I love a tidy, organised, and season ready wardrobe, which you can learn about here, but there are often pieces that we call “crossover” pieces that can stay in our wardrobe during all seasons. They are items of clothing that you love, and can be timeless in your wardrobe.
Crossover clothing examples
I wanted to share with you a few of my favourite crossover pieces in my own wardrobe to help inspire you, and recommend some items you can add to your wardrobe that will work for Autumn, all the way to Summer!
Leather jackets
A leather jacket can be a staple in your wardrobe, and will always stand the test of time. I recommend investing in a really good jacket that you adore, if you are vegan there are countless faux-leather jacket options you can get nowadays, such as this Melrose vegan moto jacket, or this bright cobalt blue BB Dakota biker jacket, for those of you who just love a splash of colour! There are also the classic leather jackets that age with time and become softer and more classic with the years, such as this black All Saints moto jacket or this DOUBLE-FACED BIKER JACKET by Zara.
As someone who truly believes that eco fashion is something we really need to be conscious of, you can get some incredible vintage leather jackets from vintage shops in London or surrounding areas, so if you are able to visit a vintage clothes shop, I recommend having a browse for one that has been preloved and is much softer to use. You can also try out one of the online vintage stores such as Vestiare Collective, hardlyeverwornit.com, Thrift.plus, houseofvintageuk.com, or Vinted – which is an app you can use to sell or buy preloved items. Whichever place you go to, I truly love a leather jacket as it can last a remarkable number of years in your wardrobe as long as you take good care of it. You can wear these in the Winter as your top layer, or in the summer as outerwear over your shoulders to add a touch of protection for the evening.
Classic tee
A good t-shirt is hard to find, but when you have the go to shape and style that works for you, then you can utilise them as a great crossover piece in your wardrobe. I have a selection of white and black t-shirts that can just be thrown on in the summer, or added as an extra layer in the winter, that can I go to in my wardrobe when I need them. A cotton t-shirt is best for all weathers, like this one from & Other Stories, but if you are looking for something a little more trendy, you can look for a vintage band t-shirt, or a graphic tee with a cute design on it like this one from Lanvin that can add a little flair to your simple outfit of jeans and trainers, or keep some casual fun to your midi-skirt and heels.
One of my favourite t-shirt stores is Happyfern, a new sustainable brand launched by Gosha Doubtfire, that makes t-shirts and sweatshirts in recycled cotton, for women, men and kids. We’ve even collaborated to create a one of a style tee too!
Crossover dresses for all seasons
Dresses can be a really easy way to dress up or dress down in a flash, just using the right accessories. There are of course dresses that work specifically for summer or winter, but with the right additions you can change up your favourite dresses with a simple knitwear item over the top, or a long-sleeved top underneath. You could even add that excellent leather jacket or a blazer in autumn and winter to keep yourself warm. A simple strappy dress, such as this one from & Other Stories or this slip style dress from Envelope1976 can work beautifully for summer with a light blazer on top, as well as in winter with a lovely big high neck jumper over the top. If you prefer to keep your arms covered during the summer and winter, then this long sleeved polka dot midi dress can also work with a cardigan, or a cropped jumper to keep your waist the main focus while remaining warm.
If you like items that come as pairs, then this season, All Saints have already done all the hard work for you, with their jumper and dress combinations. I love this black feather print strappy dress with luxurious over jumper, both of which can be used separately or together so you truly have several outfits you can make with just 2 crossover items in your wardrobe!
I hope this has inspired you to not only see the benefit of having crossover items in your wardrobe for all seasons, but helped you know how to maximise those items already in your wardrobe. If you’re unsure on where to start when it comes to personal styling, then I’d love to chat with you.
