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Does your wardrobe contain a good trans-seasonal dress, or TSD for short? No idea what I’m on about? Let me explain.
A TSD is one that you can throw on with sandals to hit a summery pub garden, and similarly pair with boots and a leather jacket for work come autumn — or even heels and a blazer for a smart dinner. A good TSD is a one-stop shop for stress-free dressing throughout the “is summer over yet? Do I need a cardigan?” months.
And while the exorbitant and fast-rising cost of daily life means many of us are swerving a back-to-work wardrobe splurge this year, there are hundreds — nay thousands — of excellent TSDs available to snag on the high street and in the summer sales, with many of the best giving you change from a £50.
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If you do decide to trawl (or scroll) for a bargain, avoid super summery kaftan-like fabrics and pastels and instead opt for darker colours and long-sleeved silhouettes that can remain in action when the heatwave’s history.
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The trick to hitting on a transitional dress that’ll still look on point come spring is to either opt for classic shapes and minimal fabrics or play into one of next season’s trends.
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Polka dots and boho paisley prints are set to supersede florals in 2022. For dotty dresses look to Next and H&M, both of which have easy options under £50 to take you from desk to dinner.
Zara has a lovely paisley print wrap dress for £79.99 (shop here) and Warehouse does a scarf print chiffon empire line maxi for £71 (shop here) that works with black strappy heels for a summery event, and boots and a leather jacket for work. If you do go for florals, make them dark, that way the dress will work with black tights once autumn proper hits.
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When it comes to fabrics, lightweight knit dresses look Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley levels of elegant paired with sandals and a tan but also work brilliantly with boots and a blazer. A sleeveless pinafore mini (try this one from & Other Stories) looks great worn solo or with a t-shirt in summer and then layered with shirt, tights and penny loafers when the cold sets in.
A hardworking TSD needn’t be expensive, but really will pay dressing dividends.