Last week, for the first time ever, I entered ‘when does autumn start’ into Google. I was comforted by the fact I wasn’t alone – multiple variations of this question popped up in the ‘people also ask’ search box and the British stereotype of talking about the weather has been ever-more prevalent in recent interactions with friends and colleagues. 

This seasonal shift, and when it takes place, has a number of us perplexed this year. But with October headlines including London to bask in ‘unseasonable’ warm conditions this weekend and Parts of the country could see temperatures hit 27ºC this weekend now becoming commonplace, it’s safe to say that our expectations for autumn are shifting, and our wardrobes and style are having to adapt accordingly. 

Clearly, we’re seeing the considerable consequences of climate change, which brings up a huge number of concerns for both our planet and its people and forces us to take a closer look at our own environmental impact. But, on a much smaller scale, it seems to be adding stress to our everyday morning routines with the age-old conundrum of What shall I wear? becoming increasingly common. Gone are the days of packing away our shorts and summer dresses come mid-September, swapping them out for woolly jumpers, coats, boots and anything signally cosy comfort in anticipation of autumn. Now, we’re looking at a wardrobe that can accommodate several seasons in a short space of time, requiring pieces to last for longer and be versatile enough to allow us to wear them all year round. 

So allow me to introduce you to three key styling tips, picked up from Paris Fashion Week, to help soothe any autumn wardrobe woes. After all, I know I’m not alone in pulling on a thick-knit jumper only to be left carrying it over my shoulder a couple of minutes into my commute or breaking a sweat while trying to sip a pumpkin-spice latte with leather trousers on.

The Y2K trend of layering dresses over jeans is slowly starting to seep through into our 2023 wardrobes, and when it comes to transitional dressing, this truly is a standout style. Often thought of as a standalone fashion staple, layered only over tights, dresses can be tricky to wear during unpredictable weather. While some give off a sure summer dress vibe with spaghetti straps or shorter lengths, knitted styles and heavyset velvets lean more towards a winter wardrobe. But thanks to the return of this smart-casual dressing technique, these warmer-weather pieces can now perfectly transcend the seasons, sitting as the centrepiece over a warming jumper and jeans.

Shorts, especially those with knicker-like micro lengths as we see here, have cemented themselves as a summer style staple. But, with the current seasonal overlap and warmer weather on the way, combining our autumn and summer wardrobes could be the key to dressing for this tricky time. Continuing our love for the leg-bearing bottoms well into October and beyond, styling shorts with jumpers, leather jackets and even a knee-high boot is one of the easiest ways to extend their lifespan without looking like you just don’t want the warmer weather season to end. 

Denim, in every iteration, was a key trend across recent fashion shows with everyone from Chanel to David Koma sending jeans, tunic tops and jackets down the spring/summer 2024 runway. But proving the fabric truly does fit with its dutiful tagline, its versatility when it comes to trans-seasonal styling deserves a moment in the spotlight. Instead of reaching for your everyday favourite pair of jeans, opting for a shorter length cut, like a long-length board short, will allow you to still feel the autumn breeze while staying cool and comfortable. In terms of styling, everything from a staple T-shirt and pumps to a heavy knit jumper will work seamlessly, making them a seasonless staple ready to tackle whatever weather.

Images: Getty