In the UK, unlike the rest of the summer, the weather has been kind to us with a warm gentle sun, shining down on the turning leaves. So it feels like summer, but the days are drawing in, the term has started, and the shops are already full of the new season’s bounty. So it was time, I could not put it off any longer, time to style some transitional outfits.
I actually found this task quite daunting. I had a lot already in my wardrobe and a head full of potential ideas and combinations. However I decided to start by assembling items on my stand alone clothes rail that would fit with the following key pieces of transitional dressing wisdom.
Transitional dressing pointers
- Add a third layer – for example a jacket, gilet or shirt
- Introduce darker more autumnal tones and more autumnal textures like leather and suede
- Keep something of summer – like sandals, or a sleeveless top, and of course sunglasses
- Start to experiment with the new season’s trends
Once I had put together items in the following categories – shoes, bags, sunglasses, tops, skirts, trousers and jackets – I selected a key piece I definitely wanted to wear and built up an outfit around it. I also wanted each look to be unique, for example not a combination I had tried before, and therefore genuinely shopping my own wardrobe.
Finally I tried out some alternative ways of styling the same piece, using a different jacket, shoes or sunglasses for example. Here are the nine outfit combinations I came up with, all of which are suitable for a day out in the Autumn sun, or warmer cloudier days.
Outfit 1: Silk blouse, jeans and wedges
For this look I started with the blouse and built out. This is a silk blouse from a local charity shop. The brown tones are autumn appropriate and I’ve styled it over a basic cream cami with an open neck to make it more summery. The leather wedges are also a nod to both Autumn and Summer with their brown tones but open toes. Similarly although the jeans are dark wash I have turned them up at the bottom to retain a vestige of Summer. I did not follow any of the specific new Autumn trends for this outfit but I would say this look is going strong for Fall 2021-22, given the number of pieces easily available to re-create this look, see below.
Get this look
None of these items are new to me so these specific pieces are not available.
- However Monsoon have a lovely dark chocolate brown blouse that would be great for Autumn, or try this wrap top from Ted Baker with a tiger nestling at the waist.
- The jeans are a very old pair from H and M, and I actually chopped off some of the hem before I turned them up. If you wanted a very similar look then River Island have this pair. Otherwise maybe consider customising some of your own!
- The wedges have a bit of a story to them as I actually unearthed them from a charity bag, that had been languishing during lock down. I think I had decided they were not comfortable but actually they are great. For a similar look Jones the Bootmaker have a great looking pair, and UGG have a few very similar styles including this one.
Outfit 2: This season’s green blouse and dark denim midi skirt
Vibrant green is going to be big this Autumn, so I was drawn to style this blouse I’ve had in my wardrobe for ages with this vintagey denim skirt which is also on trend now. I tend to steer towards gold-toned accessories as they suit my skin tone better. However for this outfit silver just felt right, and I am happy with way the silver sandals and silver detailing on the mini rucksack work with the green blouse and deep blue skirt. As the sandals are low heeled they dress up the outfit a little but still keep it daytime appropriate – this would be something great to wear for lunch out for example.
Get this look
Again I’ve had all these items for a while. The bag and sandals are last season and the other items older. The bag is from Steve Madden via Asos, the sandals were H & M, and the skirt was a birthday present from my son two years ago from Amazon 🙂
- Green blouse – Zara have one currently available if you like a looser fit, there is also a nice one on Mango. If you like my collarless style then there is a very similar one on Light in a Box
- Dark denim skirt – this one from Monsoon has a very vintage vibe, its a longer and looser fit than mine. I also like this version from Warehouse.
- SIlver Sandals – This pair from Hush with a block heel are lovely, are these from the Outnet. For a wider fit
JD Williams have a well priced pair. - Mini backpack – for a similar look with silver detailing this one from Shoeaholics is very nice, or this one from Amazon with multi way straps could work well.
Outfit 3: Brown Suede jacket and mid-blue split denim skirt
For this classic outfit I started with the skirt. I got this from Top Shop a couple of years ago but somehow could not make it work. However I think the longer length and split front detail for add interest make it ideal as an autumn transitional outfit. Here I’ve paired it with a soft brown suede jacket, dark green vest and brown leather accessories. Using these textures and tones makes the outfit autumn appropriate and the jacket adds just the the right amount of warmth for a cloudier day.
Get this look
- Suede Jacket – For a very similar look this investment piece by Madeleine looks very nice. I also love the look of the detailing on this cheaper option that is also real suede on La Redoute. French Connection also have a great fitted faux suede jacket in tan which would be very versatile for Autumn dressing.
- Denim Skirt – M & Co have a slightly longer split front version I really like the look of. Or try this one from Oliver Bonas.
- Wedge Sandals – Also as above – for a similar look Jones the Bootmaker have a great looking pair, and UGG have a few very similar styles including this one.
- Bag – I really do have a thing for my Coach bag (on sale here), and Coach bags generally which I think are very well priced for the quality. Its works all year round, goes with everything and still looks good as new after using it a lot for two years.
Outfit4: Pleated black midi skirt with black leather jacket, and khaki touches
This look was partly inspired by Pinterest, plus I’ve seen lots of bloggers talking about the pleated midi skirt and tshirt combination which has become a bit of a modern classic. Here I have teamed a black skirt, with a khaki t shirt, and leather jacket. I’ve kept a touch of summer in play by wearing, flat sandals/canvas shoes, and also a black raffia style belt. I also tried the fashionista trick of wearing the jacket draped over the shoulders – which I think looks quite chic:) I have also added a simple gold pendant necklace and big sunglasses of course for some added interest.
Get this look
I already had all these items in my wardrobe, but here are some alternatives.
- Pleated midi skirt – This one is from Asos where I got mine. It looks very similar to mine, but perhaps even a bit nicer.
- Khaki T shirt – try this one from Warehouse, its organic cotton and is a fitted style like mine.
- Leather jacket – Black leather jackets are of course ubiquitous, (I think I got mine in the 90’s) and many faux options are available. If you don’t want real leather – this one from Angel jackets would give a similar look. I also spotted this on trend quilted one (quilting is big for Autumn 2021) from M & Co
Outfit 5: Loose fit jeans, coral jacket and a knitted top
For this outfit I started with the idea of combining these wide leg jeans, which I bought while we were down on a late summer break in Devon, with this coral/tan coloured jacket I’ve had two or three years but not got much wear out of. Wide leg jeans are very in this Autumn, as are knitted items like this vest from Primark. To make sure it did not look too summery I added a pair of kitten heeled snake print boots that I’ve had in my wardrobe for a while. Of all the outfits I put together I was pleasantly surprised with how well this one came out. It would be great to wear it for a pub lunch for example whether in the countryside or town.
Get this look
- Jacket – My blazer from H and M is a slightly unusual colour – try this one sale at Otrium, Zara have a collarless one at a fairly reasonable price (these two are a little brighter than mine) or for one which is a bit more of a browner Autumnal tone, Zalando have a nice looking one.
- Knitted Vest top – this one from River Island in both white and gold is now on my wish list. I also like this one from Abercrombie and Fitch.
- Jeans – these are by Roxy, which specialises in surf and snowboard wear, so I guess that’s why I found it at the seaside. I could not find the style I bought, but these ones are a bit similar. I also found these on Levi’s which you could also roll up like I have.
- Boots – These ones from LightintheBox are very similar (though I can’t vouch for the quality). These ones with a block heel are from Steve Madden and a great bargain from TK Maxx.
Outfit 6: Double denim : loose fit jeans and denim waistcoat
Double denim is back so they say. So that’s fine with me, I’ve always liked it. Perhaps there is a bit of the cow-girl (lady) in me – lol. So vests/waistcoats/gilets or whatever you call them are also in – plus the wide legged jeans, makes this outfit definitely on trend. You could probably wear his for a warmer summer day, but with its peep toe, faux suede, khaki, low-heeled mules (can we have any more adjectives?!) – I think its definitely Autumn appropriate too.
Get this look
- Denim Waistcoat – I found this one from River Island. I also like the look of this more fitted one from H & M, in this case described as a gilet!
- Loose fit Jeans – as above (These ones are a bit similar. I also found these on Levi’s which you could also roll up like I have.)
- Khaki mule boots – similar ones were hard to find online – however this pair from Banana Republic are a very similar style but available in nude or black rather than Khaki. If you want them in Khaki then ebay is probably the best option. Though I did find these cool perforated ones in three Autumnal colours on Blunts Shoes which would give the same feel.
Outfit 7: Classic leather jacket and jeans with an Autumn vibe
This is a very classic outfit. But sometimes keeping things simple is exactly what is needed. This is the kind of thing I would put together when I was in a more minimal mood, and wanted to dress more classically rather than adding drama. You could easily transition this look into the winter months by adding a long sleeve top, jumper and closed toe ankle boots.
Get this look
- Jacket (as above) this one from Angel jackets would give a similar look. I also spotted this on trend quilted one (quilting is big for Autumn 2021) from M & Co
- Jeans (as above)These ones are a bit similar. I also found these on Levi’s which you could also roll up like I have.)
- Boots (as above) This pair from Banana Republic are a very similar style but available in nude or black rather than Khaki. If you want them in Khaki then ebay is probably the best option. Though I did find these perforated ones in three Autumnal colours on Blunts Shoes which would give the same feel.
Outfit 8: Head to toe khaki
For this outfit, I wanted to try for a pretty much monochrome outfit with some other touches. I chose to go for more summery light weight fabrics but in Autumn tones. I’ve not tried this look with canvas shoes before, I am a bit wary generally or pairing things with trainers as I don’t feel it suits me that much. However I think it works quite well here and gives quite a relaxed vibe. I am also wearing one of my favourite wardrobe staples which is a shrug/cropped cardigan. I really like these for covering the upper arms and adding some warmth without weight. I have just bought a few more of these from Amazon. I wear them almost every day when I don’t need a full cardigan or coat. It also means you can keep summer tops and styles, like this one shoulder one, going a bit longer.
Get this look
- Top – Brand Alley have this very similar Reiss one on sale.
- Shrug – Mine is from Amazon and available in lots of different colours
- Trousers – these ones from Zara would give a similar look
- Canvas shoes – Superdry have this pair available
- Tan Bucket Bag – Try this affordable faux leather version from Amazon, or push the boat out with this very smart one from Coach
Outfit 9: Khaki trousers with flowey jacket
For this outfit I have swapped out the shoes and added a jacket. This makes the outfit a bit more formal but still has a similar relaxed Autumnal vibe. One of the best things about this is that its so comfortable. Both the jacket and trousers are soft and loose.
Get this look
- Top – Brand Alley have this very similar one, as above
- Trousers – these ones from Zara would give a similar look, as above
- Jacket – try this one from Dorothy Perkins, or for a longer line option, this one from Ambrose Perkins looks great.
- Snake Mules – For a flat option then Tu Clothing have these nice pair with a gold detailing. Or Charles and Keith have a kitten heel or higher open toe option giving a similar feel.
- Bag – from Coach bag (on sale here) as above
That is the end of my transitional look book. I hope you enjoyed it and got a bit of inspiration for how you might style some items already in your wardrobe or perhaps invest in some new pieces.
