jackets, adding seasonal updates to this more summery style. Alternatively, mid-length knitwear pieces are the perfect blend of cool and cosy and look great with bright white trainers and a denim jacket.
3. Combine style with practicality with padded jackets
Product Inspiration: Light Quilted Padded Jacket
No longer confined to the wardrobe of the dog walker, padded jackets offer a unique combination of style and practicality. Lightweight and easy to fold down into a bag, they also offer plenty of warmth - perfect if you get caught out by a cool evening after a beautiful sunny day. A block-coloured jacket over a chic striped shirt and smart jeans gives Henley vibes to your daywear.
4. Sleeves have no limits
Product Inspiration: Recycled Mini Shift Dress with V-Neck and Long Puff Sleeves
Whether you like them long, flowing, embroidered, puff or short - sleeves are in for autumn. With an incredibly versatile accent, you can easily make them the statement of your outfit, keeping everything else super simple. A simple shift dress with puff sleeves, tights and ankle boots offer an autumnal take on a feminine style.
Whether you like them long, flowing, embroidered, puff or short - sleeves are in for autumn. With an incredibly versatile accent, you can easily make them the statement of your outfit, keeping everything else super simple. A simple shift dress with puff sleeves, tights and ankle boots offer an autumnal take on a feminine style.
5. Styling sweatshirts
Product Inspiration: Organic Cotton Hoodie
Everybody likes to be comfortable. Sweatshirts and hoodies are a go-to cosy item for many of us, particularly when working from home, but can you style them for the office? Autumn fashion lets us play with materials, so a super-soft hoodie teamed with a formal, structured blazer creates a cool, casual style. Finish with skinny jeans and loafers for the ultimate laid back seasonal workwear.
Everybody likes to be comfortable. Sweatshirts and hoodies are a go-to cosy item for many of us, particularly when working from home, but can you style them for the office? Autumn fashion lets us play with materials, so a super-soft hoodie teamed with a formal, structured blazer creates a cool, casual style. Finish with skinny jeans and loafers for the ultimate laid back seasonal workwear.
6. These boots are made for transitional dressing
Product Inspiration: Suede Knee-High Boots with Block Heel
Knee-high boots are never out of style at this time of year. Always popular for autumn/winter wardrobes, they can be worn with almost anything to add a touch of glamour. We’ve currently loved the ‘70s Boho vibe with flowing skirts and suede block heels, but the beauty of a boot is you can wear it a different way, every day.
Knee-high boots are never out of style at this time of year. Always popular for autumn/winter wardrobes, they can be worn with almost anything to add a touch of glamour. We’ve currently loved the ‘70s Boho vibe with flowing skirts and suede block heels, but the beauty of a boot is you can wear it a different way, every day.
7. Florals for every occasion
Product Inspiration: Floral Buttoned Midi Skirt
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favourite florals. Many floaty summer dresses can be easily adapted to suit the cooler weather. Choose your colour autumn clothes carefully - autumnal tones of rich darker hues, tans, yellows and warm orange hues look great when teamed with tights, but pastel hues can be more problematic.
Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you have to ditch your favourite florals. Many floaty summer dresses can be easily adapted to suit the cooler weather. Choose your colour autumn clothes carefully - autumnal tones of rich darker hues, tans, yellows and warm orange hues look great when teamed with tights, but pastel hues can be more problematic.
8. Tan tones are the epitome of the season
Product Inspiration: Suede Cropped Jacket with Press-Stud Fastening
Our favourite hue on the deep autumnal colour palette, tan is an incredibly versatile colour to wear. Go head-to-toe neutrals, focusing on different textures - or choose a statement piece such as a suede jacket to add warmth to any outfit.
Our favourite hue on the deep autumnal colour palette, tan is an incredibly versatile colour to wear. Go head-to-toe neutrals, focusing on different textures - or choose a statement piece such as a suede jacket to add warmth to any outfit.
9. You can never have enough hosiery
Product Inspiration: Body Touch 40 Denier Opaque Seamless Tights
Tights and stockings are our best friends as we move into the autumn. They can transform your favourite summer dress into a chic winter look in a matter of moments - and they’re super easy to pack into your handbag if the day starts off warm but cools off quickly. Opaque and sheer tights will give you a different look and feel, so choose your denier wisely.
Tights and stockings are our best friends as we move into the autumn. They can transform your favourite summer dress into a chic winter look in a matter of moments - and they’re super easy to pack into your handbag if the day starts off warm but cools off quickly. Opaque and sheer tights will give you a different look and feel, so choose your denier wisely.
Whether you’re all about embracing the cooler weather or you’re mourning the end of summer, putting together a transitional wardrobe couldn’t be easier.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find your perfect style - and remember: accessories can make all the difference. Invest in silk scarves, hats and lightweight gloves to add chic touches that’ll have you feeling warm and fashionable, whatever the weather.
If you enjoyed this guide, we have plenty more where that came from over our inspiration hub. If you aren't ready to jump into deep autumn colour palette yet, ease yourself some uber-cool neutral outfits by Julia May Morgan.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different looks until you find your perfect style - and remember: accessories can make all the difference. Invest in silk scarves, hats and lightweight gloves to add chic touches that’ll have you feeling warm and fashionable, whatever the weather.
If you enjoyed this guide, we have plenty more where that came from over our inspiration hub. If you aren't ready to jump into deep autumn colour palette yet, ease yourself some uber-cool neutral outfits by Julia May Morgan.
