I hate to say it, but summer is over. Yes, we’ll have sunny days here and there, but gone are those long balmy nights, the summer holiday anticipation, the joy of going outside in short-shorts and a vest top. But, before I finalise plans to hibernate 'til next spring, I’ve been trying to get hyped for autumn through the only way I know how: outfits. And you know what? It’s worked. It’s time to get excited for statement jackets, cosy cashmere and layering up without worry of getting too hot and bothered.
So, as we edge closer to autumn, the focus shifts from more trend-led items to pieces that promise longevity. Investing in key transitional clothes - like the perfect trench coat or a pair of stomper boots - ensures your wardrobe is ready for anything, whether that be an unpredictable British downpour or an outfit refresh. Whilst phrase 'capsule wardrobe' has become somewhat of a buzzword over the last couple of years, let it be your sartorial mantra, ensuring you're looking to those items already in your wardrobe you can bring out each season.
What is transitional dressing?
Before we can fully defrost the winter wardrobe, there’s that tricky little section of the year when it’s not cold enough for ‘The Big Coat’ but too chilly to go sans sleeves. When you can just get away with sandals, but you’ll need a woolly jumper on hand. Transitional dressing is a phrase you've probably heard before, but it basically refers to the art of dressing for the in-between seasons. It's about mastering the art of layering, and cleverly combining your summer favourites with autumnal essentials. Think jumpers over silk slip dresses, lightweight, tech-y anoraks and bare legs with boots.
If, like me, you’re also in need of some sartorial inspiration (seriously, my wardrobe is giving me nothing) I’ve been digging through my saved folder to find some outfits that perfectly nail the brief. Outfits that toe the line between hot and cold, seamlessly bridging the gap from summer to autumn. Let these looks be your transitional dressing blueprint. Take note...
The new double denim
By now, you'll have seen plenty of lacy little slips worn over jeans. For the cooler weather, double up on denim with an oversized trucker jacket thrown over your lace camisoles. Keep the sizing suitably slouched to avoid 'jeans and a nice top' territory and accessories to a minimum, simple black flip flops should do the trick.
www.levi.com
A classic for a reason. Size up your Levi's Trucker for a cool-girl oversized feel and don't be afraid to mix and match your washes for a 2025 take on double denim.
www.thereformation.com
The hunt for the perfect lace trim slip dress can be long, try Reformation's gothic take (available in 3 shades) or look to pre-loved sites and search out those vintage hidden gems.
www.net-a-porter.com
Agolde's sell-out low curve jeans might just be the perfect pair, with a mid-rise waist and perfectly sized wide leg fit, these are jeans to suit everyone.
www.havaianas-store.com
You can't beat a pair of Havaianas, try the new slim soles with slightly squared toe for a chic take on the classics. Wear yours with dresses, trousers and skirts right up until the autumn chill arrives.
The classic trench
As the temperatures dip, a trench coat is about to become your go-to layer. A timeless wardrobe staple, a trench perfectly blends practicality with sophistication, offering just the right amount of warmth for those crisp autumn days. Pair with your favourite summer dress and buckled ballet flats for an outfit that suits everything from strolls through the city to impromptu ice cream runs. When it comes to the humble trench coat, you won't need to worry too much as it basically goes with anything... win win!
www.marksandspencer.com
Don't retire your summer dresses just yet, instead, switch sandals for ballet flats and boots and throw on a jacket for an autumn/winter ready outfit.
www.cos.com
Ballet flats are ideal in-between-the-seasons footwear, keeping your toes covered but still summery enough for sunny days. Instead of your usual ballerina styles, look to Ganni's slightly squared pair with buckle hardware for a sartorial upgrade.
www.nobodyschild.com
A staple trench coat will soon earn it's keep, upgrade from plain beige and consider a check print collar to add a little extra detail.
The all-weather shorts
This absolutely perfect transitional outfit centres around the classic striped long sleeve top and knee length jorts. Whilst on first inspection, shorts of any kind are strictly reserved for the summer months, there's not reason why these can't work for autumn. Take note from the street style set and pair yours with long sleeved stripes, kitten heels and plenty of accessories. Not only a perennial print, stripes effortlessly infuse a touch of Parisian chic into any look. Plus, when the temperatures start to dip but it's not quite cold enough to dig out your turtleneck, a long sleeve tee will come to the rescue on countless occasions.
www.libertylondon.com
In the way Parisian's are very well accustomed to, you're going to want to dig out your striped shirt - immediately. Look to Paloma Wool's polo neck collared offering for an everyday item you'll wear on repeat.
shop.mango.com
Whilst technically described as culottes, these knee length denim shorts sit comfortably within the 'jorts' remit. Available in mid blue and off-white denim, these will seamlessly switch from summer to autumn by switching vest tops for long sleeves and knits.
shop.mango.com
All hail the kitten heel. Low enough to actually wear all day but still look polished and put together, a pair of pointed kitten heels - in go-with-everything black or white - will be your hero accessory for the season ahead.
The sweater and mini skirt
Whilst it doesn't seem cold enough to bring out your chunky jumpers just yet, it's in fact the perfect time to bring out fine knits. For the ultimate late summer early autumn combo, pair fine knit cashmere with ankle grazing or mid-calf length skirts for an outfit perfect for transitional season weather. The final flourish? A string of Carrie Brandshaw-esque pearls of course.
www.uniqlo.com
Fashions best kept secret? Uniqlo's cashmere collection. This 100% cashmere, classic crew neck is not only under £80 (a rare find these days) but is also available in 24 different shades.
www.libertylondon.com
Pastel shades are no longer reserved for summer only, instead bring sugary shades well into autumn. Toughen up pink ruffles with beaten up biker boots or pair with knitwear and heels for something a little more lady.
www.zara.com
Heeled flip flops remain one of the shoes of 2025, so why not match yours to your outfit? Zara's soft pink version do just the trick.
The statement coat
We're not saying to don your puffer jacket just yet, instead, look for outerwear that packs a punch. Polka dot coats, velvet jackets or even animal print dusters offer up ready-made outfits in 5 seconds flat, sounds ideal, right? Look for longline styles that hit below the knee that button up to the neck and pair with heeled mules on warmer days or knee high boots when temperatures drop. Sorted.
www.mytheresa.com
A statement coat is a true investment, something you'll come back to year on year. Rotate's zebra printed offering will see you through right until winter.
www2.hm.com
Consider black leather mules your new shoe-drobe staple working with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to tailored suits or mini dresses.
lespecs.co.uk
Come rain or shine, oversized shades are a fashion pack essential. Try boho tinted D'frames for a cool-girl twist on your usual.
How we selected these pieces
When curating these pieces I wanted to focus on versatility, quality and a timeless appeal. In short, it made the list if one item was able to transition from day to night, from casual to polished and most importantly, from the warmer months to the slightly cooler ones. The goal was to create five looks you can wear individually, but can also be layered and mixed together.
Main image credits: Getty
Julia Harvey has been Grazia’s shopping editor for four years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, interiors, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.