Late summer and early autumn can bring some of the most unpredictable weather of the year. An August morning might start off cool and breezy before warming up by lunchtime, while a sunny September afternoon can quickly turn into a chilly evening.
The good news is that preparing for changeable weather doesn’t have to mean replacing your whole wardrobe. With a few comfortable, versatile layers, you can keep wearing your summer favourites while gradually adding warmer pieces as autumn approaches.
From lightweight cardigans and practical overshirts to zip-up fleeces and casual jackets, here’s how to dress comfortably for whatever the weather brings.
The easiest way to stay comfortable when temperatures are all over the place is to wear a few light layers rather than one heavy piece.
Start with a breathable base, such as a short-sleeved top, polo shirt or cotton blouse. You can then add a cardigan, overshirt or lightweight fleece, with a casual jacket on top when you need a little extra protection.
This gives you plenty of flexibility throughout the day – simply take off an outer layer when the sun comes out and pop it back on when the breeze picks up.
Top tip! When choosing your layers, make sure each piece fits comfortably over the one underneath. Try not to wear anything too tight around the shoulders or arms, as this can make it harder to move freely once you’ve added a few extra layers.
A lightweight cardigan is one of those pieces you’ll reach for again and again in late summer. It adds just enough warmth on cooler mornings and evenings, without feeling as heavy as a winter jumper.
Button-front styles are especially handy because you can wear them open, partly fastened or fully buttoned depending on the weather. They’re also easy to layer over plain tops, patterned blouses or summer dresses.
Classic shades such as navy, stone and beige will work with plenty of outfits, while a brighter colour can give your summer favourites a fresh new look as autumn gets closer.
Two Pocket Waistcoat – Natural
Also available in Navy, Green, Mint and Pale Blue.
FROM £23
An overshirt is a handy in-between layer when a shirt doesn’t feel quite warm enough but a jacket feels like too much. You can button it up and wear it like a heavier shirt, or leave it open over a polo or T-shirt.
It’s a great choice for dry days in August and September, when the weather’s starting to cool but you don’t need a full coat. Checks and textured fabrics can also bring a touch of autumn style to your outfit without feeling too heavy.
Wear yours with chinos or casual trousers for an easy, relaxed look. Then, if the sun comes out, you can simply take it off and carry on in the lighter layer underneath.
Champion Heavyweight Overshirt
Sold in a single colourway.
FROM £30
A zip-up fleece is a great choice when you need a little extra warmth without feeling weighed down. The zip makes it easy to adjust throughout the day, so you can fasten it up when there’s a chill in the air or open it when things start to warm up.
It’s a useful layer for walks, gardening, popping to the shops or simply relaxing at home. On milder days, you can wear it on its own, then add a jacket over the top when the temperature drops.
Look for a fleece that feels comfortable through the body and sleeves, with enough room to wear a polo shirt or lightweight long-sleeved top underneath.
Fleece Lined Zip Cardigan – Green
Also available in Blue, Grey Marl, Natural, Plum and Teal
FROM £35
Pegasus Two Pack Fleece Zip Jacket – Blue/Navy
Also available in Grey/Seafoam.
FROM £35
Even when the forecast looks good, it’s always handy to have a lightweight jacket to hand during August and September. The weather can change quickly, especially later in the day.
A casual jacket will help to keep cool breezes and passing showers at bay without feeling as heavy as a winter coat. Look for useful details such as secure pockets, easy fastenings and a comfortable fit with enough room for an extra layer underneath.
Champion Waterproof Jacket – Navy
Also available in Stone.
FROM £45
The best transitional outfits will keep you comfortable during the day and are easy to adapt when the temperature drops in the evening. Here are some of our favourite fashion formulae.
Start with a short-sleeved top and a pair of comfortable ladies’ trousers, then add a lightweight cardigan that’s easy to carry in your handbag or drape over your arm.
Staying out for the evening? Pop on a casual cotton jacket too. You can take the cardigan off when the afternoon warms up, then reach for the jacket once the evening starts to feel cooler.
There’s no need to pack away your favourite summer dresses as soon as August comes to an end. Simply add a lightweight cardigan and a casual jacket to make them work for cooler days.
Swap sandals for a pair of closed-toe shoes, then add tights as the season moves on. It’s an easy way to keep wearing a much-loved dress well into autumn.
Start with a polo shirt or cotton check shirt and a pair of casual men’s trousers. On a dry day, add an overshirt, or reach for a lightweight showerproof jacket if rain’s in the forecast.
When the evening starts to cool down, layer a zip-up fleece between your shirt and jacket. Each piece can be taken off separately, so it’s easy to stay comfortable without feeling too bundled up.
For a countryside walk, shopping trip or family day out, start with a breathable top, comfortable trousers and a zip-up fleece. It’s worth taking a lightweight showerproof jacket along, just in case the weather changes.
Choose practical footwear with a supportive sole too, especially if you’ll be on your feet for most of the day.
As late summer turns into autumn, your footwear will often be one of the first things to change. Sandals may still feel just right on warmer days, but it’s useful to have a few closed-toe options ready for cooler mornings and damp weather.
Lightweight shoes, loafers and casual leisure styles give you a little more coverage without feeling too heavy. Then, as the weather becomes cooler and wetter, a pair of casual ankle boots or hiking boots can offer extra warmth and protection.
Make sure there’s enough room to wear your shoes with slightly thicker socks, especially later in the season. Easy fastenings, cushioned insoles and wide-fit styles can also help to keep you comfortable throughout the day.
Wide Fit Comfort Bar Shoe – Navy
Also available in Beige, Pewter and Sage.
FROM £31
Wide EE Fit Touch Fasten Waterproof Leather Boot – Wine
Also available in Black.
FROM £35
Pegasus Wide Fit Suede Desert Boot – Beige
Also available in Brown and Navy.
FROM £35
Pegasus Leather Waterproof Wide Fit Lace Hiker Boot – Brown
Also available in Black.
NOW FROM £43
Transitional dressing is really about having the right layers ready for whatever the weather brings. By mixing breathable tops with cardigans, overshirts, fleeces and lightweight jackets, you can stay comfortable without needing a completely different wardrobe for every change in temperature.
Picking up a few versatile layers now means you’ll be ready to enjoy the last of the summer weather, while also feeling prepared when those cooler autumn days begin.
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