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There’s a very specific point towards the end of summer when I start getting excited about autumn dressing again. I’m not quite ready to give up my sandals and lighter layers, but I’m also beginning to eye up my favourite jeans, jackets and knitwear – and, frankly, looking for any excuse to wear them. The good news? You don’t have to wait until September to start incorporating those autumnal pieces into your wardrobe.
For me, the trick is finding outfits that strike the right balance between the two seasons: think lightweight jackets rather than heavy coats, loafers and ballet flats instead of boots, and knitwear that won’t leave you overheating when the sun inevitably makes an appearance. So, I’ve scoured the high street to find the outfits I’ll be wearing on repeat from now right through to autumn – and there’s not a skinny jean or chunky knit in sight.
John Lewis
John Lewis has absolutely nailed the kind of understated, polished outfit I want to be wearing as summer draws to a close. I’d start with these straight-leg jeans – the relaxed shape feels considerably fresher than anything too skinny, while the dark indigo wash makes them instantly feel a little more autumn-ready. Then I’d add the cream cotton top and that gorgeous drawcord-waist jacket, which is exactly the sort of lightweight layer I find myself reaching for constantly at this time of year.
The accessories are what really pull it together for me. A suede bag instantly gives the outfit that early-autumn feel without looking too heavy, while the off-white loafers keep it feeling light. It’s smart enough for the office but relaxed enough for a weekend coffee, which is basically my definition of a perfect transitional outfit.
M&S
If there’s one high-street brand I can always rely on for an outfit that looks far more expensive than it is, it’s M&S. This combination feels particularly good for that late-summer-to-autumn sweet spot. I love the contrast of the oversized striped shirt with those barrel-leg jeans – the proportions make what could otherwise be a fairly classic jeans-and-shirt outfit feel much more directional.
I’d wear the shirt slightly undone over a simple vest while it’s still warm, then layer the navy utility jacket over the top when temperatures start to drop. Add the brown leather loafers and matching belt and suddenly the whole thing feels very polished. The fact that the jacket is just £55 and the shirt is £20 makes this even more tempting.
H&M
H&M is making a strong case for tonal dressing this season, and this is exactly the sort of outfit I’d save for those cooler September days. Wide-leg trousers have become one of my favourite alternatives to jeans, and this pair looks effortlessly chic with the simple fine-knit T-shirt tucked in.
The clever bit, though, is the oversized V-neck jumper. I’d drape it over my shoulders while it’s still warm, then actually put it on once the temperature drops – meaning the outfit works whether we’re experiencing an Indian summer or the first proper chill of the season. Finish with suede ballet flats and that woven shopper and you’ve got the sort of understated outfit that looks like you’ve put in considerably more effort than you actually have.
Jigsaw
There’s something about Jigsaw that makes even the simplest wardrobe staples feel incredibly elegant, and this outfit is a perfect example. A trench coat is an obvious transitional hero, but I particularly love the softly structured A-line shape of this one. It feels classic without being predictable, and the stone shade will work with pretty much everything in my wardrobe.
Underneath, I’d keep things simple with the navy stand-collar shirt and straight-leg jeans, then let those red suede ballet flats do the talking. I’m always a fan of adding a little colour to an otherwise neutral outfit, and this is such an easy way to make a classic jeans-and-trench combination feel more fashion-forward. The navy bucket bag finishes it off without competing with the shoes.
Next
If you told me a few years ago that leopard-print denim would become one of my favourite transitional pieces, I’m not sure I would have believed you – but here we are. I love how Next has made the trend surprisingly easy to wear with this boxy denim jacket. Rather than going all-out with a head-to-toe print, I’d keep everything else pared back with the grey top and white barrel-leg jeans.
The chocolate-brown accessories are the finishing touch. The slouchy suede bag feels very autumnal, while the leather thong sandals stop the whole outfit from feeling too September-ish just yet. It’s the sort of look I’d wear on repeat during those final weeks of summer, then simply swap the sandals for loafers or ankle boots when the weather turns.
Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti is my go-to when I want that polished, minimalist look without feeling too corporate, and this outfit has all the ingredients. The high-neck trench is the hero here: it’s lightweight enough to wear now but has enough structure to instantly make a simple jeans-and-knit combination feel considered.
I’d keep the rest of the outfit tonal with wide-leg jeans and the short-sleeved alpaca-blend knit, which is exactly the kind of transitional knit I want in my wardrobe. It gives you a little more coverage than a T-shirt without committing to a full jumper. Finish with the bow-detail ballet flats and leather belt and you’ve got a look that feels polished, modern and, importantly, incredibly easy to recreate. It’s basically my dream late-August uniform.
