Retail Reconnaissance: Transitional Season Styles

A great transitional season piece: J.Crew Juliette collarless sweater jacket in burgundy. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Gearing Up For Fall: Transitional Season Picks…

I’ve spent a few hours perusing the shops this week, checking out new merchandise with an eye toward wear sooner / wear later options. Depending on where you live, cooler weather may be just around the corner, or you may have several more weeks of mild-to-very-warm temperatures. (Where I live, it’s the latter.) Here are a few of my picks. Most are lightweight and layer-able, which gives them cross-season wearability.

Above: an updated version of the sweater jacket. It’s a little softer and fuller than last year’s style, but drapes beautifully! A cotton blend, it’s not too heavy. I came home with both this Burgundy color and the Heather Khaki, I liked it that much.J.Crew has extended their sizing, and this style is offered up to size 3x.(The original version with a collar still available here. You can see how I wore it most recently here.)

Eileen Fisher v-neck tencel blend sweater in "elm." Details at une femme d'un certain age.

On the lighter side: a tencel-linen blend v-neck sweater. This is light enough for cool summer evenings, and could also be layered later underneath another cardigan or jacket. That color is so pretty, and this is another piece that’s much better in person than it looks online.

Madewell x Karen Walker silk floral top in Mustard. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

You’re going to have to trust me on this one: if your style leans a little bit Boho, try this top in the in the “violet” color. I never would have given it a second look if I hadn’t seen it in person because the online image is crappy. But that colorway is gorgeous IRL. (And much easier for most to wear than the mustard yellow.) Wear this on its own now while the weather is warmer, and layer under a jacket or cardigan later.

COS 3/4 sleeve striped cotton tee. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I pick up one of these budget-friendly striped tees every year or two, because they’re one of the few options out there with both 3/4 sleeves AND a more open neckline. I really like this green! It will look fabulous under a navy jacket too.

And Some Accessories…

J.Crew pointed toe brocade mules. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Accessories can be a fun way to add a bit of Fall to your look even if it’s not sweater weather yet. You know my weakness for fun flats, and these brocade mules were oh-so-tempting. (They look much better IRL than in the image here. Fabric has a lustrous sheen.) But I exercised some restraint and left them on the shelf.

Michael Kors Brooklyn small satchel in Olive. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

This is a good-looking and practical little bag. The smaller size is perfect for everyday use. That strap is long enough for crossbody wear, and it’s offered in several colors. I think this olive color was a nice alternative to brown for fall. And if your style is mostly casual, this bucket bag with grommet detailing is really cute too.

What types of pieces do you rely on for transitional season dressing?

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18 Comments

  1. I have noticed so many women around here this summer wearing mules that are works of art. Everything understated, and then you see their feet. No heels–they’re flats–but with gorgeous prints, or embellishments like embroidery, jewels or tassles. I love it.

  2. I love Madewell. I’m going to definitely check out that top and, you’re right, mustard is a very difficult c to wear near your face. Loving the mules too but at 5’2″ i’m longing for some type of a heel. I purchased a pair of TOD mules in, what else, black and they have a stacked heel of 2 inches. Still, would like something more elaborate to wear but for me it has to have a bit of lift for comfort and to give me just a bit of height. I’m shrinking in my old age!

    1. I purchased a gorgeous pair of brocade mules in a blue teal color scheme with a block heel at Nordstroms. Look for Halogen Tori Mule.

  3. I missed out on that J.Crew sweater jacket last year but I love this year’s version even better! Just ordered in navy. Thanks for showcasing it here. Great sale too.

  4. Oh, I love that blouse in the mustard! The lilac looks lovely too, but as a redhead, I avoid light purples of all shades, so as to avoid looking like a Harry Potter character, ha. Do you find that the striped tee runs true to size? That green is fun.

    1. Hi Kristina, I think redheads can often wear those mustard tones well. I think the tee does run TTS and it’s a relatively slim (though not snug) fit. If you prefer a more oversized fit, I’d suggest going up a size.

  5. Snap! I’ve been doing the same thing Susan. Mostly because I can’t think of anything better than cold weather right now but also because I like to get double duty out of my new buys.
    I think a top quality black polo neck is the key to getting the most out of my summer wardrobe through winter. Even lightweight dresses can be converted with a polo neck , thick tights and boots!
    Roll on Autumn…

  6. Love everything, especially the sweater jackets. Curious about your purchase of the Heather Khaki jacket since you already had the previous “model” in that color – is it that different or do you just love camel? And if you only had one, which would you choose? Thanks!

    1. Hi Lee, it’s a little of both. 😉 The new style is lighter and softer, and feels like something I’ll wear more often than last year’s.

      1. Susan, I happened to pass by a J. Crew store this afternoon and popped in to see the sweater jackets. They had both styles in the heather khaki in my size, and it ended up being an easy decision. LOVE the new one; the previous one not so much.

        I was torn between that color and the burgundy and leaning towards the latter, but I am so glad I waited. The burgundy was a little darker than I wanted, so I went with the khaki. I think camel is supposed to be popular again this fall, which is a nice plus. (In my mind, it’s a classic, which always looks good, especially with red or black.)

        Thanks so much for the tip!

  7. I love the Madewell blouse, would buy in a heartbeat, but it’s 23 1/2″ long. What are they thinking? Trying to lure us away from the tunics, I bet. And I don’t like the wide pants “they” are pushing either. For us heftier types all that was a godsend. I am not giving it up. And I won’t buy tops less than 28″/

  8. Although I always have to have J. Crew jackets altered, I just snapped up the French Girl doubled breasted jacket in a gorgeous “mahogany” (burgundy) at the sale price…new color and something different but as versatile IMHO as navy or black for fall and winter. I love slides but I have trouble keeping them on!

    1. I also love slides but I too have trouble keeping them on, especially on cooler days. I tripped, fell and broke my arm earlier this year when a slide flew off my foot – no more slides for me!

  9. I love a slouchy look/feel. Having said that, at 5’2″ I need some control. IMO even the model is drowning in that sweater coat. Love the rest. I’m sooo ready for a new season/new clothes!

  10. Hi Susan.
    I purchased the sweater jacket in burgundy today at J Crew . Sleeves are a bit long but nothing a little cuffing can’t solve. Just wanted to say thank you as it was perfect! Last years J Crew model made me look short and dumpy but this gives a very nice long line. Was disappointed it wasn’t in petite but found the length perfect and the color beautiful! Big THANKS as it wasn’t something I’d normally try on.

  11. Hi Susan, I’ve loved your blog for many years and never miss a post (eventhough I rarely comment) but today I wanted to say how much I’ve learnt from you about style, fashion and many other topics. I’m Australian and while you are writing about autumn trends as we head into spring, there’s always something to learn and be inspired about. You are a very talented writer and I appreciate how gereously you share your insights and knowledge with your readers. Off topic from today’s post, I was looking at your archives and thought how lovely your hair was when you had a long bob in 2015. Your current short cut is very pretty but the movement of the longer style was particularly flattering – perhaps something to consider as you change your look.