Coat and boot season is en route, but before the big chill arrives, you might want to pepper your wardrobe with some autumnal transeasonal additions. For this in-between season time, dressing can be a tricky balance; light summer dresses feel a little too optimistic, but big, burly coats are out of place. Instead, it’s about subtle tweaks, layering and introducing autumnal pieces that can gently nudge your wardrobe into the new season.
An easy-to-reach, nimble layering piece is the cardigan. Slipped under a blazer or worn instead of a jacket for slightly cooler days, it helps carry summer pieces forward rather than replacing them. Choose oversized ones with interesting buttons, or fine-gauge classic styles, whatever will work with your existing wardrobe.
Colour is a simple way of adding an autumnal feel without having to introduce heavy layers just yet. Burgundy returns this autumn, bringing depth, richness and versatility, and is decked out in everything from accessories, knits, coats and dresses. Similarly, autumnal-tinged plums and aubergines are embraced by designers Burberry, Saint Laurent, and Dries Van Noten. Dark chocolate brown is just as widespread as burgundy, showing up in sumptuous shades, slip dresses, and faux fur coats. For a fresh autumnal take, replace black with the sophisticated shade and wear head to toe.
Suede is another ideal fabric for the in-between time, and suitably, it’s all over the high street in various renditions. Softer and lighter than leather, it adds a textural richness to any outfit, without the weight of autumn’s heavier fabrics and can easily be worn now. Try a suede skirt styled with a T-shirt, a suede blazer over a summery dress or suede loafers styled with straight-leg jeans.
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It’s about time the midi had its moment again, and this season, designers Gucci, Chanel and Fendi are determined to put the skirt back in the spotlight. If you’re not ready to battle with opaques, a midi skirt offers just the right amount of balance – allowing for a flash of bare leg without leaving you shivering. Style with a ballet flat, court, or loafer, and occasionally switch to a knee-high boot in the winter.
Lace-trimmed slip skirts and dresses were one of the standout summer trends seen on the catwalks of Copenhagen and on show-goers. Easily adapted for autumn, they feel fresh and autumn-appropriate when teamed with cashmere, leather, or faux fur, as seen at Miu Miu.
Print is another way of refreshing transitional wardrobes. Animal print continues its reign, evolving from just leopard to zebra, snake, and tiger. But if you want to stick to the classic leopard, it comes very much catwalk-approved with No 21, Roberto Cavalli, Fendi, Khaite and Saint Laurent embracing the big cat print. Plaids and tartans are dominating this season, with the high street quick to echo the country-coded trend seen on the catwalks of Gucci, Burberry, and Victoria Beckham. Argyle and traditional check prints offer an easy nod to the new season, while heritage-inspired coats, whether it’s a check trench, barn jacket, or wax jacket, emerge as the perfect transeasonal topper.
Footwear is key in signalling the seasonal shift, but before the weather calls for heavy boots, transitional styles that can be easily adapted to your wardrobe are key. Ballet flats in interesting iterations, such as studs or prints, can be styled with everything from midi skirts to trousers and jeans. Loafers are less chunky, featuring driving or penny styles with ruching in suede, patent, chocolate brown or burgundy, making them a versatile option for work or weekend.
