How to Master Transitional Dressing

Easy transitional outfit ideas for between-seasons weather, as seen on some of our favourite Instagram content creators

Content editor

What is transitional dressing?

It can be tricky to nail your outfit in between the seasons. Chilly morning commutes combined with soaring lunchtime temperatures and the occasional unexpected rain shower or hailstorm (it's Britain after all) can wreak havoc with your personal style. Enter transitional dressing: offering effortlessly chic outfit formulas that take transitional weather in their stride thanks to clever layering hacks and desk-to-dinner versatility. Take your fashion cues from Instagram content creator Malamatenia Palatsidi who reaches for a top-to-toe denim look combined with a classic trench coat to take on blustery spring days.

“I'm OBSESSED with M&S denim. Not only is it stylish, it's made with responsibly sourced cotton.” Malamatenia Palatsidi

Shop women's new-in Shop denim

Get the look

Transitional dressing clothing pieces

Dressing for work between the seasons is somewhat of an art form. It can be hard enough composing an outfit that is simultaneously commute-friendly, office appropriate and expressive of your personal style year-round, let alone able to take fickle transitional weather in its stride. Nail your transitional workwear look by investing in a timeless blazer. Opt for an oversized jacket like M&S Insider Emma Hacket (@marksandspencer_em) for maximum versatility, and layer over a boxy white T-shirt and this season's carrot-leg jeans. Add flair to this fail-safe formula with black Mary Janes and minimalist silver jewellery.

“Styling the light-wash CARROT leg jeans for the ultimate smart-casual look” Emma Hackett

Shop blazers Shop T-shirts

Get the look

How to style transitional clothing

Sometimes the weather simply refuses to play ball, bringing hailstorms and frosty mornings just as you thought it was safe to pack away your knitwear. Enter the chill-proof transitional outfit: a cosy formula of fail-safe layers to reach for on the nippiest of mornings. Make like Instagram content creator Swathi (@sgbeautea) and choose a neutral colour palette to keep things co-ordinated. A pure-wool camel coat is both warm and breathable thanks to the natural fibres meaning you won't overheat when dashing about. Similarly, a quality wool jumper like this grey funnel-neck sweater by Chinti & Parker looks just as chic knotted around your shoulders as it does worn with pleated wide-leg trousers. It's a combination that fashion editors swear by.

“The perfect COMFY and put-together look for commuting to work” Swathi

Shop coats and jackets Shop jumpers

Get the look

Transitional dressing style tips

M&S Insider Michelle O'Sullivan (@marksandspencerireland_michell) knows a thing or two about how to master transitional dressing for the blustery Irish weather. Think double denim is the preserve of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake circa 2001? Think again. Here, Michell demonstrates the transeasonal appeal of a top-to-toe denim look by combining a denim trench coat with flared jeans. A white crew-neck T-shirt and trainers keep the look firmly in 2024 territory. It's a transitional outfit that will work for everything from the school run to a weekend brunch with friends.