Whistles Crepe Single Buttoned Blazer, Black
£159.00£127.20
AUTUMN READY
Style influencer Emma Hill shares her five indispensable transitional pieces to take you from summer to autumn
There’s your summer wardrobe and there’s your autumn wardrobe, but what to wear in that tricky in-between? Those weeks that have elements of both seasons and leave you shivering one minute and reaching for the sun lotion the next. A solid transitional wardrobe is the solution. Step forward Emma Hill – a style influencer, ‘lover of neutrals’ and fashion fan who counts versatile, functional clothing as a life force. As Emma demonstrates via her Instagram account, easy-to-wear separates that are built to stand the test of time are the key to mastering the perfect transitional look. With a focus on hard-working basics, Emma opts for pieces that can be adapted to suit the seasons. She also sidesteps flash-in-the-pan trends, favouring fashion with longevity. Here’s a guide to her transitional wardrobe essentials – it’s the stuff you’ll be reaching for season after season.
THE EASYWHITE SHIRT
No wardrobe is complete without a white shirt. Free from fussy details, the key to this classic is undoubtedly its simplicity. Emma opts for a soft, cotton style and makes it work for this mid-season period by layering over neutral basics. ‘There are so many different ways to style a shirt,’ she says. ‘Fit is crucial. The last thing I want is something super fitted, it reminds me of going to school. I want an oversized fit and a decent length.’
“There are so many different ways to style a shirt”
THE HIGH-WAISTEDTROUSERS
High-waisted trousers are the ultimate autumn style solution, notably because they look as good with a chunky pair of sandals (read: the Birkenstocks you’ve lived in all summer) as they do with a heeled ankle boot. ‘I’ll wear mine with anything from a basic vest or T-shirt to a shirt,’ says Emma. ‘In autumn, wearing your trousers with a vest, or shirt over the top and a jumper over the shoulders gives a lovely layered look.’ If you’re investing in a new pair, experiment with a colour palette that goes beyond black. As Emma showcases, a straight-leg trouser style in olive green is an excellent match for neutral tones. Dress them down with muted basics or add elegance with soft tailoring.
“In autumn, wearing your trousers with a vest, or shirt over the top and a jumper over the shoulders gives a lovely layered look”
THE LAYERINGVEST
It’s a myth that vests and sleeveless tanks are summer-only attire, choose yours wisely and you’ll find value in this basic all year round. Emma, a master layerer, prefers racer styles which she teams with everything from billowy shirts to blazers. ‘Vests don’t need to be packed away as autumn starts to ease in,’ she says. ‘Basics like vests and T-shirts are great for wearing under blazers and trench coats.’
THE CASHMEREROLLNECK
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that you can never have too many cashmere rollnecks –they’re the knitwear gift that keeps on giving from spring to summer and beyond. The joy of this lightweight piece is all about versatility. That and the fact that it feels divine to wear. Emma prefers oversized slouchy fits which she wears tucked into trousers to celebrate her waistline.
THE CARRY-EVERYWHERETOTE
Big backs are back and their timing couldn't be better. With commuting back on the agenda for many, an accessory that marries form with function is appealing. As we straddle the seasons, this handbag style has extra value, notably because it’s an excellent all-rounder. Emma’s choice, a supersized canvas tote bag, is bang on the money. ‘I love a big bag,’ she says, ‘especially canvas bags with something durable on the bottom – that makes them a million times more practical.’
“I love a big bag, especially canvas bags with something durable on the bottom – that makes them a million times more practical”
EMMA’S TRANSITIONAL WARDROBE EDIT
Whistles Oversized Cotton Shirt
£79.00£63.20
