THE JOURNAL
Waving goodbye to your summer wardrobe of shorts and linen shirts and getting ready for the colder season isn’t the most exciting prospect. But the good news is that you may already have most of what you need to master transitional style – that is, the art of dressing well during those tricky in-between months.
“Don’t let your fall wardrobe planning become a daunting task,” says Mr Olie Arnold, MR PORTER’s Style Director. “Many of the pieces that work in the warmer months transition perfectly. Versatility is key at this time of year and picking the right colour palette and fabric combinations that play well with other more wintery options will offer up multiple outfit possibilities.”
To help you kick things off, we’ve asked him to pick seven things that’ll be the mainstay of your (and his) transitional wardrobe from our very own label, Mr P. – just read on.
01. The denim jacket
Modelled after classic Breton styles, this denim chore jacket is left unlined, meaning it won’t be bulky and it’s still easy to throw over shirts and lightweight sweaters. “Buy yours slightly oversized, so you can layer over a warmer piece of knitwear,” Arnold says.
02. The canvas trousers
Don’t hesitate to use these trousers to inject some lighter hues into your transitional wardrobe. “Winter whites have picked up a lot of momentum over the past few years,” Arnold says. “They offer a palette cleanser to all of the darker colours we usually pick in the colder months and work well with everything.” Their utilitarian feel allows you to effortlessly dress them up with loafers, or down with a T-shirt and sneakers.
03. The jersey crew-neck sweatshirt
For Mr P., the basics are just as important as the stand-out pieces in your wardrobe, which is why the brand perfects essentials such as this sweatshirt down to the last detail. “Sweatshirts of this quality can be as effective as a great merino knit,” Arnold says. “Try dressing yours up with tailored trousers and sneakers.”
04. The tortoiseshell sunglasses
However pale the autumn sun may be, you’re likely to still need a pair of shades to protect you from the rays, especially as it sits lower in the sky. “Having a set of sunglasses on hand throughout the year is a must as you never know when the sun is going to arrive,” Arnold says. “And they will also hide any late night activities the morning after.” Don’t mind if we suggest these tortoiseshell frames, which will add a retro touch to any outfit.
05. The suede loafers
A versatile pair of loafers such as Mr P.’s suede version will work just as well with jeans as they will with chinos and more formal trousers. “The ‘shoe of the year’ can be your ally in the fall as well as the spring and summer,” Arnold says. “Opt for a slightly chunkier sock when the temperature drops and always use a reputable suede cleaner as soon as you remove them from the box.”
06. The striped shirt
This Mr P. shirt is patterned with subtly taupe pinstripes, making a welcome alternative to classic white styles. “Having a convertible collar is a bonus when you come to layer this under a knit or sweatshirt,” Arnold says. “And Tencel is a great fabric with a reassuring weight.”
07.
The crochet polo shirt
Few things come close to defining a “trans-seasonal staple” quite like a knitted polo shirt. This one by Mr P. is made from a blend of cotton and silk, so it’s especially soft to the touch and breathable. “High-quality knitted polos in silk or wool blends can work really well with a jacket as much as with a pair of jeans,” Arnold says.