August is a tricky time to buy clothes. Shops are winding down their summer sales and introducing new season collections, but there’s still at least another month of good weather. Yet you don’t want to double down on summery separates too much, because autumn/winter is just around the corner.
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That’s why it’s the best time to start buying transitional pieces – those you can wear whether the temperature’s in the 30s or the low teens. Think about clothes that lend themselves to layering, such as an Oxford shirt. You could wear it over a tank top with trousers for a nice dinner fit on holiday, but it works just as well under a blazer when the weather changes. Similarly, a lightweight knit could be worn around your shoulders, over a T-shirt or even across your front a la Nicholas Hoult.
Try to buy natural fibres where you can, too. Anything made using human-made textiles (polyester, nylon, rayon etc) tends to be less breathable, so it’s a one-way ticket to sweat patches. Stick to cotton, linen, merino wool or even cashmere, which regulate your temperature more effectively whether you’re too hot or too cold.
Or, to save you some time and effort, here’s my top pick of the best pieces to see you through this season and beyond. You, and your future wardrobe, can thank me later.
A striped Oxford shirt to wear year-round
Arket relaxed poplin shirt
£75 at Arket
£63.75 at H&M
I wear striped Oxford shirts more than anything else in my wardrobe – and Scandi high-street retailer Arket always has a good selection. Dress them up with trousers or down with jeans; wear them with short shorts in summer; or with a blazer in winter – you can even wear them to work. You can make them appropriate for pretty much any situation.
Stripes are trending for spring/summer 2026, too – just look at Dior, Saint Laurent, Wales Bonner and Emporio Armani – so even though it’s a timeless buy, it will also make you look like a menswear pro right now.
A cap for all seasons
Gant cotton twill cap
£25.60 at Cho
£40 at Gant
Baseball caps have obvious benefits in summer, but they’re also useful when the sun’s not shining. They’re a stylish alternative to woollen hats, still delivering warmth and keeping the rain out of your eyes if you get caught in a shower.
There’s loads to choose from, but I like six-panel constructions, which feel a little less structured than those with five. This Gant cap adds understated embroidery and a hidden pouch for the adjustable strap, which is a plus.
The perfect versatile smart shoe
GH Bass penny loafers
£99 at Stuarts
£160 at Farfetch
Whenever you’re faced with a smart-casual dress code, you’ll want a pair of loafers to hand. No matter what time of year, they have the ability to make anything look elevated, whether you pair them with a T-shirt and jeans, a shirt and shorts, or a hoodie and work pants.
My favourite silhouette is penny loafers – GH Bass is credited with popularising with this particular style (the Weejuns), which the brand first released in 1936. If you want something dressier, you could try horsebit loafers instead.
A great pair of jeans
Levi’s 501 jeans
£80 at John Lewis
£90 at Levi’s
A strong pair of jeans is a great investment. You can wear them with anything bar formal wear, and they last for a really long time – so it’s one of the best categories to buy secondhand, too (check Beyond Retro, Rokit and Vinted).
Levi’s always has an amazing selection to choose from, but you can’t beat the 501, the brand’s OG straight leg silhouette. It’s been popular for more than 150 years (since 1873, to be exact), so chances are it’s not going out of style any time soon.
The cashmere sweatshirt that’s not just for winter
Rise & Fall cashmere sweatshirt
£220 at Rise & Fall
This might sound crazy, but a lightweight cashmere knit can be just as good in summer as winter. It’s lightweight. It’s comfy. And it helps regulate your temperature because it’s breathable.
This Rise & Fall sweatshirt lends itself to the transitional season with a loose, oversized fit, a relaxed dropped shoulder and a rolled hem that means it’s nice and airy. And if you get too warm, you can just throw it over your shoulders.
