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
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.
Shop shirts:
This brand always delivers high-quality shirting.
Made from weighty organic cotton, this hero buy will last in your wardrobe for a long time.
2. Trench Coat
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.
Shop trench coats:
& Other Stories releases this trench every year, it's that good.
3. Ballet Flats
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.
Shop ballet flats:
4. Blue Jeans
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.
Shop jeans:
There's a reason AGOLDE is on every fashion person's radar.
5. Relaxed Blazer
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.
Shop blazers:
6. Neutral Cardigan
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.
Shop cardigans:
Layer this under all your coats and jackets for extra protection from the elements.
7. Knitted Dress
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.
Shop knitted dresses:
A knitted dress with knee-high boots is an easy outfit win.
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.
-
Alexa Chung Just Wore the Cozy Jacket Trend Fashion People Are Styling With Miniskirts and Jeans This Fall
Bundle up.
By Natalie Munro
-
I'm 28, and My Mom Is 68—We Both Adore This $19 Elevated Wardrobe Basic From Amazon
You'll see why.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
It's Not You—It's Me: 5 New Trends I'm Politely Passing On
I'm shopping these instead.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I Just Went to NYC—This Was My 3-Day Capsule Travel Wardrobe
Versatile staples ahead.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
7 New Trends People Are Already Wearing in My Very Stylish NYC Neighborhood
All the cool kids.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Gen Z Figured Out Every 2024 Shoe Trend That Looks Better With Socks
From sneakers to heels.
By Natalie Cantell
-
Not Ready to Let Go of Your Favorite Shorts Just Yet? Try These 8 Chic Transitional Outfits
Inspiration from Toronto to Paris.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
From Cool Flats to Elegant Kitten Heels, These Are the 36 Best Boots on the Internet
From Mango, Reformation, Khaite, and more.
By Natalie Cantell