Stay ready: Nine ways to wear between-season fashion styles

"Keen on a capsule? Meet your sister. I like to divide and conquer with a co-ord like Whistles' striped waistcoat and trousers - ideal layering partners now and when the mercury dips."

Thu, 07 Aug, 2025 - 01:00

Annmarie O’Connor

My relationship with the inconstant Irish weather is toxic. Seduced by its unpredictability, I scorn its bad behaviour only to strip off the moment it shows me any positive attention.

This summer I swore things would be different. I broke up with my skimpy warm weather wannabees and made peace with liminal layers that will see me well into early autumn.

Take Cortefiel’s cropped trench coat (available at Shaw’s) — a masterclass in lightweight outerwear that respects ‘a grand soft day’ and a perimenopausal flush.

Wear with ecru denim and sandals with a By Malene Birger ‘Zoria’ leather belt to create subtle structure without sacrificing comfort.

Although linen remains a go-to, look to warmer wool blends, like that offered by Donegal brand Magee 1866, for extra wear time.

Their ‘Sara’ dress makes end-of-summer work tailoring a breeze— breathable enough for warm days, yet adaptable for cooler evenings. Ditto for Massimo Dutti’s striped open-neck blouse with its kimono silhouette.

Keen on a capsule? Meet your sister. I like to divide and conquer with a co-ord like Whistles' striped waistcoat and trousers - ideal layering partners now and when the mercury dips.

As for arm candy, suede totes and straw basket bags may continue to dominate our social media feeds, but I like to think ahead with a carry-all for my squirrel-like tendencies. Massimo Dutti’s Nappa leather beauties do nicely.

Likewise, their leather peep-toe heels are discreet enough not to warrant a pedicure as are the ‘Helia’ low-cut pumps by Aeyde. Plus, it’s easier for me to walk away from the notion of an August heatwave. I better get those steps in.