Yes, I know, it’s still summer but before you know it, those cooler evenings will come creeping in and autumn will be here once again. It’s time to start thinking about those key timeless transitional pieces that bridge the gap from summer into fall. It’s time to think about adding layers and lengthening sleeves and hem lines.
Here are my key 7 timeless transition pieces to take you from summer to fall: –
1. A Classic Denim Jacket
Should you wear a denim jacket after 60? Absolutely! Just look at style icon Linda Rodin, 75, above.
A denim jacket looks great over a summer dress, with wide leg pants or a voluminous skirt. Go for a classic style and you can’t go wrong. If the bottom half of your outfit is wide (a full skirt or baggy pants) go for a jacket that’s cropped into the waist and fitted. That way you get definition on the top half and don’t look ‘blocky’ all the way down.
2. A BIG Scarf
A big scarf is the perfect timeless transition piece, adding colour, style and texture to any outfit. Just look how they completely transform a simple tee shirt in the photos above. Delicately drape one over your shoulders or wrap it around you like a shawl. Either way the scarf adds that key layer of warmth and an instant touch of style.
I like the stole shaped ones that measure about 200cm x 100cm (80 x 40 inches) or the really big squares of about 140cm (55 inches). Silk or cotton are great for that transition phase. Modal and cupro are also good sustainable options and have a lovely soft feel.
A scarf is so easy to fold up and tuck into your bag just in case the temperature drops. You really can’t go wrong.
3. A Breton Tee
The Breton top was originally introduced as part of the French naval uniform in the mid 1850s. It was spotted by Coco Chanel on a trip to the French coast and then catapulted to high fashion when she used it in her 1917 collection. Now an iconic piece, it’s made of cotton and traditionally features blue naval stripes. With its hint of the gallic coast and long warm sleeves, it works brilliantly as a timeless transition piece from summer to fall.
Wear it like Coco above, with wide leg pants or with your favourite white or blue jeans.
4. A Cropped Cardigan
Everyone should have a couple of cropped cardigans in their wardrobe right now, to wear with high waisted skirts and pants. Two types work really well: close fitting or boxy.
For the close-fitting cardi, I like to leave the bottom button undone which creates a nice V, a bit like a waistcoat. It breaks the bottom line of the cardi and accentuates the waist.
The boxy cropped cardigan looks great over a loose fit shirt or dress. It adds that needed layer of warmth without bunching up whatever is underneath. The Uniqlo one above (blue) is a big favourite of mine. I have it in three colours and wear them all the time with my wide leg jeans.
5. A Striped shirt
Wear the classic striped shirt on its own or over a summer tank top or lightweight tee. Tuck it all in, tuck just the front, leave it open and loose, or knot it at the waist. The classic striped button down is endlessly versatile and a key transition piece.
6. A Knitted Vest
Knitted vests are a great way of adding a pop of colour and warmth to a summer outfit. They look great over a summer dress, tee shirt or button down shirt. Plain or fair isle, they are a perfect timeless transitional piece.
7. A Long Skirt
A long skirt can be worn throughout the summer and then move seamlessly into autumn by simply changing what you wear with it. Change your sandals for a pair of chunky ankle boots and swap the tank for an oversize sweater or cardi. The result is a great autumn day time look. A summer long skirt can also be dressed up for autumn evenings with a silk shirt, statement jewellery or that oversize silk scarf. It really is a great timeless transition piece.
Buy quality, think sustainability
As always, my advice is to think carefully before you buy. Think Slow Fashion, buy the best quality that you can afford and that you’ll want to wear year after year.
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Sian. x
5 out of 7 in my cupboard! Not bad. 🙂