7 Uncomplicated Outfits to Copy While We Hover Between Summer and Autumn

We Brits love to talk about the weather. Be it a heatwave or a thunderstorm, we'll have something to say (read: complain) about it. But in all seriousness, the unpredictable weather can play havoc with our outfit choices. And there's no trickier time than the present. Summer weeks are limited, and autumn is on the horizon, so it's a constant toss-up between which season to dress for. While our hearts are saying stick to linen, our heads (and most probably the forecast) is telling us to start thinking about layers.

It's all about being clever with the way you dress, and in our opinion, taking note from others is the most faff-free option. So whether you imitate Marilyn and wear your summer Bermuda shorts with a polo neck top or you take note from Chrissy and embrace the trench coat with all-weather loafers, these are the seven uncomplicated outfits that'll save you time when you get ready in the mornings.

1. Polo Top + Denim Shorts + Denim Jacket

Lena wearing polo top

(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Style Notes: There's no avoiding rugby style striped shirts for autumn, and who would want to when they look this good? Get ahead and style them already with double denim and red accessories for a Parisian touch, à la Léna.

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2. Slip Skirt + Oversized Shirt

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(Image credit: @fannyekstrand)

Style Notes: Yep, slip skirts are well and truly back—did they ever really go? To make them for for 2024, wear with a baggy shirt left loose and add coloured trainers.

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3. Bermuda Shorts + Heels

Marilyn wearing long shorts

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: No need to pack your shorts (especially 2024's key style: the Bermuda) away just because summer is coming to a close. Instead, make like Marilyn and wear with heels and a classic roll neck top.

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4. White Jeans + Long-Sleeved Breton

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

Style Notes: White denim is a summer staple, and how do you make white jeans work even harder than they already have? Style with a long-sleeved top, of course. Sorry, jeans. You're not getting a day off just yet.

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5. Knit Dress + Tote + Sandals

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Style Notes: Knitted dresses are a between-season saviour. Right now I'm wearing mine with sandals, but rest assured they'll look just as good with chunky loafers and boots when temperatures truly dip.

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6. Trench Coat + Jeans + Loafers

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style Notes: Living in the UK is just a constant cycle of asking yourself, "Do I need a jacket?", and if in doubt, you can always rely on the humble trench. Be prepared to wear it over any (and every) outfit from here on out.

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7. Slip Dress + Blazer + Boots

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: Don't vacuum pack your lightweight dresses away just yet—layer them with a blazer and finish with knee boots for a look I'd argue is even cooler than what you'd pair it with in the summer months.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people.When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.