Five ways to make sure your wardrobe is autumn ready

Fine Knit Jumper, £19.99, H&M

Summer is winding down and the autumn/winter styles are starting to fill the rails in stores, which can only mean one thing: we’ve reached that indecisive, stuck in the middle period that makes getting dressed oh so maddening.

Otherwise known as transition season, knowing what to wear during this tricky time is a masterful fashion feat. After all, it’s too early to embrace cosy coats and heavy jumpers but the flouncy dresses you’ve lived in for months don’t quite make the cut either.

The solution? To ease your wardrobe into the new season with autumn/winter pieces you can also wear right now.

So, while it might be tempting to completely overhaul your closet, the trick here is to invest in a few key in-between pieces that you can style with things you already have.

Here, we take a look at some of the must-have items which will work both now and later.

Animal print

Cornelia Triple Zip Bag, £132, Whistles

In case you missed the fanfare, animal print is a pretty big deal right now and it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Leopard spots, tiger stripes, zebra and snake print are all favoured patterns at the moment and promise to stick around as we enter autumn, making for the ultimate trophy piece in your new season wardrobe.

If the idea of a statement coat is too outré for your taste, we suggest investing in accessories like a sleek handbag that can be worn with all-black ensembles or complimentary prints.

Lightweight knitwear

Fine Knit Jumper, £19.99, H&M

Knitwear is the cornerstone of any well-dressed woman’s wardrobe, but this tricky transitional period calls for lighter pieces that are suitable for layering.

For a style that works well with almost anything you wear with it, a cardigan is the ultimate anti-fashion statement. Not only do they look super-chic when paired with basics like T-shirts and denim but they’re also great for throwing over the top of summery dresses or camisole tops.

Alternatively, a fine-knit jumper with a turtle or funnel neck is ideal for tucking into midi-skirts.

Ankle boots

Hattie Ankle Boots, £89, Topshop

The leap from open-toe sandals to thigh-high boots might seem a little drastic at this time of year but that’s where the ankle variety comes into play.

A style that successfully thrives from late summer onwards, they’re the perfect accessory to almost every outfit, whether you’re attending a last minute festival or running to work mid-downpour.

From wispy midi dresses to ruffle skirts, denim and cropped trousers, a pair of ankle boots promise to be the most useful shoe you’ll invest in this season.

Trench

Long Trench Coat, £79.99, Zara

A firm-favourite that reappears season after season, trench coats are a timeless design that aren’t going anywhere fast.

As the perfect companion to the final days of summer and drizzly autumn afternoons, the trench promises to be the hardest working item in your wardrobe, whatever the weather.

While the fashion world offers up a myriad of versions – from deconstructed styles to high-shine finishes – we suggest investing in one that stays true to its heritage in classic crème brulee colours for longevity. For ultimate style points, buy yours one size up.

Midi dress

Printed Midi Tie Neck Dress, £89, & Other Stories

Thought midi dresses were the preserve of summer? Think again. A hero dress like this one is a must-have during the transitional period because, not only does it make getting dressed a whole lot less complicated, but it promises to go with almost anything you already have stashed in your wardrobe.

More of a trainer girl? No problem, layer yours under a blazer and you’re living the new-season dream. Alternatively, wear it with a jumper and boots for work or go solo with strappy party shoes by night.