How to style out the transition between seasons, with lightweight versatile pieces to take you from summer to autumn.

Increasingly, thanks to the vagaries of the global climate, September is a tricky month clothes-wise. Should we be whipping out items from the new-season wardrobe, and stylishly suffering the sweltering consequences? Or should we, sartorially at least, be prolonging the summer, stepping out of the house in tropical-print shirts, shorts and the like? The answer is neither – there is a smarter way to dress (and shop) for this odd, inter-seasonal period, specifically, focusing on light outer layers that will remain useful as temperatures inevitably plummet towards the end of the year. Scroll down for some advice on how to do it via some of the latest items to arrive on MR PORTER.

This “Kobuk” corduroy jacket from Japanese brand Visvim serves the same purpose as your favourite denim jacket in summer – the key improvement being that, thanks to its shawl collar, it will be much more comfortable to throw on over a collared shirt in winter. For now, you can appreciate its tacticle cotton-hemp corduroy fabric with a simple T-shirt – this two-pack of charmingly off-white examples from US brand Velva Sheen will work well with the jacket’s vintage feel.

A shirt like this zip-up example from beloved streetwear brand Stüssy is often described as a “popover” – an appealing word to designate the relative ease with which it can be thrown on or off as the weather fluctuates. While it’s still hot, it will function as a just-light-enough outer layer to keep you warm in the evening. When it gets colder, you can easily wear it under a jacket. In either situation, it will look particularly good with a pair of artfully faded jeans (the cuffs rolled up) from Japanese selvedge denim expert OrSlow.

This smart cotton gabardine jacket from Japanese brand Camoshita is just the thing to take with you on a late summer/early autumn city break. Thanks to its light fabric, it won’t leave you overheated on public transport, but it is also waterproof, so if (sorry, when) the sun is replaced by ominous grey clouds, you’ll also be covered. Wear it with a pair of artisanal running sneakers from Visvim to put a palpable spring in your step as you enjoy the balmy pleasures of an Indian summer outdoors.