It might be deceptively warm outside, but the sudden bursts of rain and storms on the horizon are a sure sign that autumn is on its way, and with it comes a whole new way to dress. While we spent the last few months trying to get away with as little fabric as is socially acceptable, now is the time to think about layering up, and controversially, I'm looking forward to it.
Autumnal dressing is all about getting creative. It's less about temperature control as it is in summer and winter, and with a fresh collection landing in shops, it's the best time to refresh your wardrobe and introduce the colours and textures that make the most of the season ahead.
Having said that, there's no need to throw away all of your warm-weather pieces and start from scratch. With a handful of clever purchases, you can build a mix-and-match capsule wardrobe that will see you through the next season and still weave in what you already own, and my starting point for the best transitional pieces on the market is Arket.
You can always rely on Arket for well-made basics and minimalist chic, the perfect foundations for a tastefully curated wardrobe that will never go out of style. So to help you streamline your go-to looks and focus on the essentials, I've searched the new-in section to put together an edit of pieces that are all you'll need for the season ahead.
1. WORK-TO-WEEKEND DRESSES
If 85% of your summer wardrobe was dresses, rather than relegate them to the back of the closet for another year, wear them for evening with strappy sandals, or layer them up with a long-sleeve top for weekend duties. Now is also the perfect time to invest in a heavier knit option for when the chillier months roll around.
If only every dress I owned were as easy as this. Wear with a blazer for work, with chunky sandals and denim jacket for off-duty and with heels for evening—that's every box ticked.
A knit dress + leather boots = the dream seasonal combo.
Arket is ahead of the curve with this knockout colour. Vibrant blue is on our list of colourful trends to look out for this season.
This dress just looks expensive in the kind of cut and fabric that invite compliments.
2. SMART TOPS
I am the first to sing the praises of the versatile, oversized shirt (and I'd go as far as to say everyone should own at least one), but looking "put together" can take many more forms than just a classic poplin shirt. Think sleek necklines, eye-catching prints and voluminous silhouettes.
White shirts are an obvious choice, but blue takes inspiration from masculine tailoring for a menswear look.
Proof that shirts aren't the only work-appropriate option, this elegant boat-neck top looks designer.
Until it's cold enough for the coveted striped jumper, the jersey polo is the perfect option for muggy weather.
I simply cannot stress enough, a puffed sleeve makes even the simplest blouse exponentially better.
3. VERSATILE SKIRTS AND TROUSERS
Versatile bottoms are arguably one of the most important building blocks in assembling a capsule wardrobe. After all, "jeans and a nice top" is a reliable outfit for a reason. Good denim is always a great starting point, but for dressier occasions, venture into tailoring territory. It's the easiest thing to dress up or down. Just swap a T-shirt for a blazer and presto—evening ready.
It's official: Wide-leg trousers are the most flattering shape for just about every body.
Before you write off the search for the perfect jeans, try Arket's cropped, straight-leg style with a little extra stretch.
Well, it's safe to say the mini is sticking around, and this knitted version will keep you that little bit warmer.
The satin skirt is as multifaceted as the slip dress. Pair it with a chunky knit, T-shirt and trench, in fact any of your transitional favourites, and it'll add a little extra polish.
4. TRANSITIONAL JACKETS
Trench or blazer, denim or linen, a light jacket is a trusty wardrobe staple, and now is the time they come into their own. When it's a little too blustery to get away with a light dress, the jacket is the reliable anchor to keep you covered rain or shine and should be considered an investment buy for the sheer amount of mileage you can get out of a coat year after year.
If you only have one coat in your wardrobe for the next few months, make it a classic, camel overcoat. It will go with everything.
Thanks to several heatwaves, we haven't needed jackets. But now is best the time for the denim jacket to shine, and white denim isn't the sole preserve of summer.
I can't stop thinking about wearing this understated blazer with knee-high boots. Bring on the rain.
Fans of the brand's now-iconic Hopsack blazer, you'll love the heavy linen version, but it's an online exclusive, so act fast before stock sells out.
5. COSY KNITS
Is there anything more decadent than wrapping up in strokeable merino or alpaca wool? Snuggle into cloud-soft layers with an easy pair of jeans or a midi skirt for an instant (and comfortable) outfit. Neutral-coloured knits never go out of style, so the pieces you buy now you can still guarantee you'll be wearing for years to come.
The wool comes from non-mulesed sheep with a view to protecting the animals that supply the wool and the land they graze on.
Too hot to commit to a sweater but too chilly for a tank top? The knitted vest is the happy medium.
We may owe it to Katie Holmes for single-handedly making the cardigan cool again, but with knits this cute, I'm glad they're back on the agenda.
Arket is nailing Breton tops this year, and this is one of six striped tees and jumpers on the site fighting for our top spot.
6. NEW-SEASON ACCESSORIES
The pièce de résistance: the accessories. No look is complete without them, yet bad ones can ruin an outfit. The key to clever accessory shopping? Look for well-constructed, quality shoes and bags that will stand the test of time.
All hail the chunky loafer! A fashion editor, influencer and celebrity favourite.
Every wardrobe should have at least one pair of party shoes, but these deserve far more wear than just on the dance floor.
As soon as this landed, it became a Who What Wear favourite for its chic, understated look.
If you're guilty of forgetting your keys, this everyday bag is big enough to hold everything you could possibly need and then some.
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