Living in the UK, there is simply no guessing what will happen when it comes to the weather, which means that those of us dressing for this climate are in a perpetual state of wearing in-between-season items.
Irrespective of the time of year, it can oscillate between grey clouds and blue skies in a heartbeat. So when the forecast changes in an instant, those of us who call this part of the world home have come to rely on a capsule wardrobe of transitional basics and classic fashion items that can be worn in a multitude of ways.
Typical British outlook is wet and dreary with intermittent bursts of warmth that we are seldom prepared for, so pieces that can be worn throughout the seasons are crucial when building a hard-working closet.
Ever since I started mindfully curating my own wardrobe, I honed in on key items that can be mixed and matched. That whittled down the cost-per-wear of my clothing significantly, and when it’s time for the seasonal switchover, these are some pieces that have permanent residence in my wardrobe.
A simple white shirt, for example, is one of those pieces, thanks to its ability to be completely reworked depending on the time of year. It can be made formal with tailoring or tucked into a miniskirt and worn with coloured trainers and jeans for an off-duty look. That same shirt can be knotted at the waist when teamed with a slip skirt or worn open over a pretty summer dress during warmer months.
I also consider some less typical pieces for transitional dressing—knit dresses, suede bags, studded belts and ballet flats are prime examples of this. Of course, it would be remiss for me not to mention the most obvious examples of in-between-season items. Namely, lightweight knitwear staples like cardigans and jumpers, both of which can be thrown on for enhanced thermal support while keeping you looking like you walked straight out The Row.
Below, I’ve chosen some of my favourite transitional pieces for the months ahead, including some trend favourites for 2025 that fit seamlessly into my pre-existing collection. Keep on reading to see the many ways you can style six transitional basics to serve you through autumn and beyond.
The 7 Best Transitional Basics of 2025
1. Knit Dress
Style Notes: Before summer dress season can commence, the knit dress is the versatile style to rely on to bridge the gap between now and then. While you may have styled with knee-high boots and hidden thermals for winter, as we're still in the throes of autumn, the addition of a chic trench coat will suffice in keeping you both warm and stylish.
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With heels or ballet flats, you'll wear this on repeat.
This looks so cosy.
Add a belt to bring some more waisted silhouette to your look.
The combination of the scoop neckline and polo collar will have you wearing this on repeat.
Winter whites are just so sumptuous.
2. Button-Down Shirts
Style Notes: The timeless button-down shirt is a fabulous component of a capsule wardrobe, purely because you can build so many looks around it. The addition of slouchy wide-leg trousers worn with pointed-toe boots is what makes this the perfect ensemble for cooler days in the city. It's the staple you'll wear all year, until you want to switch it out in favour of linen come summer.
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With Nothing Underneath craft forever shirts—and if the queues outside their stores are anything to go by, the styles are really future heirlooms.
A classic.
This colour is the perfect neutral shade for in-between seasons, making it the true definition of a best transitional basic.
The perfect blue.
A soft pinstripe detail can do so much to bring a new element to an outfit without adding an accessory.
3. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Whether you're combating puddles or scorching pavement, ballet flats are a shoe that can be appreciated all year round. Looking chic with really anything you throw together—a trait attributed to its French girl connections—they truly can be worn with every outfit, no matter the weather. So very Parisian.
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These are classic but so cute.
Le Monde Béryl will always be the destination for great flats. This leopard print pair excels at breaking up cardinal wardrobe items with a flourish of print and contrast.
Suede ballet flats are so chic, but perhaps don't opt for them if the forecast says rain unless you're well versed in how to clean suede shoes.
You don't often see this razor-sharp finish on these kinds of slippers. But when you do, they look incredibly expensive.
4. Wax Jacket
4. Country Jacket
Style Notes: Until we're fully in coat season—which, for the record, appears will begin in October and run all the way through till next February—I'll settle for a jacket. If you like the country styles that are doing the rounds, consider also opting for a wax version. The practical jacket with water-repellent material will even see you through the projected autumn and winter downpours.
The Whistles Fern jacket comes Who What Wear editor-approved.
This Nobody's Child iteration is selling out at breakneck speed.
Anything khaki will always be a suitable transitional basic, but this cord-collared style is exceptionally covetable.
Toteme always nails the brief.
This Dôen style looks incredibly premium with matching white jeans, as it does when layered over a white mini dress.
5. Cashmere Cardigan
Style Notes: The most humble of knits, all hail the classic cashmere cardigan. There to swaddle up in during peak winter and on-hand as a light layer come spring, I really like how this fashion content creator has made it work for evening with mini shorts and sky-high slingbacks—very Gucci Ancora coded.
Reformation's Clara cardigan is so classic, it comes in almost every colour.
Make like Alexa Chung and invest in a navy colour for an alternative to black.
This deep mustard hue is akin to the golden beige autumn colour trend spotted all over the recent runways.
A successor to the iconic Khaite Scarlet cardigan.
Try the red top trend and invest in this head-turning, traffic-stopping, blood-pumping shade.
6. Suede Skirt
Style Notes: While denim and linen are summer staples, suede is the transitional texture to rely on right now. Stick to a midi or maxi length and layer appropriately with boot or Mary Janes, depending on the forecast.
Suede skirts are such an underrated way to wear the textured trend.
Pencil skirts are such a sophisticated silhouette.
Suedette is a great, more affordable choice
Massimo Dutti is so strong right now.
I love the combination of the suede skirt and the check shirt—two classic pieces I always see on Londoners come autumn.
7. White T-Shirts
Style Notes: If I were to continue this edit without drawing your attention to one of the best transitional basics of all time—the white t-shirt—I fear I would be labelled negligent as a fashion writer. The ultimate blank canvas, consider this as the acme of in-between season items, allowing itself to be moulded to the whims of the weather with ease.
Shop the Look:
If there's one high-street purchase that we'll repurchase every time, it's the COS clean cut t-shirt.
Slightly boxy and just the slightest bit see-through, this Arket style comes very highly recommended.
Had to pass up & Other Stories when it comes to wardrobe basics.
The Margo t-shirt from Leset is the ultimate It girl staple, worn by everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Margot Robbie.
For the price of a coffee, I know what I'd rather be spending my money on...
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