From Classic Cardigans to Ballet Flats, 36 Transitional Weather Essentials to Wear Now

36 Transitional Weather Essentials to Wear InBetween Season
Photo: J.Crew

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When the weather is 62 degrees in the morning, 83 in the afternoon, and a brisk 57 in the evening, transitional weather essentials become superheroes in our wardrobes. Instead of overheating in a puffer coat, perhaps a lightweight cardigan or trendy denim jacket is the way to solve all of your closet problems? Or maybe it’s an all-weather leather jacket that’ll go the extra mile in your wardrobe next season. Saint Laurent’s coveted runway blazer is already selling and Toteme’s buttery soft option is quickly rising to the top this year.

Of course, transitional-weather essentials go beyond outerwear. Trans-seasonal dresses that pair well with sandals, loafers, or boots are an easy one-and-done outfit to have on hand. We’re fans of Proenza Schouler’s knitted frocks as well as Altuzarra’s long-sleeve tie-dye designs. Layer them over a sweater or with one of those sleeveless dresses that you can’t wait to break out. 

And if it feels too soon to commit to a sandal, try testing the waters with a versatile loafer or ballet flat. Designs from Loro Piana, Tory Burch, and Everlane will help you play the fence when the weather is unpredictable.

You’ll find these and more transitional weather essentials, ahead.

The Lightweight Jacket

Embrace layering with trans-seasonal styles—like the timeless J.Crew knit or the runway-worthy Khaite denim dream below.

Alex Mill

Eldridge cardigan

J.Crew

Emilie sweater

Khaite

Grizzo oversized studded denim jacket

La Ligne

Marina stripe cardigan

Gucci

denim jacket

The Frankie Shop

Dallas oversized denim shirt

The Trans-Seasonal Dress

Look for cozy fabrics or long-sleeve designs that will come in handy when the weather is unpredictable. The Tibi and Merlette frocks here also offer versatility, so you can dress them up with heels or down with sneakers.

Altuzarra

Helenos cut-out gown

Proenza Schouler

tassel-trimmed midi dress

Tibi

paneled denim midi shirt dress

Norma Kamali

oversized belted midi-dress

Polo Ralph Lauren

ribbed wool-blend and pleated charmeuse midi dress

Merlette

Paradis tiered lace trim eyelet midi dress

The Trendy Ballet Flat

Ease your way into covered comfy shoes with the versatile ballet flat. Don’t be afraid to have fun with shiny embellishments or peekaboo fabrics.

J.Crew

Zoe strappy flats

Reformation

Bethany ballet flats

Alaïa

Crinkled patent-leather ballet flats

Zara

metallic crochet flats

The Maximum-Impact Maxi

Turn to longer lengths for extra coverage on breezy days. Hill House Home’s white maxi is already a favorite of several Vogue editors and, yes, it’s acceptable to wear long after Labor Day weekend.

The Delphine Nap Skirt

Dôen

Elowen skirt

Posse

Emma pencil skirt

Reformation

Gia linen skirt

Zimmermann

Luminosity denim maxi skirt

Madewell

denim mid-rise maxiskirt

The Lighter Leather

Elevate your spring outerwear with a polished leather jacket. There’s no need to stick to all-black styles. Have fun with trendy faded browns or venture into different shades of beige.

Massimo Dutti

Nappa leather trench style coat

Toteme

Flap-pocket leather jacket

Saint Laurent

oversized jacket

Nash oversized leather bomber

Mango

leather-effect jacket

Aya Muse

Tolobu faux leather jacket

The In-Between Season Shoe

Pack up your sandals until next year, and pick up a shoe that shows off your ankles—like Tory Burch’s beloved loafer or Loro Piana’s quiet luxury flat.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Penny strap leather loafers

Loro Piana

Summer Charms Walk leather loafers

Burberry

coin detail penny loafers

Tory Burch

classic loafer

Everlane

Modern loafers

Gucci

Jordaan leather loafer