Transitional summer dresses is a curious term and perhaps something that you may have heard stylists or fashion journalists talk about, but you could be forgiven for being a little puzzled about what it actually means. In the sense of fashion and clothing, transitional usually means an item of clothing that can be worn year round. A transitional summer dress therefore can also be adapted and worn in the spring, autumn or winter.
As we move into the late summer, it becomes clearer why we might want to buy clothes with this transitional character. With possibly only a few weeks of hot and sunny weather ahead of us, it would make sense to buy a summer dress that can also look great for autumn and winter.
Generally, those of us who have a transitional wardrobe or lots of transitional items in our wardrobes as opposed to seasonal items, can afford to spend that little bit more on our clothes and invest in great quality. That is not to say that we shouldn’t have a few gorgeous floaty summer dresses for example a strappy maxi dress, that will only really work on the hottest of summer days but it is also great to have a number of classic items that will also work all year round.
Of course in the spring, autumn and winter, you will need to be warmer than in the middle of winter and one of the secrets to transitional dressing is layering. Take your summer dress, wear a thin top underneath and tights for the autumn and spring and a cardigan and even leggings for the winter. Transitional clothes are great for those in between seasons when it is too cold for summer dresses but too warm for thick winter clothes.
Why not invest in a transitional summer dress or two. Here are some of the things to consider when shopping for them.
Colour
The colour of a transitional piece of clothing is vital. It should not look too summery or too wintery but somewhere in between. Colours like greys, browns, navy, black and beige all work well and can be brightened up with a bright top or accessories which is appropriate for the season.
Fabric
Transitional dresses should be made out of a fabric that is not too thick or too thin. A mid weight fabric will not be too floaty in the windy autumn or too hot in the summer.
Style
Styles that allow layering are ideal. Thin stretchy jersey tops work really well for layering bit also consider thin knits. You can add a neat cropped cardigan to almost any dress to make it suitable for cooler weather. Also simple styles of dress like a shift dress allow for a top to be layered underneath. You can also wear ditsy print summer dresses with opaque black tights and a cardigan for an on trend winter look. You would be surprised at how many summer dresses look great when teamed with black tights for the autumn or winter why not give it ago.

This V Neck Maxi Dressis a great style that will take you from summer to autumn with ease. It is a great alternative to the strappy versions which would only really work for summer and it can easily be worn over a long sleeved top.

This beautiful floral dress could work equally well for summer with bare legs and sandals or winter with grey tights and a cosy cardigan.

This striking Jacquard Shift Dress will look great worn over a long sleeved black top or body and with black tights for the winter.