I’m Calling Time on Summer—7 Chic, Early-Autumn Staples I’m Wearing Now Instead

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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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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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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