Nathaniel Fried
We all know the time has come for trans-seasonal dressing when you glance out of the window in the morning and think ‘I have no idea what the weather is going to do today’. You might end up drenched by an unexpected shower or shivering in a brisk breeze – or, equally, find yourself quietly sweltering whilst muttering about it being unseasonably hot.
Yes, unless you are a devoted follower of fashion (in which case, you are likely to wear next season’s clothes the second it is feasibly possible, regardless of the weather), you feel trans-seasonal dressing rather than scheduling it into your sartorial calendar.
It is that tricky period between seasons when you’re in denial about the need for big jumpers and coats. You want to extend the wearability of your summer wardrobe, but – let’s be frank – you also crave the thrill of the new. Here’s how to marry the two.
“Trans-seasonal dressing is something even fashion editors find tricky to pull off – and we get a lot of practice in the UK,” says Lucy Walker, a freelance stylist and fashion editor, who has worked for Vogue, Marie Claire and Glamour. “The secret is light layers – there’s nothing worse than dragging a bulky coat around town when the sun suddenly comes out.”
Devising a trans-seasonal cheat sheet will make getting dressed in the morning so much easier – simply throw on the pieces that work and go. Mix summery favourites with winter staples: a cashmere roll neck jumper with the Soleste Dress; the Anneli Check Bomber over a fine knit and leather leggings; with an oversized scarf tucked into your bag for those chilly evenings.
This is also the time of year when you want to strike a style note that resonates with the coming season, rather than the one just gone. So, when the day for a coat does come, make it a statement piece like the Ronnie Faux Fur Coat – bold, practical, a cover-up to take you from office to party – pair with an all-black outfit for an easy stand out look.
Too much, too soon? Then the easiest way to achieve trans-seasonal satisfaction is via the power of the midi skirt. The Esme Velour or Marina Skirts have all the throw-on ease of summer dressing, but with the trans-seasonal-versatility to add layers and tights. Happy days.
Wear your skirts with trainers and bare legs on warmer days; swap for low-heeled, easy-to-wear boots and a Faux-Fur or Leather Jacket as the frost comes. Accessories are an often-overlooked instant refresh: the Selby Slouch boots can add instant 70s appeal to any outfit and the Clarisse Velvet Bag is the winter equivalent of your straw saddle bag. Pieces to take you from early autumn all the way into depths of winter; not just trans-seasonal, but multi-seasonal – now that’s clever dressing.
