Expensive-Looking Transitional Outfits to Take you Into Autumn

I’m currently in the process of turning my spare room into a walk-in wardrobe (yes, it’s the viral IKEA PAX hack) so a mass cleanse is happening. But as a fashion editor with a lot of clothes, I’m still having to prioritise the pieces I’ll be wearing most over the next few months. The only issue is, while summer is still in full swing, autumn is fast approaching, so is it best to focus on shorts and cami tops or knitwear and jackets? The answer: both.

The awkward time between summer and autumn can be tricky to navigate, but it’s all about merging the seasons together with cleverly layered looks that don’t fully sit in one seasonal box. To further explain what I mean, I took it upon myself to get some transitional outfit inspiration from some of the most stylish women I follow. The outcome is five outfits, all of which will serve us well throughout this time. Think drummer jackets with jeans and sandals, oversized jumpers with sporty shorts and flip flops. Meanwhile, key pieces—including a shirt, a cropped trench and the humble T-shirt —are coming into full fruition. Here are the effortless outfits to copy over the next few weeks using items you most likely already have in your wardrobe.

5 Summer-to-Autumn Transitional Outfit Ideas to Copy in 2026

1. Cropped Trench + Satin Top + Balloon Trousers

Style Notes: If we have to be back in jackets, they should be a worthy addition to our outfits—right? A cropped trench is the perfect style to bridge the gap between seasons, and I love how Hannah has elevated hers with volume and texture in the form of balloon trousers with satin and suede.