A Guide to Trans-Seasonal Dressing (When the Seasons Are Unpredictable)

Thick coats in winter, light dresses in spring and boots in autumn. But what do you do when it’s beach weather in June, there’s a cold snap in spring and, as Belinda Carlisle famously sang, you find yourself in the summer rain?

The weather – and, as a result, your wardrobe – can’t neatly be divided into four seasons.
“Trans-seasonal dressing isn't hard. I think we actually all do it instinctively,” says Elliot Garnaut, the Melbourne-based celebrity stylist and friend of the Ralph Lauren brand. As we move into the cooler months (with occasional hot days on the horizon) we asked Garnaut for advice on how to get the most out of our clothes – and move effortlessly between hot and cold, formal and informal.

Layering is everything

One of the best ways to make your wardrobe last across the year is layering. “Trans-seasonal dressing is all about building or taking away specific elements from your outfit,” says Garnaut. “So when you’re purchasing pieces for your wardrobe, be considerate of the fact that they can be worn all throughout the year.”

One example is a heavy cotton blazer. In warmer months it can be worn with a tank top or a T-shirt underneath, while in the winter it could be paired with a jumper or turtleneck, with a coat over the top. Scarves are also good for layering, as are light trench coats and overshirts. “Layering is a great way for your outfit to evolve,” says Garnaut. In cooler months in particular, it’s also a good way to transition between different events and environments. One key thing to keep in mind is that each layer should work on its own – be its own look. “Each layer offers its own strength to the outfit,” says Garnaut.

Neutral colour schemes

Another way of moving seamlessly between the seasons is to have your colour palette sorted, with a neutral colour scheme forming the basis of your wardrobe. When Garnaut says neutral, he doesn’t mean beige all the time – he essentially means steering clear of bold colours.

“It could be black, white, grey, it could be across creams, it could be chocolate browns – anything that’s in a simplified colourway,” says Garnaut. Navy and greens work too. “It just comes down to personal preference. Whatever you feel most comfortable in and whatever your default neutral is, stick to that neutral.” It’s all about having key items of clothing that complement each other, allowing you to mix and match all year round.

This is also where it can be worth spending a little more on high quality items, because they’re not just for a season – the aim is to have clothing that’s sustainable and lasts for years. “Inject little seasonal bits and pieces as you go,” says Garnaut, but “invest in a really good quality coat, blazer, and beautiful jumpers. They will last you season after season.”

Denim, always

“Aussies live in denim,” says Garnaut. “There’s no two ways about it. Denim is the backbone of an Australian wardrobe.” He says it’s the great all-rounder – denim can be dressed up or down, can be casual or even formal – saying it’s “not only trans-seasonal, it’s trans-event”. Jeans can be paired with crop tops, tees or shirts, jackets – or even with more denim.
“I absolutely love double denim,” he says. “You can wear [denim] to anything you want if you dress it the right way – it’s just a real background piece.” One piece of advice is to keep colours in mind. “Darker denims are great for the cooler months,” he says. “Lighter denims are great for the warmer months.”

Invest in bold accessories

“Accessories are essentially your segue items in and out of the seasons” says Garnaut. “Just equipping yourself with the right accessories will make sure you have a very functional trans-seasonal wardrobe.” Some of the key items to keep in mind are hats, belts, scarves, gloves and bags – be it a shoulder bag, duffel bag or zip portfolio, as seen in Ralph Lauren’s new Wellington Collection. Not only will they help you adapt to the changing weather, but they’re a good way to change the aesthetic of an outfit between seasons, or elevate an overall look.

His favourite accessory? “I like a good pair of sunglasses,” says Garnaut. “Sunglasses are totally trans-seasonal – the sun shines all year round.” They’re also a good way to finish off a look. “You can be wearing the most simple outfit ever: black T-shirt, jeans, black blazer, a pair of sneakers – put on the right sunnies and you look very sophisticated and put together.”

Garnaut says his advice is only scaffolding. “Everyone is unique and everyone has their own unique sense of style,” he says. “So it’s not necessarily for me to say what’s the right or the wrong thing to do. At the end of the day, it’s what makes people feel the best version of themselves and the most comfortable. Just making sure they’re well equipped for all the elements. Then you’ll find trans-seasonal dressing an absolute breeze.”

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Ralph Lauren. Visit the brand new flagship Ralph Lauren store at Melbourne’s Chadstone Shopping Centre , opening Friday April 1, 2022.