How to Dress for Transitional Weather - Layering Between Summer and Autumn
We are now in that short period of the year when summer is slowly coming to an end, but it’s not quite autumn yet. Mornings and evenings can be cool, but during the day temperatures can still get high, so getting dressed can become a little complicated if you don't choose the right layers. The point is to create an outfit that works during the day and can easily be adjusted as the temperature changes.
For me, this means wearing a shirt as the main layer, because compared to a t-shirt, you can button it up in the morning when it’s cooler, open an extra button or two when it gets warmer, and then simply add another lightweight layer when needed. Popover Shirt is a great option as well.
Another very important thing is to choose lighter, more breathable fabrics. Linen-cotton blends and chambray, but also brushed cotton, oxford cloth button-downs and lightweight denim shirts all work really well, so you should still be perfectly fine wearing your summer shirts for a few more weeks.
A lightweight sportcoat is probably one of the easiest options, especially if you prefer a more elegant look. I particularly like unstructured or lightly constructed sportcoats during this time of year, as they give you some extra warmth in the morning without feeling too heavy once the temperature rises. A navy, beige, brown or olive are all options that work really well with jeans, chinos or tailored trousers.
Red Houndstooth Double Breasted Sportcoat, Washed Denim Button-Down Shirt and Ecru Jeans
Beige Houndstooth Sportcoat, White Knitted T-Shirt, Washed Blue Jeans
This is also probably the best time of year for lightweight casual jackets. A denim jacket or jungle jacket are my favourite casual options if you want something relaxed that still works well with tailoring. A chore coat or an overshirt in the right fabric can also work really well. And don’t forget about lightweight padded vests.
Another option is light knitwear, and this is the perfect period for cotton or linen knitwear. But a sweater might not be as practical when you know you will have to take it off during the day, so I prefer anything that you can simply unbutton.
The same principle applies to trousers. There is no need to immediately switch from summer trousers to heavy autumn fabrics just because the season has changed. This is perfect time for ecru and washed blue denim, chinos, and lightweight wool trousers and cotton trousers. Linen and linen-blend trousers can still work really well at this time of year, especially on warmer days.
Jungle Jacket, Pink Popover, Ecru Jeans, Dark Brown Suede Penny Loafers
Green Padded Vest, Washed Denim Western Shirt, Ecru Jeans
We can also start moving away from the lighter tones of summer. With navy, olive, brown, and indigo denim we naturally create a more autumnal feeling without making the outfit feel like it’s already November. As the temperatures gradually drop, we can also start introducing heavier fabrics and textures, but there is no need to make the transition all at once.
The shoes are probably the easier piece to navigate during that season and suede loafers remain one of my favourite options. They work perfectly through all seasons, and brown suede in particular works with almost everything during this period. On warmer days you can still choose boat shoes, canvas sneakers or slippers as their days are numbered now, and soon you will have to put them away for a couple of months.
Derbies and other casual lace-up shoes are another natural choice, especially with denim, chinos and heavier cotton trousers. They should also be enough when there’s light rain. But when the first heavy rain of the season arrives, it might be time to take out the boots.
Probably the most important thing about transitional weather to keep in mind is that you aren't dressing for one temperature. You might leave home at 7-8am when it feels distinctly cool, spend the afternoon walking around in 25°C or more, and then need another layer again in the evening. That's why the right layers matter more than just warm clothes. Think about it this way: every layer has a purpose.
Beige Houndstooth Sportcoat, White OCBD with Yellow Tie, and Off-White Pleated Trousers
Navy Blazer, Washed Denim Wester Shirt, Washed Blue Jeans
The goal is to have a wardrobe where you don’t have to choose between summer and autumn, because it gives you enough options to move between the two throughout the day.
So you don't need to put away your summer wardrobe overnight, and immediately reach for your heaviest autumn pieces. With the right combination of shirts, lightweight layers, versatile trousers and footwear, you can keep wearing many of your favourite pieces while gradually adapting to the changing weather.
The transitional season is also a good time to start thinking about the autumn essentials that will take your wardrobe into the cooler months.
related articles
Simple layering ideas for those days when mornings are cool but afternoons are still warm. From shirts and lightweight jackets to denim, trousers and footwear, here’s how to make the transition without giving up your summer wardrobe too soon.