Make sure you’re summer ready with our tips and product suggestions for transitioning out of spring fashion without having to buy a whole new wardrobe.
As the chill of spring gives way to the warm embrace of summer, your wardrobe deserves a little refresh, but that doesn’t have to mean a full overhaul. Transitional styling is all about blending practicality with trend-forward pieces to make the shift both seamless and stylish. Whether you’re navigating unpredictable weather or just trying to stretch your spring staples a bit further, these tips will help you breeze through the season with flair.
Deep coral linen blend casual blazer | £75 | Oliverbonas.com
Light layers
Some mornings can still have a nip in the air, while afternoons might push into full-on summer heat. The key? Layer smart. Lightweight jackets like denim, linen blazers, or utility shackets are perfect for adding warmth without bulk. You can peel them off once the sun is high, and they tie easily around the waist or shoulders for an effortlessly cool look. Anything similar to this lightweight blazer from Oliver Bonas is a wardrobe must-have – particularly in spring and summer – to throw on over any casual or dressy outfit and brighten and elevate it to the next level.
Merino wool vest | £139 | Tbco.com
Mix fabrics
Blend heavier spring fabrics with breezier summer options. Think a cotton knit jumper over a satin slip dress or a linen trouser paired with a sleeveless tank. Mixing textures gives dimension to your outfit and helps to regulate temperature swings.
Something like this merino vest from tbco is perfect for transitional wear due to merino’s weight-to-warmth ratio, meaning it’s a lightweight layer that still delivers maximum insulation. This blue and brown stripe vest is perfect for wearing on top of a typically summer outfit – and can even be taken into autumn and winter to keep on under a coat while avoiding bunchy sleeves.
Lipsy blue ditsy Bardot maxi dress | £55 | Next.co.uk/lipsy
Versatile pieces
Midi and maxi dresses are the ultimate transitional heroes. Layer them over a t-shirt or under a cropped jacket in spring, then wear them solo with sandals when summer hits. Flowy skirts also offer the same kind of flexibility – and look chic with everything from trainers to wedges. A sleeveless dress like this Lipsy one is ideal as a transitional piece as its pattern won’t look out of place in either season and it will look just as good with a t-shirt underneath as it does on its own!
Ecru embroidered floral knit cardigan| £52 | Lauraashley.com
Don’t ditch the neutrals
Neutrals like beige, white, and olive are seasonless so keep these core colours in rotation and use them as the base for more seasonal pops. A neutral foundation also makes it easier to play with accessories and statement pieces – which is what summer is all about! Timeless and romantic, this Laura Ashley embroidered floral cardigan is a beautiful layering piece for your new season wardrobe. The cardigan is further elevated with balloon sleeves and dainty pearl effect buttons – keeping a neutral as the star but adding a pop of summer joy with the delicate floral embroidery.
