Autumn outfit ideas - How to transition your summer wardrobe for autumn
Good Housekeeping UK

In the fashion calendar, September heralds the start of a new season as we start to browse the coats, boots and cosy knitwear that’s appearing in stores. However, with the unpredictable weather (Indian summer one day, positively autumnal the next), it’s tricky to know what to wear on a daily basis.

Luckily, you can easy update your existing wardrobe by investing in a few key transitional pieces to make dressing for autumn effortless.

Here, Fashion Editor Jo Atkinson reveals how to style three key summer pieces – the floral dress, the denim skirt and the Breton – for autumn...

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The floral dress

Breathe new life into your floral summer dress by pairing it with knee-high boots and a colour pop cross-body bag. For extra mileage, layer a fine knit polo neck underneath when the temperature drops.

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& Other Stories Blazer
& Other Stories Blazer, £159
& Other Stories
Leather high-leg boots
Mango Leather high-leg boots
Credit: Mango
Wild Flower Gathered Dress
Jigsaw Wild Flower Gathered Dress
Now 70% Off
Credit: Jigsaw
Sheer Merino Wool Roll-Neck
Arket Sheer Merino Wool Roll-Neck
Now 33% Off
Credit: Arket Roll Neck
Stamford Multiway Bag
Boden Stamford Multiway Bag
Credit: Boden Stamford Bag


The denim skirt

Swap a classic white t-shirt for an Argyle sweater and new-season ankle boots to upgrade your denim skirt for autumn – paperbag waist styles, like this one from Boden, are perfect for tucking sweaters into and nipping you in at the waist.

Keep in mind that layering is key for transitional dressing, which means pieces like a classic trench can be thrown over any outfit to take the chill out yet ensure you still look chic.

Patchwork Argyle Jumper, £475
Pringle Patchwork Argyle Jumper, £475
Credit: Pringle Jumper
Green Leather Ankle Boots
LK BENNETT Green Leather Ankle Boots
Credit: LK Bennett Ankle Boots
Denim Midi Skirt
Boden Denim Midi Skirt
Now 60% Off
Credit: Boden Denim Midi Skirt
Long Cotton Trench Coat with Detachable Hood
La Redoute Long Cotton Trench Coat with Detachable Hood
Now 35% Off
Credit: La Redoute Trench Coat
Kate Spade New York Tote Bag
kate spade new york Kate Spade New York Tote Bag
Credit: Kate Spade Leather Tote Bag

The Breton top

A Breton top is a wardrobe staple for all seasons, so it’s worth investing in a good quality style that will wash well. I’m currently wearing mine with a leather skirt or trousers, and double breasted check blazer. Add a fine woven scarf to keep the autumn chill off your neck.

Sunburst Navy Blue Foil Print Scarf
Sunburst Navy Blue Foil Print Scarf
Credit: Oliver Bonas
Checked Double Breasted Blazer
M&S Collection Checked Double Breasted Blazer
Now 13% Off
Credit: M&S
Harbour Long Sleeve Jersey Top
Harbour Long Sleeve Jersey Top
Credit: Joules
Leather Trousers, £349
Baukjen Leather Trousers, £349
Credit: Baukjen
Backless Leather Mule
Jigsaw Backless Leather Mule
Now 50% Off
Credit: Jigsaw