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The Wardrobe ICONS guide to transeasonal dressing

While the switchover from winter into spring is undoubtedly joyful (longer days, warmer weather, sunny holidays within reach), it can prove tricky in the wardrobe department. Here, Wardrobe ICONS founders Laura Fantacci and Petro Stofberg share their four transeasonal style essentials to add to your wardrobe – and how to wear them

23 March 2022

Wardrobe Icons founders Laura Fantacci and Petro Stofberg

The up-and-down temperatures that have you reaching for your jumper drawer one minute, stripping down to T-shirts the next, mean knowing what to put on in the morning is often a guessing game. Add to this a scattering of springtime showers and it’s no wonder transeasonal dressing is such an art form. Fortunately, it’s one that can be mastered with a little style know-how. 

Versatility is paramount in unpredictable climes; your outfit needs to change as much as the weather forecast. This is where those wardrobe staples come into play. Look to hardworking pieces that can be layered up, down and styled in lots of different ways. Think easy all-in-ones that can be worn with a fine roll-neck underneath when it’s cold, then stripped back in the heat. Classic denim that works just as well with boots and blazers as it does sandals and spring shirts. Tailored separates that can be worn matchy-matchy now, then lightened up with summer pieces as we move throughout the season. 

Seasonless prints will look chic in every weather: stripes, animal print, checks, heritage monograms. Light neutrals immediately give a springtime sensibility and can also be teamed with brights and whites throughout summer to maximise shelf life. 

Bulky layering is far from ideal, so gravitate towards lightweight, breathable fabrics. Premium quality pieces will also have longevity, so it’s well worth taking a trip in-store to feel fabrics firsthand before making an investment. 

In fact, there’s a lot to love about rediscovering the pleasure of an in-person experience. Not only can pieces be tried on to find your perfect fit, but nothing beats getting up close and personal with new-season styles. The trick is to pick a destination where everything is in one place. Home to the flagship boutiques of global luxury brands, Sloane Street is exactly this. From Gucci to Burberry by way of Dior, the unparalleled selection means finding your next love-forever piece is guaranteed. 

If you’re searching for inspiration for your next shopping trip, we’ve handpicked the four transeasonal style essentials to add to your wardrobe, plus the timeless pieces to wear with them. 

The utility jumpsuit 

An entire outfit in just one piece, the jumpsuit is one-step-dressing at its finest. Utilitarian styles come with the additional versatility of being able to be both dressed up and down, depending on the occasion. Think of Burberry’s belted iteration as the ultimate base layer, adding or subtracting elements as needed. On cool spring days layer a classic herringbone coat over the top and slip on closed-toe loafers for a polished yet functional look. Cartier’s Juste un Clou bracelet and a luxe monogram bag deliver timeless elegance. 

Burberry long-sleeve mohair wool jumpsuit, £1,590
Gucci herringbone wool coat, £2,900 
Cartier Juste un Clou bracelet, £6,300
Gucci women’s Princetown slipper, £525 

The classic trench 

It doesn’t get much more iconic than a Burberry trench coat; the ageless, timeless, seasonless cover-up is an investment you’ll be pulling on years down the line. It’s essential that this purchase is spot on, so it pays to go in-store and try on different cuts and silhouettes to find the style that’s perfect for you. While a trench works all year round, the fickle months of spring and autumn are when it’s really worth its weight in gold. Use the lightweight cover-up to add a warm, weather-proof layer to any and every outfit. For an elevated daytime look, team with a crisp shirt, tailored trousers and luxe trainers. 

Burberry The long Kensington heritage trench coat, £1,650
Burberry monogram motif cotton oversized shirt, £550
Burberry wool wide-leg trousers, £750 
Burberry logo print vintage check cotton sneakers, £370
Gucci Bamboo 1947 mini top handle bag, £1,950 
Cartier Clash de Cartier hoop earrings, £6,650

The spring knit 

Though knitwear is usually an autumn/winter sartorial staple, it can also prove endlessly useful as we transition into the warmer months – especially in the UK, where things can often turn chilly. Eschew chunky knits in favour of fine, lightweight pieces that give essential insulation while remaining breathable. Dior’s Marinière is a shining example of a spring-ready knit. Crafted from a blend of linen, cashmere and silk, it bridges the gap between jumpers and T-shirts, while the classic nautical stripes and versatile silhouette ensure maximum wearability. Style effortlessly with a pair of loose-fit jeans and trench coat, upping the ante with a monogrammed shoulder bag and leopard-spot slingbacks.

Dior Marinière short-sleeved sweater, £990 
Dior flared jeans, £790
Dior 30 Montaigne bag, £2,800
Dior J’Adior slingback pump, £850
Dior beige trench coat, £3,400 

The backless loafer 

One of the biggest sartorial sticking points during the seasonal switchover is footwear. While boots feel too heavy, at this time of the year sandals can seem like a stretch. The style to rely on now is the backless loafer. With a closed toe and open heel, it strikes the right balance between covered up and lightweight and can endure most spring weather. It can even be worn with socks when temperatures drop. 

Gucci’s Princetown slipper is an evolution of the House’s iconic Horsebit loafer, which was first released in 1953. The Princetown has become a modern icon in its own right, looking every bit as stylish as its antecedent. Use them to take workwear into spring and add to a statement colour-block suit. Finish with another forever piece: the classic tan bag.

Gucci women’s Princetown slipper, £770
Gucci light GG canvas double-breasted jacket, £2,900 
Gucci light GG canvas trousers, £990
Gucci oversized T-shirt with Gucci logo, £400
Gucci Diana small tote bag, £2,520

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