I'm beginning to notice that slightly confusing moment in the morning when you leave the house and realise it's not quite as warm as you expected. The weather might still be telling us that summer isn't over, but the slightly cloudy mornings, cooler evenings and first signs of September are making me think twice about what I'm wearing. Suddenly, the lightweight outfit that seemed like an obvious choice yesterday feels like it needs a jacket thrown over it, and I'm starting to leave the house with an extra layer just in case. With September only a few short weeks away, I'm taking it as a sign to start thinking about the pieces that will see me through this in-between period. I'm not ready to pack away my summer wardrobe, but I am ready for a few additions that make the transition feel a little easier.
H&M's new-season collection has arrived at just the right time, with a selection of everyday pieces that feel suited to this point in the year. Alongside its latest denim, there are knitwear, outerwear and overall wardrobe staples that can be worked into the outfits I'm already wearing and carried through as the weather changes. It feels less like a reason to start your autumn wardrobe from scratch and more like a chance to pick up a few things that will make what you already own work a little harder.
Denim naturally plays a part, particularly because it's one of those categories that can work across almost any season. H&M's latest styles include everyday options, like barrel-leg, alongside pieces with a little more impact; think flares, but what stands out is how easy they are to work into different outfits. Jeans can be worn with lighter summer pieces now, then paired with knitwear and layers as the temperature drops. It's the sort of piece that doesn't need much explaining, but always seems to come in useful when the weather is doing its usual unpredictable thing.
The same goes for the wider collection, which brings together the layers I'm starting to look for now without feeling too autumnal too soon. Lightweight knitwear, jackets and outerwear can all be introduced gradually, whether that means wearing a knit over a T-shirt, adding a jacket to a summer dress or switching up your shoes to make an existing outfit feel more suited to the season ahead. I tend to find that these small changes make more sense than trying to dress for autumn all at once. There's plenty of time for heavier layers later; for now, it's about finding that middle ground.
For the next few weeks, I'll be following this approach as the weather inevitably changes: adding a layer when I need one, taking it off when I don't and making the most of that brief window when summer and autumn wardrobes can happily coexist. To help me on my way, I've narrowed down some pieces below—hopefully they do the same for you too.
Shop My Favourite Transitional Pieces from H&M:
This went into my basket so fast.
This skirt paired with a thick cashmere knit is just fab.
These mules work for now and later in the season.
Darker-wash denim is an easy way to transition into the colder months.
Blazer season is upon us.
If you take one wardrobe tip from me, let it be to invest in great bodysuits for layering.
These shorts, worn with ribbed socks and brown loafers, are just an autumn dream.
A classic.
Another great pair of jeans I've got in my basket.
You need good layering basics, and H&M does them so well.
These could work now with a ribbed tank and later with a thicker shirt and bomber jacket.
Such a trendy piece right now.
Barrel-leg jeans are a Who What Wear fave, so I know these won't be around for long.
I'm a sucker for anything preppy.
The perfect coat for when it's still warm.
I know what I'll be adding to my new-season office looks.
Just imagine these with an oversized blazer and penny loafers.
Yes to this whole look.
You can never have too many cardigans for sweater weather.
