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All seven days of New York Fashion Week, we came face to face with the same little wardrobe emergency, and I lost every time. At 7am, in front of my floor-length mirror, I loved (loved!) my clothes. By 3pm, the same clothes were either too hot, too cold or too unsuitable for the elements. Show the difference of the endless journeys of chaos and beauty at home, instead of focusing on the real point of fashion week – the runways.
This is a manifestation of the two-year dilemma caused by the complicated transitional weather. No matter how many times you check the weather app or repack your bag, fluctuating temperatures and unpredictable forecasts can challenge even the most seasoned outfitters between March and April, August and September. “It’s almost like you’ve forgotten how to dress when the weather changes,” admits Natalie Joos, founder of JoosTricot. “After a hot summer, I always struggle to figure out how to layer.”
But, Joos continues, handling transitional weather gear is like riding a bike – it takes practice and a dose of patience. With the right mindset, it’s even a time to get creative with color combinations and layers, adds LeSet founder Lili Chemla. “For me that means sweaters over the shoulders, ankle socks with shoes and my current obsession is a long-sleeved jacket under a slip dress – embracing a ’90s moment,” she says.
But what to actually buy in these moments? “Winter-to-spring transitional pieces are definitely the hardest pieces to spot and style,” says The Nines interior designer Lisa Sanchez, “but looking for other seasonal transitional pieces can be easier than you think. think.” Ahead, find seven expert-recommended essentials to get you started.
Cardigan forever
“Focusing on staples that lend themselves to timeless style is essential for these moments between seasons, and a classic sweater can do it all,” designer Jenni Kayne tells us. Limit the ways to tie, wrap or button a sweater. everything almost doesn’t exist Exhibit A: Bella Hadid’s one-armed, one-armed sweater style.
There are even more conventional ways to style jackets, all prepared for days when the temperature changes from chilly to sizzling: draped over both shoulders, tied around the waist, or buttoned up. Layer up with one of the great sweater options recommended by our experts above, from boxy and cropped to slouchy and oversized, or check out our full edit of BAZAAR the editors’ absolute favorite knits.
Shoes in the middle
Among designers, editors, and stylists, two shoe styles rose above the rest as the best to wear before it actually dropped (and after, too). First up, walkable loafers to add a prep-lite touch to casual outfits. Second, ankle boots to give the look day and night without the weight and warmth of a true winter boot. Just make sure to keep the shades neutral: Sanchez says they’re the easiest tones to coordinate with late summer and fall palettes, making accessorizing early mornings a breeze.
Layering socks
Introducing the perfect complement to those summer-to-fall shoes above and the accessory that all New York Fashion Week street style had in common this season. Chemla spins Comme Si ankle socks through some transitional outfits where hers are a must: with a loafer dress and mini dress; with slips, cropped trousers and a large button; or with a knit sweater and tank.
Shades all year round
“Sunglasses are usually thought of as a summer staple,” he says BAZAAR contributing fashion editor Kerry Pieri, “but I love how the right ones look so cute paired with a turtleneck sweater and jeans.” She designed a capsule with Nessy Khem that combines matte frames and tinted lenses for a sharp summer-to-fall look (literally). If you’re playing it classic, choose a light cat-eye or square shape in a neutral matte or tortoise for more mileage. Whichever pair you slip on, “Add a gold chain necklace to get all the Old Celine ad vibes,” suggests Pieri.
Multi Season Midi Dress
Here’s an essential that you can wear all year round, tricky between the days involved. Sleeveless or short-sleeved dresses in breathable poplin can be worn with a fabric blouse when it’s cold; until fall officially begins, more modest cuts are ready as is. Sanchez recommends polka dot or floral dresses for a little something extra.
The stylist adds that Jennifer Lopez’s rotation of end-of-summer dresses is a lesson in transitional weather style if you need inspiration. The same piece that’s 80 degree perfection with nothing but a platform sandal stays relevant with a blazer or oversized sweater on cooler days.
Knitted pants
Knit skirts are a versatile alternative to jeans or khakis, whether you’re rocking soft textures with that cozy new sweater or trying an off-duty pattern combo on an oversized button-up. Joos often styles her pair with a long-sleeve top for transitional weather: Together, they’re “still breezy and light, but covered enough for a chilly night.”
Light jacket
Bloomingdale’s ready-to-wear fashion director Arielle Siboni envisions all things useful—cargo pants! Bomber jacket! More cargo pants!—they will continue to dominate fashion all fall and next spring. Lightweight jackets from Nili Lotan at Sacai address passion; they’re also an ideal in-between layer for days that start and end cold but hardly require a puffy coat. If other items in the utility aesthetic family fall back out of style, these jackets’ classic lines and comfort-first designs are impervious to trends – meaning they’ll be your ultimate transitional weather layer from now on. until eternity.
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