How to Nail Trans-Seasonal Dressing

The transitional, or trans-seasonal, period occurs twice a year and makes fashionistas everywhere despair.

It’s the few weeks in between autumn/winter and spring/summer (or vice versa) where you get up, check the weather and dress for one season, only to realise later in the day that you’ve got it totally wrong - and you’re far too hot or cold.

Sigh. We feel your pain, girl.

Figuring out what to wear in between seasons can be rather challenging, especially if you live in a country where the weather is so unpredictable (England, we’re looking at you).

However, not to worry - there are ways you can get it right the first time around. Read on to find out how to nail transitional dressing.

Do Some Trend-Spotting

Before anything else, you need to find out what’s going to be on-trend for the season ahead. Is it floral prints? Crop tops? Seventies fever?

You can undertake this research by reading top industry magazines, like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, who publish catwalk trend reports immediately after they’ve been to designer shows (which are always a season ahead).

You can also check out trend-spotting websites and top influencer blogs if you want to further your knowledge and give yourself an edge over the competition.

Mix and Match Old and New Trends

Once you’re all clued up regarding the new seasonal crazes you need to invest in and the previous seasonal fads you need to push to the back of your wardrobe, you can then start being smart with your style choices.

Want to know a surefire way to ensure you’re still considered fashionably relevant throughout the transitional period? Mix old and new trends.

• For instance, say you’re a lover of the 1950s-inspired ladylike bow mania of spring/summer 2019 and this cute, girly skirt by Phase Eight. It wouldn’t be wise to mix it with the androgynous suit rage of AW18 when the two ideas are so opposing.

Instead, because animal print is sticking around for SS19, you could opt for this AW18 leopard print dress by Quiz that nods to the bow movement and yet ties in more cohesively with the flirty, feminine theme.

Either way, make sure you only pair the looks that work together seamlessly and you won’t go far wrong this season.

Fall Back on the Classics

If mixing and matching old and new trends makes you nervous, then there’s no shame in sticking to wardrobe staples. (You know, the timeless female classics like the white button-up shirt or little black dress.)

I mean, these staples are known as staples because they’re the most-loved and most-worn items in our wardrobes over the years, so opting for one (or a combination) of these pieces is a guaranteed way of staying stylish in the unsteady transitional period.

For casual affairs like running errands or meeting a friend for coffee, try these Miss Selfridge Skinny Jeans with a basic white tee and branded trainers for a simple yet contemporary aesthetic.

Alternatively, for a smarter occasion like a dinner date or drinks with the girls, consider this Reiss pencil skirt in a neutral hue with a black cami top and heeled court shoes. Tres chic!

Layer It Up

Finally, always remember that layering is your new BFF during the transitional period to combat the erratic weather.

If you build an outfit with multiple layers, you can simply remove one of them if the spring sun feels hot or add one if the temperature suddenly drops unexpectedly.

For example, you can’t beat a good knitted jumper in a versatile hue following spring/summer and on the edge of autumn/winter. Throw on this cashmere option from Brora over a midi skirt and graphic tee to create a young, playful ensemble.

Likewise, a trusty denim jacket can be a great alternative to a winter coat as the weather prepares to get warmer going into spring/summer from autumn/winter. This blue GAP version would epitomise casual elegance when worn with black leggings and a striped tunic.

Getting the Hang of Transitional Dressing

Transitional dressing can take a little while to get the hang of but, like with anything in life, all it takes is practice to be able to nail it.

Just make sure you do your research when it comes to upcoming trends, don’t be afraid to mix and match the old with the new and utilise the layering technique.

If all else fails, simply adhere to clothing staples for now and don’t sweat it. After all, these transitional periods never stick around for long!