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How To Build A Transeasonal Capsule Collection 

Planning for pieces in your trans-seasonal collections? Here’s our advice – 


Seasons are losing relevance as customers shift away from thinking in these terms. What they seek are fashion choices with longevity—key pieces that can be styled both for the present and future. As the boundaries between seasons become increasingly fluid, the concept of trans-seasonal dressing—creating outfits that seamlessly transition from one season to another—has gained prominence. 


Essential pieces, including timeless denim and sophisticated outerwear, as well as adaptable two-piece sets and cozy knit sets or dresses are the way to go. By thoughtfully incorporating a range of key pieces into your wardrobe, you can craft stylish looks that adapt to changing weather and trends, ensuring that your outfits remain both functional and fashionable throughout the year. 

Check out our edit below to master dressing for in-between seasons. 

Colour planning   

 

Trans-seasonal colours are versatile shades that work well across different seasons, providing both warmth and freshness depending on the weather. These colours typically bridge the gap between the vibrant tones of summer and the muted hues of winter, offering a versatile palette that adapts to varying temperatures and styles.  


Stocking pastel hues in knitwear pieces is one way to do so as these styles transition past the Autumn/Winter season and work for Spring/Summer too. Talk about versatility!  
Start with neutral-coloured knits such as beige, gray, or navy. These shades are versatile and can be easily mixed and matched with other hues. Then, incorporate knits in bold or trending colours to update your wardrobe and make a statement. 

"I recommend investing in key pieces which can be styled for many different occasions. My advice is to have a bit of fun with your wardrobe and embrace colour!"  

– Lisa Aiken, Fashion buyer (via Vogue

Focus on key outerwear 

Trans-seasonal outerwear is designed to offer functionality and style across multiple seasons, bridging the gap between the extreme temperatures of winter and the warmth of summer. By investing in the right outerwear, you can ensure that your outfits remain stylish and practical throughout the year. The goal is to choose pieces that provide adequate warmth, protection, and adaptability, allowing you to layer effectively and maintain a polished look. 
Layering is key for the seasons in-between. Outerwear like jackets, cardigans, shackets, blazers and coats are great for transitioning seamlessly between indoor and outdoor environments. Choose outerwear pieces that can be easily layered over other garments. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions and transition smoothly between seasons. 
 
Selecting the right fabric is crucial for achieving effective trans-seasonal dressing. Look for materials that offer a balance of breathability and warmth. For instance, lightweight wool, cotton blends, and technical fabrics can provide comfort across varying temperatures. 
Ensure that your outerwear fits well and serves its intended function. Proper fit is essential for both comfort and style, while functionality ensures that the piece meets your weather protection needs. 

"Layering is key. Try wearing a crop top over a button down or spring sweater to add a fresh element to your outfit. Another fun tip is pairing a sleeveless vest or piece of outerwear over your favorite jacket."  


– Elizabeth Leventhal, merchandising manager of ready-to-wear (via Vogue

Opt for versatile fabrics and styles 


Knitwear is no longer reserved for colder climates; in fact, you may have seen this material appearing more in beachwear and summer styles. That’s the beauty of crochet knit pieces! Key characteristics of transseasonal knits include breathable materials, lightweight fabrics, and versatile designs. 

Focus on getting versatile knitwear that can be worn in multiple ways, such as a lightweight sweater, a classic cardigan, and a chunky knit. 

Two-piece sets are also hugely popular as they provide versatility for customers to mix and match, a fashionable and practical choice for trans-seasonal dressing. These coordinated ensembles—ranging from tailored suits to relaxed loungewear—offer the ease of a unified look while providing versatility across different seasons. By carefully selecting and styling matching sets, you can effortlessly transition from one season to the next without sacrificing style or comfort. With added boleros, cardigans and even scarf details, these pieces are a must-have in your trans-seasonal collections.  

Denim is timeless 

Denim is many things – hardworking, reliable, effortlessly cool – but it’s rarely considered to be the star of the show. We say embrace denim for maximum impact! Denim is a fashion staple that seamlessly transitions between seasons, making it a key component in trans-seasonal dressing. Its versatility and durability allow denim pieces to be styled for both warm and cool weather, providing endless outfit possibilities throughout the year. Building a denim collection is not only iconic, it will also provide staple pieces suited to any occasion, season and temperature.  


Opt for lighter denim washes in spring and summer, and darker or distressed washes in fall and winter. This helps align your denim pieces with seasonal trends and weather conditions. 
Classic blue jeans are a timeless piece that can be worn year-round. Their versatility allows them to be paired with almost any top and styled for different seasons. Denim jackets are also essential for trans-seasonal dressing due to their lightweight yet warm properties. They can be worn over various outfits and layered for additional comfort. 


Experiment with different denim cuts and silhouettes to find what works best for you. High-waisted, wide-leg, and cropped styles offer different looks that can be adapted for various seasons. 

"Look for pieces that will form the foundation of everyday dressing. Ensure these pieces are less about trend and more focused on silhouette and wearability."  


– Teneille Ferguson, buying manager (via Vogue) 
 

Dresses that do it all

A well-curated collection thrives on versatile pieces that seamlessly bridge seasons. Dresses that can double as outerwear over pants are invaluable—buttoned shirt dresses, for instance, effortlessly adapt to an outfit to add warmth. Opt for lightweight options that layer well and ensure comfort across temperatures. Look for smart fabric choices and construction techniques that maintain comfort whether paired with boots or sandals. Knit midi or maxi dresses are particularly versatile and guaranteed to elevate your collection. 


Look for adjustable elements, versatile fabrics, and styles that can be easily layered or accessorised. Incorporate current trends into your dress selection, such as prints, colors, or silhouettes that are popular for the season. This keeps your wardrobe fresh and stylish. Include styles like shirt dresses, wrap dresses, maxi dresses, midi dresses, and shift dresses. Invest in high-quality fabrics and well-constructed dresses that will hold up over time and retain their shape.  


By selecting the right dresses and styling them strategically, you can create a range of looks suitable for various seasons. 

Ultimately, a transseasonal wardrobe is about making thoughtful choices that align with your personal style and the practical demands of changing seasons. By curating a selection of adaptable garments and learning how to style them for various conditions, you empower yourself to face each season. Embrace the flexibility, enjoy the creativity, and relish the freedom of a wardrobe that truly does it all. 
 

Published 10 October 2024

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