Cracking the Transition Wardrobe Code
And My COS Pre-Fall Edit
As much as I love summer, it’s always nice to wake up to that first morning with a chill in the air signaling that summer is winding down. The day can start in the 50s and climb to the 80s, only to get chilly again at night. This makes it tricky to get dressed, but it also opens up opportunities when warm-weather staples can co-mingle with fall favorites for infinite outfit possibilities. Enjoy it while it lasts!
In honor of this magic time for dressing, I’ve devised a transition capsule collection to get you over the hump to Autumn proper with essential pieces you can wear all winter. I’ve taken out my functional wardrobe formula and applied it to Transition with recommendations from COS’s excellent Pre-Fall collection.
To make it more fun, let's imagine an early autumn trip to a northern city, such as Quebec City. I hear Canada is lovely this time of year. The trip spans a weekend with a little business, exploring the city on foot, and enjoying the museums and restaurants. Packing light is key with only a carry-on bag.
Here goes! Everything you’ll need for a long weekend away in six pieces.
This is the coat that inspired the entire edit. Bravo COS!!! Let’s start with the shape. It works over everything from a sleek sheath with heels to jeans. The color is as easy to mix with as black, but more interesting. I love the crocodile embossed texture, which is a very good replica of the real thing, with the variations and intricacies of the pattern. This is a winning piece to enjoy forever. It will never go out of style and will always be a chic statement piece, and it’s extremely wearable.
We start with a cashmere cardigan that is an essential piece for the entire season. The olive color works well with black, navy, and brown to easily integrate into your existing wardrobe. During transition, it can be worn in place of a jacket. A flannel shirt is as cozy as a sweater and puts a new spin on fall. I like the subtlety of this shirt’s tonal plaid. A grey melange cashmere crew needs no explanation except that it’s a great piece to own. The fit and lightweight of this make it a perfect transition piece you’ll wear through to Spring.
I’ve been looking for jeans with a worn wash, full leg, and a mid-rise. These may just fit the bill, and I like the detail of the curved side seam. These are also a good choice for relaxed jeans, though with a slimmer leg. I own these stretch cotton pants in black and was pleased to see them reissued in deep burgundy. They’re as comfortable as jeans, flattering on, and can be dressed up or down.
This is what I love about transition dressing; you can wear boots and sandals on the same day. All of these shoes are workhorses with thoroughbred style. I love the shape of the black boots, and the 1.5” heel height gives just enough lift without sacrificing comfort. I love to wear sandals for as long as the weather permits. To extend the season, I lean towards more covered sandals like this criss-cross leather pair. They give Prada vibes at a much more friendly price. The suede sneakers are sleek, refined, and look very much like the Dries Van Noten sneakers I adore for much less. I know I’ve recommended them before, but they’re the best ones out there for a price.
We’re keeping it simple for accessories with gold hoops, a lariat necklace, a black belt, and a roomy bag. I can’t stop recommending this bag, this time in a very chic brown suede.
You’ll be the chicest person at the airport in this travel look. Is anyone else horrified by how people now dress to fly??? This is a pet peeve of mine, and maybe I’m showing my age, but really, flip-flops, shorts, and a tee on a flight? I don’t get it.
Buck the trend and look amazing in the croc-embossed leather coat, cashmere crewneck, comfortable suede sneaker, and lariat necklace.
Hit the ground running and get to that late Friday afternoon meeting (that made the whole weekend away possible) by swapping out the sneakers for boots. I love the shape of these, with their square toe and low heel, providing just enough lift while still being comfortable. Add the gold earring, stuff your iPad in your bag, and go!
Meeting done; now the weekend officially begins.
Have a quick turnaround for dinner by swapping the sweater for the silk camisole worn under the cashmere cardigan. Technically, the silk camisole could be considered a top, though I see it as an accessory because it’s not a standalone piece (at least not for me), and it can transform an outfit. It’s a great piece to have in your outfit arsenal. Black makes it a universal. This one is from Cami.
Saturday is your day to explore the city on foot. Comfort is key without sacrificing style. Wear the jeans with the plaid flannel shirt. Early in the day, when it’s chilly, wear the cardigan, then tie it at your waist when it warms up later in the day. The suede sneakers look sleek and can comfortably clock miles all day. Add the bag, belt, and earrings to complete the look.
For a laid-back brunch on Sunday, wear the jeans with the cashmere crew and the flannel shirt over the sweater. When it warms up, tie the shirt around your waist. Slide on the sandals and add the necklace. Done.
Time to catch your flight home, just swap out the jeans for the slim pants. Lose the shirt, add the coat, and au revoir, Quebec City.
Try to think of your new fall purchases as a capsule collection with this as your model. The important takeaway is to buy components that work with each other for a more functional wardrobe with multiple outfit options.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting What Looks Good. If you’re interested in making our fictitious trip to Quebec a reality, check out my friend, Lynn Byrne’s, excellent post on her recent trip to Quebec City here. It certainly got me thinking about making a quick trip there myself. Keep your amazing comments coming, and if you enjoyed this post, please hit like.
xxx Jolain
That coat!! Utterly fabulous.
Thanks for the interesting read. I loved the olive green suede sneakers. I saw a similar style recently in blue (wondered if part of the attraction was in possessing a pair of blue suede shoes!). Unfortunately they didn't have them in my size but the olive green looks very desirable.