The Transitional Edit: 7 Sophisticated Staples Fashion Editors Are Wearing On Repeat Right Now

We've hit that awkward time of year when trying to dress for the weather feels impossible. One day, it's like the height summer; the next, a biting chill makes layers a necessity. As I type, a thick fog is blocking my view from the window and I'm wrapped up in an Arket jumper. But earlier this week, I stepped out in a cotton sundress. Colour me confused.

With autumn just around the corner, it's tempting to dive straight into chunky knitwear and heavy coats, but the best way to ease into a new season is by assembling an entourage of transitional pieces. Think mid-weight jackets, versatile footwear and layering staples you can easily shed if the forecast changes. And before you start thinking about trends, make sure you have the foundations in place first, prioritising classic silhouettes and colour palettes you know you'll wear throughout autumn 2024 and beyond.

So, when you're building your between-season outfits, have the following seven items at the ready. Armed with these building-block pieces, looking on-point for the tricky transition will be simpler than ever.

SHOP THE BEST TRANSITIONAL PIECES, ACCORDING TO FASHION EDITORS:

1. Crisp Cotton Shirt

Transitional autumn fashion items: @symphonyofsilk wears a white cotton shirt

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: This one is easy, because we consider a simple cotton shirt to be a year-round staple. For autumn, try styling a crisp button-down under knitwear or your jacket of choice, tucked into anything from a mini skirt to wide-leg jeans.

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2. Trench Coat

Transitional autumn fashion items: @amaka.hamelijnck wears a trench coat

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: If you haven't already added a trench coat to your repertoire, now is the perfect time. This versatile layer will seamlessly carry you into the cooler season, giving all your outfits a touch of Parisian elegance.

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3. Ballet Flats

Transitional autumn fashion items: @brittanybathgate wears ballet flats

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: You might need to wear your ballet flats with socks once the temperature drops, but they're an effortless option for the transitional period. I think we can all agree this pretty style has solidified itself as an essential shoe.

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4. Blue Jeans

Transitional autumn fashion items: @theannaedit wears blue jeans

(Image credit: @theannaedit)

Style Notes: As shorts season draws to a close, we're back to relying on our fail-safe jeans day in, day out. Refresh your collection with some of the timeless iterations hitting new-in sections this month.

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5. Relaxed Blazer

Transitional autumn fashion items: @taffymsipa wears a black blazer

(Image credit: @taffymsipa)

Style Notes: Instead of bee-lining to bulky layers, use a streamlined layer to smarten up your cosy looks. A style with wool in the composition is a clever choice if you're sensitive to the cold.

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6. Neutral Cardigan

Transitional autumn fashion items: @claudia_berresford wears a grey cardigan

(Image credit: @claudia_berresford)

Style Notes: Celebrate the return of sweater weather with a knitwear refresh, starting with a comfy cardigan in a neutral hue that you can toss on over everything.

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7. Knitted Dress

Transitional autumn fashion items: @annacascarina wears a knitted dress

(Image credit: @annacascarina)

Style Notes: Do anyone else's energy levels drop off come autumn? As a self-confessed lazy dresser, I'll be reaching for my favourite knitted dresses to look polished with minimal effort.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.