Help! I am 42 and still can't work out what to wear when it's not too hot and not too cold....

[BoogleMcGroogle]

Summer and winter are fine: dress or shorts, jeans or dress with boots, cosy sweater.

But this time of year, I find myself staring at the wardrobe bemused every morning. I can't wear a dress because it's too cold, are too hot, I like jeans but prefer them with boots, not shoes, and it's not boot weather. I find layering confusing, because it makes clothes look bulky, with bits of other clothes hanging out the bottom.

I did wear some skinny jeans rolled up with black brogues Ave something big abs blousey yesterday. That was okay.

Any ideas for easy, transitional styles for a beginner?

I think the jeans you wear make a big difference, if you're going to wear shoes rather than boots I think they look better with a slim or boy cut rather than skinny jeans. Jeans with summery flats rather than boots means you don't get too hot on those 'in-between days'. I think the key with layering is to make the layers as thin/slim as possible and then it doesn't look too bulky. I've got some ultra fine jumpers that are not thick enough for the winter that I just wear in spring and autumn. So maybe try something like a thin T-Shirt, a fine gauge jumper, and a big scarf. Don't worry about layers hanging beneath each other, that can work! J Crew are great at this so maybe look at their website, or even just google 'J Crew layering' for some inspiration.

And I know its a bit 'Nanna-ish' but I often wear a cami top under a summery top if I think I might be a bit chilly, and then maybe a scarf or lightweight cropped jacket on top. I really like the nude silk ones from Boden, they're super lightweight and lovely to wear. HTH!

Mum jeans, rolled up a bit or chinos with trainers. Long sleeved t shirts (cover your arms for a bit more warmth without needing an additional layer). Thin jumpers.

Also hate inbetween dressing. I prefer it to be properly autumn now so I can get out the tights.

Light sweater, merino cami underneath and a scarf. With jeans for casual or three quarter dress pants and brogues for work.

I've got a long sleeve denim shirtdress that I pretty much only wear at this time of year as it's way too hot in summer. I wear it with bare legs and trainers/ boots and stick an oversized cardigan over the top in the early morning for the school run.

I also wear jeans/ khaki chinos rolled up with trainers, or pale suede ankle boots. I wear them either with a t-shirt and an oversized cardigan, or a long sleeve t-shirt, or a very lightweight sweatshirt.

Thank you! I am going to look at different styles of jeans. Maybe move onto a slim leg with brogues first? And I like the idea of a denim shirt dress with trainers. I do have a nice one, but I'm a bit scared of cold legs.

Where do people look for lightweight sweaters and t-shirts? I'm happy to spend a little more as so many places seem to focus on ' soft' acrylic knitwear, which I find is much too hot and makes me sneeze.

Uniqlo fine merino is best for this, I have several colours that I wear in the inbetween seasons. For thin slim t shirts good for layering I recommend the £17 ones from Arket.
I also layer up with vests and unbuttoned heavy cotton shirt on top. Alternative to jeans would be thin cotton chino type trousers, they don’t feel as hot and heavy as denim when it warms up during the day.

I still get wear out of my summer skirts and dresses paired with a cardi or a jacket on top and I think it’s my feet that feel the cold rather than legs if you see what I mean so I wear them with trainers or flats with invisible socks underneath.

Yes, invisible socks and trainers are much warmer and so do help with the cold leg issue.

But yes, its hard until you can justify tights, I do tend to move to thin trousers.

Uniqlo cropped leggings trousers are nice for this sort of weather and nice linen shirt

For a day like today I wear a pair of light tailored trousers, not jeans and nothing too heavy, with ballet flats (I know there is hate for them on MN but hey) or loafers if you prefer, then a smart short-sleeved top, and a light cardi if you like (I am always hot so I don't)