Is peak summer the ideal time to talk about autumn staples? Well, if you live in the UK, then the answer is yes. After sweating my way through multiple heatwaves, I've been more than ready to welcome back colder evenings. However, now that the skies have turned moody and temperatures have actually dipped, it turns out that my wardrobe isn't quite as well-prepared. Suddenly, my beloved linens feel a bit lacking, and that butter yellow sundress simply too optimistic. After a week of awkwardly layering boots under my summer dresses and throwing on lightweight knits that feel entirely too hot on the tube, I finally found a surprisingly stylish solution to my dilemma, courtesy of Damson Madder's new pre-fall collection, The Waiting Room.
Aptly titled as we wait for the seasonal whiplash to finally settle on a mood and temperature, the collection is packed with brilliant transseasonal pieces. Think argyle knits, preppy striped jumpers, workwear-inspired denim and flirty dresses in a muted palette that work just as well with a summer tan as they do under a trench. Basically, it's got everything you need to look and feel your best on a confusingly cold British summer day or a crisp September morning.
The new collection remixes Damson Madder's signature bright palette, playful details and flirty silhouettes for autumn with muted shades and slightly pared-back silhouettes. For fans of polka dots, the brand's new take on summer's It trend is rendered in brown and burgundy, across a shirred midi dress, a peplum-hem blouse and a knee-length skirt with a touch of ruffle detailing. Also on offer is a spotted trendy headscarf, perfect for summer holidays, that'll look brilliant for adding a splash of colour to your neutral winter wardrobe, too.
Of course, if you're looking to up your knitwear game, there's plenty of updated classics to choose from – whether you're after a more eclectic argyle vest, a sporty rugby shirt or a demure ruffled cardigan. If it's chic outerwear you're after, this collection has two superlative options – one reversible olive trench coat that's sure to be a viral hit the moment it drops, and a vintage wash denim jacket with a cinched waist that's a fun fashion-forward slant on a basic.
Rounding out the roster are a few roomy culottes and wide-leg jeansthat'll add volume to your tank tops and jumpers alike. There's even a striped capri if you're after a cool-girl staple. As for accessories, a couple of east-west bags in autumnal brown and olive shades make for the perfect finishing touch. A grown-up take on the whimsical Damson Madder signatures we've come to love, this collection has taken me by surprise. While I'm very tempted to add just about everything to my cart, a few pieces stand out above most. Chic, versatile, and simply wearable, shop our picks from Damson Madder's Pre-Fall collection below.
Shop: Damson Madder's New Pre-Fall Collection 2025
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It's no secret that Damson Madder's dresses are some of the best on the high street, and this shirred scoop neck midi will see you through sunny days and chillier September mornings with ease. Simply style with ballet flats and trainers right now before swapping in Chelsea boots and a woollen coat come autumn.
damsonmadder.com
On the hunt for a nice top to wear with jeans and skirts? How about this elegant satin number with all-over shirred detailing, ruffles along the neckline and a peplum waist. While the cherry red style is perfect for a pop of colour, we're also loving the spotted iteration.
damsonmadder.com
Dress it up with the matching blouse and kitten heels, or take cues from Gen Z It girls and pair it with a sleek white T-shirt, knee-high socks and loafers. Either way, the Octavia skirt is flowy, polished and trendy enough to feature heavily in your summer and autumn wardrobe.
damsonmadder.com
For a contemporary take on denim jackets, this workwear-inspired piece with a cinched waist and a chic vintage fade is an excellent layer. Pair with the brand's matching Drew jeans for a chic Canadian tuxedo.
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An eclectic lightweight layer will serve you well, whether worn solo with jeans or layered over a T-shirt and woollen trousers.
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The Mara Trouser is a standout piece that's sure to be a common sight on chic women across the city come autumn. Defined by a barrel-leg shape, the neutral trousers feature pleated details and folded pockets.
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The summer of sport is far from over, so why not invest in this preppy striped rugby jumper that'll pair well with maxi skirts right now and make for an effective layer when the temperatures dip?
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Is it too soon for a quilted coat? Perhaps, but given how the brand's chicest pieces have a way of selling out quickly, we'd suggest stocking up early to avoid the waitlist.
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Unless you're hauling your laptop to work, it's time to skip the large totes and invest in a sleeker bag for autumn. This striking bowler bag is still roomy enough for essentials.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/@katfromfinance
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commerce writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.