THE GOOD old weather poses many a sartorial problem at the best of times, but none more so than that pesky end of summer/not quite autumn period.
From August onwards, it's a daily toss-up between tights and flip-flops, brolly and sunnies – or sometimes all four.
But looking on the bright side, this is also when we get our first taste of the new season and can start getting excited about all the cosy knits and snugly coats to come.
It's a great time to inject new life into your wardrobe and trial some new trends before your major winter shopping splurges.
Presenting your fashion forecast: the problem-solving pieces that will help you ease into autumn...
SLEEVE IT OUT
A sleeveless tailored jacket is indispensable right about now, giving you an extra layer that doesn't add bulk or detract from a neat ensemble. For a more casual approach, try a soft suede waistcoat.
:: Damsel in a Dress Taylor Black Jacket, £149 (www.damselinadress.co.uk)
BOHO BUY
Trade in your floaty summer boho blouse for an autumnal version, in a sleeker shape and darker hue. Silk or chiffon is ideal, and khaki, navy or maroon are a good match for indigo denim.
:: Khaki Green Gypsy Top, currently reduced to £20 from £32; Jeans, £18 (www.evans.co.uk)
GET YOUR SKATERS ON
On rainy mornings, when ballet pumps are just going to get soaked, slip on a skater shoe instead. More minimalist than trainers, these US teen favourites have had a grown-up upgrade of late, with luxe materials and metallic touches.
:: Rescue Toe Cap Slip On Shoes, £60 (www.office.co.uk)
DO THE SPLITS
A tunic with side splits allows for more styling options than a regular long top. Pair it with shorts during the last gasps of summer, then wear over cropped trousers later, for an almost oriental layered look.
:: H&M Long T-shirt, £12.99 (www.hm.com)
ENTER YOUR PINAFORE
It's not just school girls who should be reaching for a pinafore this September, but to avoid uniform associations, go for textured fabrics like suede, cord, denim or leather. Wear with a Bardot top now and a fine gauge roll-neck on chillier days.
:: MOTO Black Midi Pinafore Dress, £38 (Topshop.com)
TRUMP IT
What do you get when you cross the formality of a pencil skirt with the fun of skater skirt? You get the trumpet, a fitted skirt with a flared hem. This sweetly feminine shape is great for showing off your curves, as it nips in the waist while the flourish at the hem balances proportions.
:: Jane Norman Trumpet Hem Midi Skirt, £25 (www.janenorman.co.uk)
ROLL WITH IT
As well as a tighter version, an oversized roll-neck is handy for throwing on for extra warmth. Just make sure it's a fine knit so you can sling a leather jacket or shawl over the top, then finish with a scarf and cross-body bag.
:: Voulez Vous Roll Neck Oversized Jumper, £20 (Stylistpick.com)
MAC LOOK
You're going to get a lot of wear out of a waterproof (sigh), so why not make it a pretty one? A super-shiny raincoat in a fun colour is guaranteed to make you smile, even when it's pouring.
:: South Rain Mac, £39 (www.isme.com)
GET THE LOOK
Model Suki Waterhouse had the transitional fashion look down to a T when she appeared at the opening of Amazon's new fashion photography studio recently, pairing a summery dress with an autumnal-hued turtleneck and trainers.
:: French Connection Botanical Trip Lace Floral Sleeveless Dress, £130 (Amazon.co.uk)
BUY IT NOW
Bruce Oldfield has been crafting couture fashion for more than 40 years, but now he's branching out with his first ever high-street collection. The 60-piece range of premium tailoring, separates and eveningwear, which starts from £59, goes into 10 John Lewis stores and online on September 4.
:: Short Sleeved Rib Knit, £59; Long Sleeved Knit, £79; Striped Silk And Velvet Panelled Skirt, £150, all Bruce by Bruce Oldfield for John Lewis (www.johnlewis.com)
FASHION FLASH
:: FIERCE COMPETITION
Wannabe fashion designers, here's your chance to win a major competition – without having to endure 10 weeks on a reality TV show. The Fashion Crowd Challenge allows any amateur designer to submit sketches online, and the winners – who will receive grants totalling £160,000 – will be chosen by public vote. Visit fashioncrowdchallenge.com.
STYLE STEAL
Since 2013, H&M has been collecting bags of customers' unwanted clothes in exchange for £5 vouchers (the initiative is still running), and now recycled cotton from the gathered garments is being used to weave a capsule collection of denim pieces. The Close The Loop collection, which includes three styles of jeans and dungarees, is available in store and online on September 7.
:: H&M Close The Loop Collection Denim Shirt, £14.99 (www.hm.com)
