Trending Now: Transitional Dressing
Content editor
Emily Lambe
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 the UK 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.
M&S Insider and style influencer Daisy Gower nails early autumn dressing, styling cosy knits, everyday denim and light outerwear for those unpredictable days.
Shift into autumn
Transitional dressing essentials
Committing to an outfit before heading out for the day can be tricky during the transitional months. Chilly mornings quickly turn into warm, sunny afternoons, plus there's always a chance of an evening downpour. That's where light layering comes in.
Daisy begins with a breathable cotton vest and mid-rise barrel jeans as a versatile base. She throws on a laid-back funnel-neck jacket for added warmth and ties a rugby top around her waist in case the temperature drops even more. Top off the look with a wool baseball cap for a finishing touch.
Master light layering
How to style transitional clothing
The key to transitional dressing is finding versatile pieces you can mix and match depending on the weather. Sticking to a neutral colour palette is an easy way to ensure your favourites can be combined in any way you see fit.
Knitwear can be a gamble as you don't want to overheat in a too-thick jumper. Instead, Daisy opts for a wool-blend top with cropped sleeves that allows for added air flow. She teams it with a pair of lightweight cotton barrel-leg trousers in rich khaki. Finish with a pair of suede loafers and a slouchy shoulder bag for a laid-back look.
Elevate your knitwear
Transitional dressing style tips
When layering your favourite autumn pieces together, make sure each layer pops and adds visual interest. It's easy for pieces to get lost in the mix if you wear too many on top of each other.
Mix contrasting styles to help break up your look. Daisy pairs the strong lines of this tactile utility jacket with a feminine lace T-shirt. The floral lace hem peeking out underneath the cropped jacket adda a playful detail.
Investing in a good pair of jeans, like these mid-rise barrel jeans in washed black, is a smart idea as they go with practically everything. And no look is complete without a stand-out handbag – this black shoulder bag could be your next go-to buy.
Published 20/08/2026
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