TRANSITIONAL STYLING 101

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 23 February 2026

Menswear often sees the same few trends come back into orbit each season. Smart trousers, leather-look jackets, loafers – in fact, the idea of ‘seasons’ tends to feel static when nobody strays from the status quo. But SS26 is different. It promises more adventurous sartorial experimentation – thanks to MFW’s whimsical trends from dressed-up pjs to head-to-toe stripes. So let the recent runways convince you to up the ante this spring. Don’t worry, you need not overhaul your entire winter rotation (despite the often irresistible urge to do so). Instead, follow our five tips below to update your wardrobe for the warmer days ahead.

#1: LOAD UP ON LIGHTWEIGHT LAYERS

Picture: Getty

Spring isn’t always all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, the season usually opens with a period of disappointing drizzle, during which reliable outerwear becomes essential. So carry over some lightweight layers from your winter wardrobe into your spring lineup. Practical layers don’t only ensure comfort amidst unpredictable weather, but they’ll guarantee a seasonal style boost. In SS26, trench coats and barn jackets sit in the spotlight: thin, classic and, when selected in the right neutral shade, ready to complement every spring palette. Take style notes from Loyle Carner, whose mocha-coloured trench coat and chunky scarf make for a simple yet standout transitional ensemble.

GET THE LOOK:
Reclaimed Vintage oversized real leather jacket in distressed brown, £199.99
Mango 100% cotton checked harrington jacket in beige, £109.99
Mango cotton mix belted trench coat in brown, £139.99
Abercrombie & Fitch lightweight cropped barn jacket in beige, £130

#2: SAY IT WITH STRIPES

Prints are an SS26 win, with stripes set to become the everyday favourite. Is fashion steering towards the nautical? Perhaps, but there’s a subtle grunge energy to stripes that often goes overlooked, too. Simply pair them with faded denim and classic trainers for a laid-back nod to nostalgia. Whether you opt for black-and-white or colourful stripes – the possibilities for both palette and styling options are endless.

GET THE LOOK:
Dickies glade spring striped t-shirt in navy, £30
Jack & Jones originals stripe t-shirt in red, £16
Bershka Skater jeans in blue, £35.99
Vans Knu Skool chunky trainers in black and white, £80

#3: RELAX YOUR SPRING SHIRTING

Picture: Getty

Shirts can sometimes feel uptight, even if you’ve opened your collar, chosen a loose silhouette and an interesting texture. You still risk looking work rather than play-ready, which can be frustrating. To fix this, relax the rest of your look. Opt for smart trousers in lightweight fabrics that flow in the wind, or even baggy denim if you’re feeling bold. When it comes to footwear, curb the urge to pick out smart shoes – instead, embrace low-pro trainers or even sandals to dial down the dressiness.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN premium boxy oversized shirt with embroidery in white, £35
ASOS DESIGN heavyweight relaxed polo with chest embroidery in white texture, £28
Bershka Super baggy tailored fit trousers in khaki, £39.99
adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers in black and white, £90

#4: ELEVATE YOUR LOUNGEWEAR

Emporio Armani, Yohji Yamamoto and other fashion houses have made a case for pyjama dressing, with satin, striped and sized-up sets spotted on the SS26 runways. If leaving the house in your actual pyjamas isn’t your cup of tea, elevating your loungewear is the next best thing. adidas Original Firebird tracksuits – with their satin sheen and three-stripe detailing – make the perfect outfit. Throw a trench or faux-fur coat on top to transform them from day to night, and of course, don’t forget to accessorise. Amplify the look with Chelsea boots and chunky sunglasses for that cool-guy energy.

GET THE LOOK:
adidas Originals Firebird track top in maroon and off white, £65
adidas Originals Firebird track pants in maroon and off white, £55
ASOS DESIGN chelsea boot with square toe in black, £50
ASOS DESIGN curved aviator sunglasses in tortoise shell with light blue lens, £14

#5: PLAY WITH PASTELS

Picture: Getty

Pictures: ASOS

Neutrals naturally slot into every seasonal rotation and primary colours make a bold statement, but pastels have truly stolen the show as SS26’s signature palette. You don’t need to deck yourself out in head-to-toe pastels, instead strategically place soft shades throughout your look to break up the monotony. Take Troye Sivan as an example; the powder blue shirt underneath his dark knitwear effortlessly lifts the mood of the entire look. Consider this your sign to refresh your spring wardrobe with shades like powder blue, lilac and lemon yellow.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN knitted textured polo in blue, £28
ASOS DESIGN smart loose leg trousers in charcoal, £35
ASOS DESIGN oversized trench coat in khaki, £60
Bershka Embroidered cap in pink, £12.99