Dressing for Shoulder Season

The transition from summer to autumn is a glorious time of year — crisp mornings, toasty days and cool evenings that are a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat. As for dressing, however, this seasonal transition can be a “no man’s land” wardrobe moment where summer clothes are too light (in both fabric and color) and winter woolens are too heavy. Every closet needs a few shoulder season essentials to save the day and deliver on signature style. It’s all about layers, so here are the best winning pieces that work miracles keeping you cozy and chic from summer to autumn:

1. Leather moto jacket
   A classic leather moto jacket is the essential wardrobe staple for transitional seasons. Add layers under it, or over it, and watch how it delivers on both form and function without fail. Pair with a wide leg trouser, Breton tee and platform sneakers for a chic, understated look. For more warmth, add either a skinny turtleneck under the Breton tee or a cropped pea coat over the leather moto jacket. Classic, chic, versatile and never too fussy.

2. Tunic dress
   A summertime favorite, the tunic dress is versatile enough to carry you through to autumn. First add opaque tights, then swap summer sandals for ballerina flats. Add your leather moto jacket for extra warmth and then, as temps drop even more, layer a skinny turtleneck under the tunic. It’s a whole new look for your fave summertime dress, only winterized.

3. Leather leggings
   A leather legging (or faux!) is a wardrobe essential year-round, though particularly in early fall. It’s chic and cozy but without bulk, making it easy to wear with or without layers. Pair leather leggings with a turtleneck, knit cape, statement belt and rugged boots for a weekday look, or an extra long t-shirt, faux fur vest and fashion sneaker for a weekend warrior vibe. Both have layers that can be piled on, and peeled off, as temperatures fluctuate.

4. Cashmere cardigan wrap
   Cashmere is the ideal knit for transitional seasons. Like leather leggings, it delivers on warmth and style but without bulk, plus it’s easy to layer and makes the perfect travel companion. Pair a drapey, unstructured cashmere cardigan wrap with a tank, turtleneck, skinny jeans and moccasin bootie, then peel off the layers as needed. A classic cashmere cardigan wrap is a lifesaver and, when you find a good one, stock up on multiples.

5. Fur vest
   A vintage fur vest (or faux!) is the ultimate wardrobe workhorse for the seasonal transition from summer to autumn. It’s lightweight but with warmth, and super chic to layer up with any outfit. Pair it with an ankle fray jean, leather sneaker, short-sleeved t-shirt and bare arms for daytime; or a babydoll dress with three-quarter moto booties and partially covered arms for date night; or a gaberdine trouser, wool crewneck sweater and fully covered arms for office casual. As the temps drop, wear it over your leather moto jacket for an extra layer of warmth. Super chic, super versatile and super cozy.

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