THIS IS HOW TO MASTER TRANSITIONAL DRESSING

First stop, jackets. Outerwear is your summer-to-autumn anchor piece; the item you’ll throw on and off more times than you can count. This season, it’s all about bombers, puffers and utility jackets, updated with luxe fabrics and subtle twists.

Bomber jackets are back in full force. Gucci is sticking to the classics with sharp, varsity-inspired cuts that give jeans-and-a-tee instant polish, while Balenciaga is pushing proportions with oversized silhouettes and buttery-soft leather bomber jackets. In early autumn, layer yours over a white tee and relaxed, baggy denim. As the temperatures drop, pile it over a hoodie or knit for extra mileage.

But bombers aren’t the only outerwear game in town. Windbreakers and utility jackets are staying strong, with *that* green jacket of the 2010s having a revival. Stone Island’s technical styles bring a utilitarian finish that layers with knits and scarves, while Moncler proves it can do more, with chore-jacket cuts designed for city living.

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And then there's scarves. Big, fluffy, warm: they hold the ability to instantly elevate a look and add on a heap of warmth to lighter jackets and your knits during sweater weather. Of course, no conversation about scarves is complete without Burberry. Their checks have earned permanent street-style status; instantly recognisable, they prove that classics really can outlast trends. This season, their oversized cashmere iterations are doubling up as wearable blankets, perfect for when autumn evenings turn brisk.

Think in threes: base (tee or shirt), mid (knit or hoodie), outer (jacket). That way, you can always add or strip back without losing balance.

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And finally, the bit everyone secretly cares about most: the shoes. Because let’s be honest, the right pair can turn “just okay” into effortlessly put-together faster than anything else. Your recipe to success is a triple threat: think loafers, boots, and trainers.

First up, the loafers. Still the ultimate transitional shoe, it’s cool without trying. Gucci is keeping things classic with preppy polish, while Valentino has gone glossy and modern - the kind of loafer that makes even jeans and a hoodie look thought-out. They’re smart, but not too serious, exactly what you want in autumn.

When it comes to boots, autumn is their natural habitat. As soon as the leaves hit the ground, out come the ankle boots, lace-ups and hiking styles. Sturdy enough for drizzle, sleek enough to sharpen up denim, and versatile enough to carry you right through to winter. This season, it’s all about height: and Prada is nailing the balance. Their sleek Chelsea boots deliver easy polish, while their chunkier, hike-inspired versions bring a gorpcore edge that still feels luxe when paired with tailored trousers or layered knits.