Transitional Outfits We're Loving Right Now

The pieces making that awkward in-between weather a little easier to dress for.

There comes a point every autumn when getting dressed becomes a bit of a guessing game. It's chilly when you leave the house, surprisingly warm by lunchtime, and by the time you're heading home, you're wishing you'd brought a proper coat. October has a habit of doing that.

It's also one of our favourite times of year for getting dressed. Summer clothes haven't quite disappeared, winter layers are slowly making their way back into rotation, and there's plenty of room to experiment with what you already own.

The trick is finding outfits that can handle a change in temperature without requiring a complete wardrobe change halfway through the day.

Here are a few combinations we're particularly drawn to at the moment.

1. The Trench Coat and Everyday Denim

A good trench coat earns its place in the wardrobe around this time of year. It's light enough to throw over a T-shirt on a mild afternoon but offers an extra layer when the temperature drops.

We particularly like the slightly relaxed look of a trench worn open over straight-leg jeans and a simple top. Add trainers and you've got an outfit that works for a coffee run, a day in town or a weekend away.

There's no need to keep everything perfectly coordinated, either. A burgundy cap or a colourful scarf can make an otherwise simple outfit feel more interesting.

The combination: A cotton trench coat, straight-leg denim, a white T-shirt and retro trainers.

2. Wide-Leg Trousers and a Relaxed Knit

Some days, jeans simply aren't appealing.

That's where a comfortable pair of wide-leg trousers comes in. We've been particularly drawn to soft jersey styles that feel easy to wear but still look smart enough for heading out.

Pair them with a fine-knit jumper, tucked slightly at the front, and finish with trainers or loafers.

Navy and cream is a combination we keep coming back to. It feels fresh without being too summery, and it works beautifully with burgundy, chocolate brown or a little pale blue.

For those days when you're working from a café, meeting a friend or spending several hours out of the house, this is the sort of outfit you'll be glad you chose.

The combination: Navy wide-leg trousers, a cream knit, loafers and a roomy tote.

3. The Hoodie Under a Tailored Coat

We love the contrast of something relaxed worn with something a little smarter.

A hoodie layered under a wool coat is a good example. It's comfortable and practical, but the coat gives the whole outfit a more polished finish.

The key is keeping the shapes fairly relaxed. A slightly oversized coat works better over a hoodie than anything too fitted, while straight-leg trousers or loose denim balance everything out.

A navy hoodie under a charcoal coat looks particularly good, although we're equally fond of maroon with dark denim.

This is an easy one to wear on colder mornings when you want to feel warm without looking as though you've already committed to your full winter wardrobe.

The combination: An embroidered hoodie, tailored coat, loose jeans and everyday trainers.

4. The Shirt, Knit and Relaxed Trousers

There's something about a shirt worn beneath a jumper that always looks good at this time of year.

Perhaps it's the slightly preppy influence, or the fact that it's such an easy way to add warmth without reaching for a heavy coat.

We're liking oversized cotton shirts layered beneath crew-neck knits, with the collar and cuffs showing. A little bit of the shirt hem peeking out works well, too.

Wear it with relaxed trousers and flat shoes, or swap the trousers for jeans if you prefer.

And don't worry about making everything look too neat. A slightly untucked shirt and pushed-up sleeves can make the outfit feel much more natural.

The combination: A striped shirt, crew-neck jumper, relaxed trousers and loafers.

5. A Simple T-Shirt, Cardigan and Statement Scarf

Not every transitional outfit needs a coat.

On milder days, a cardigan is often enough, particularly when you're spending time moving between indoors and outdoors.

A plain T-shirt underneath keeps things uncomplicated, while a scarf adds some texture and colour.

We've been seeing more triangular knitted scarves lately, and we can understand the appeal. They're easy to wear, less bulky than a traditional winter scarf and look particularly good with simple knitwear.

A striped scarf over a dark cardigan is an easy way to make an outfit feel a little more put together.

Finish with your favourite jeans and a pair of trainers. Nothing complicated.

The combination: A plain T-shirt, soft cardigan, knitted triangle scarf and denim.

6. The Matching Colours We Keep Coming Back To

One of the easiest ways to make transitional dressing feel effortless is to find a few colours that work well together.

We're particularly enjoying deeper shades at the moment, especially when they're mixed with lighter pieces that haven't been packed away since summer.

Some combinations we're drawn to:

• Burgundy and pale blue: A lovely contrast, particularly with denim.

• Navy and cream: Easy to wear and always looks fresh.

• Chocolate brown and soft pink: A slightly unexpected pairing that works beautifully in knitwear.

• Olive green and off-white: Particularly good with casual trousers and cotton layers.

• Charcoal and burgundy: Ideal for hoodies, coats and everyday accessories.

Of course, there's no reason to abandon brighter colours simply because the days are getting shorter. If you love wearing red, yellow or cobalt blue, keep wearing them.

Autumn doesn't have to mean dressing entirely in brown.

Making More of What You Already Own

Before buying anything new for the season, it's worth having another look through your wardrobe.

That shirt you wore constantly in summer might work beneath a jumper. A favourite T-shirt could look completely different with a tailored coat. Even a lightweight dress can carry on into autumn with boots and a cardigan.

Try putting together a few outfits using pieces you wouldn't normally wear together. Sometimes the combinations that work best are the ones you haven't thought of before.

And when you do find something missing, choose a piece you'll genuinely get plenty of wear from rather than buying it for one particular outfit.

A good coat, comfortable trousers or a pair of shoes that works with most of your wardrobe will probably do more for your everyday style than another item that spends most of its time on a hanger.

Dressing for the Season You're Actually In

Perhaps that's what we enjoy most about transitional dressing. There's no need to pack one wardrobe away and start an entirely new one. You can keep wearing the things you enjoyed over summer, bring back a few old favourites and gradually add layers as the weather changes.

Some mornings will call for a wool coat. Others might be perfectly comfortable in a T-shirt and cardigan.

And if the weather changes its mind halfway through the day? At least you've got options.

Explore The Style Edit for more of the everyday pieces we're drawn to this season, from easy layers and accessories to wardrobe favourites worth wearing on repeat.