How to Master Men's Transitional Dressing

There’s something satisfying about a piece that can be styled wherever the day takes you. As chillier days approach, the cardigan steps up as one of those hardworking wardrobe staples, adding an extra layer of warmth while taking on a different look depending on the occasion.

From business meetings to after-dark plans, style influencer Nick Howard-Lanes (@nickhowardlanes) shows us four ways to make the most of this autumn essential.

A staple in every autumn wardrobe and ideal for layering, now is the time to wrap up in your cosiest knits. Whether headed to the office or going out with friends, your go-to jumper will see you through the season.

Gurj creates a smart casual look with this oversized knit polo in a rich, warm butterscotch colour. He throws it over a breathable cotton T-shirt then teams with dark wash jeans in a straight fit and chocolate brown suede loafers.

As the temperature goes down, throw on an extra layer as you’re heading out the door. Look for a lightweight jacket, like bomber or Harrington styles, that won’t be too heavy to carry around if you take it off during the day.

Elevate your look with clean lines and strong silhouettes, eliminating bulkiness. Gurj opts for this luxe chocolate brown trucker jacket in buttery soft suede from Autograph. He teams it with this waffle knit henley jumper in charcoal grey and a pair of straight-fit jeans in neutral beige.

When the weather is unpredictable, adding and removing light layers throughout the day is key. Keep an eye out for light materials, like cotton and linen, that are naturally breathable. Mix textures like soft knits and tight weaves to add contrast and break up the look.

Sticking to a neutral colour palette, as Gurj has done, also makes the outfit look more cohesive when mixing and matching separates. Start with a cotton T-shirt or vest as a base layer, then add a textured knit polo shirt. Gurj adds a utility twist with a khaki overshirt and loose fit trousers. For even more texture, finish with a pair of ruched leather loafers in earthy brown.

When the plan is to do very little, Nick likes to keep things comfy with grey joggers. Choose a pair with a straight, uncuffed leg for a more considered feel, then add your cardigan on top and you’ve got the perfect uniform for slow days.

He takes the tonal approach one step further, tying a matching grey jumper around his waist for an extra layer. Instead of pulling pieces at random and throwing them together (no judgement, we've all been there), this is an easy way to look more intentional with your styling.