The Transitional Edit: 6 Chic Staples Stylish People Are Wearing On Repeat Right Now

Living in the UK means there is simply no guessing what will happen when it comes to the weather. Though it's cloudy today, all too soon the forecast will change and for those strange in-between season moments I always head to familiar territory and rely on a few capsule of transitional basics that can be worn in a multitude of ways. Typical British outlook is wet and dreary with intermittent bursts of warmth that we are seldom prepared for, so pieces that can be worn throughout the seasons are crucial when building a hard-working wardrobe.

Ever since I started mindfully curating my own wardrobe, I honed in on key items that can be mixed and matched. That whittled down the cost-per-wear of my clothing significantly, and when it’s time for the seasonal switchover, these are some pieces that have permanent residence in my wardrobe.

A simple shirt, for example, is one of those pieces, thanks to its ability to be completely reworked depending on the time of year. It can be made formal with tailoring or tucked into a miniskirt and worn with coloured trainers and jeans for an off-duty look. That same shirt can be knotted at the waist or worn open as a beach cover-up. I also consider some less typical pieces for transitional dressing—knit dresses, suede skirts and ballet flats are prime examples of this. And while closed-toe styles are needed during the winter, there are ways to wear them (sans socks, for example) to make them work well into spring and summer.

Below, I’ve chosen some of my favourite transitional pieces for the months ahead including some trend favourites for 2025 that fit seamlessly into my pre-existing collection. Keep on reading to see the many ways you can style six transitional basics from spring to winter.

See My Edit of the Best In-Between Season Items:

1. Knit Dress

Style Notes: Before summer dress season can commence, the knit dress is the versatile style to rely on to bridge the gap between now and then. While you may have styled with knee-high boots and hidden thermals for winter, as spring is in the air it's now time for bare legs—with the addition of a maxi coat, if the weather permits.

2. Poplin Shirt

Style Notes: The poplin shirt is a fabulous component of a capsule wardrobe, purely because you can build so many looks around it. The addition of slouchy wide-leg trousers worn with sandals is what makes this the perfect ensemble for spring days in the city. It's the staple you'll wear all year, until you want to switch it out in favour of linen come summer.

3. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Instead of diving straight into toe-revealing sandal weather, it's time to appreciate the ballet flat. Looking chic with or without the addition of socks, they're the shoes that can be worn with every outfit no matter the weather but I love how Adenorah has made a spring-ready look with a long trench and mini skirt. So very Parisian.

4. Wax Jacket

Style Notes: Until we can ditch coats entirely (for a couple of months, considering it's the UK), I'll settle for a jacket. If you like the barn styles that are doing the rounds then opt for a wax version and the practical jacket with water-repellant material will even see you through unexpected spring showers.

5. Cashmere Cardigan

Style Notes: The most humble of knits, all hail the classic cashmere cardigan. There to swaddle up in during peak winter and on-hand as a light layer come spring, I really like how Julie has made it work for evening with mini shorts and sky high slingbacks.

6. Suede Skirt

Style Notes: While denim and linen are summer staples, suede is the transitional texture to rely on right now. Mini iteration may be preferred during balmy weather but for now, stick to a midi and layer appropriately depending on the forecast.