Just in: Transitional Basics, Pieces to Wear Now and Later

Left to right and top to bottom: Band of Outsiders Oxford shirt at Mr Porter, All Saints Colbert denim jacket, Helmut Lang Trace jeans at MatchesFashion.com, ASOS Bomber Jacket, Vans Slip-On 59 Pro,

Bailey Nelson Swift sunglasses.

For years now I have been trying to start working on my so-called 'transitional wardrobe' – that selection of pieces you can wear in between seasons but also incorporate easily into your SS or FW looks. Last week I went on a bit of an on and offline shopping spree to make sure I was well equipped – so I actually own everything you see in the pictures above.
I started with a pair of black slim jeans because as much as I love my Acne ones they are way too old to look presentable anymore. Next on the list was a new denim jacket in a slim fit so I could wear it over a shirt but also under a blazer. I had been looking for the perfect green Oxford shirt for years and I also finally found it (I'm wearing it as I type). Once I had the green I decided I needed some more colour, which is why I chose a light bomber jacket in burgundy – also great for layering. And I was low on neutrals so I chose sneakers in an off-white/cream colour my (immense) shoe collection was really lacking.
Now I am ready to start buying key pieces for FW14, most of which I have eyed already. More on these soon!

How to Nail the 'Transitional Look'

1. Todd Snyder suede varsity jacket, 2. New Balance 576 Three Peaks sneakers,

3. Cheap Monday denim jacket, 4. Barbour Bedale Jacket, 5. Clarks Originals desert boots,

6. Burberry Prorsum cashmere-blend coat, 7. Gucci burnished leather sneakers, 8. Vans Old Skool sneakers,

9. Selected bomber jacket, 10. A.P.C. cotton field jacket, 11. New Look khaki parka, 12. Nike Roshe Run.

Just when you think you've mastered how to dress for the winter Mother Nature decides to spin your world (also kind of literally) and head for spring, not without first having to endure an awkward few weeks when neither winter nor spring wear are totally apt. It's exactly for times like these that fashion bunch coined 'transitional wardrobe'.
I have inevitably failed at this way of dressing most of my life. And I did, I realise now, because of my strict self-imposed style rules, the breaking of which is the key to conquering the 'transitional look'. Three perfect examples of how to do it well came this week courtesy of Ryan Reynolds and Chris Pine.
Reynolds paired jeans and chinos with Vans Old Skool. First with a 3-quarter length checked coat worn over a shirt – worn without a jumper in between this makes a perfect transitional look. Later in the week he wore them with a v-neck cotton jumper and an indigo denim jacket – worn without a shirt or tee underneath a cotton jumper and jacket are perfect for a breezy sunny day.
Chris Pine went for a more traditional approach wearing jeans with a cotton button-down shirt and a lightweight jacket. Is is the detailing of the jacket and the well-matched double-denim that make this a hit.

I browsed my favourite online retailers to find 12 pieces perfect to complete your transitional wardrobe, which double up as great additions to your winter and spring wardrobes.