“Unlock Your Inner Fashionista: Dressing Tips to Conquer Transitional Weather!”

How do I dress for this strange and changeable weather we have in London? I have never mastered the layers.

blame it on The boy but the British weather has been rather strange recently. I’ve even been caught a couple of times and reduced to shivering on the train platform in the early afternoon.

Many women find it incredibly difficult to layer up. It is not. It’s just a matter of selecting the right weights and styles and understanding a bit about your build so you don’t look like you’re preparing to cross the Arctic.

For the work day, I have a word of caution: layering correctly requires a certain level of planning, whether it’s laying out your clothes the night before or putting in a little extra time in the morning before work.

Now for the first layer. I put on a base layer on cooler mornings, then take it off once it gets a little warmer (I keep a dust bag or something similar in my work bag and tuck my top layer in there). I wear Falke Climate Control T-shirts (£40, falke.com). The neckline is low enough to layer over a loose dress, shirt, sweater or button-down cardigan, and can be removed if necessary. I would choose the nude colorway (okay) for its versatility and the smallest size you want. They’re made from a technical fabric that wicks away moisture, so they work quite well. If you don’t like this, then Agnès by American Vintage’s fine pullover and Hanro’s Ultralight T-shirts work well too.

Once you’ve decided on your base layer, look for a shirt that’s semi-fitted or looser to prevent bunching. This Victoria Beckham bib top can be worn loose or skinny and pairs great with tailored trousers or smart jeans (£294 on sale, victoriabeckham.com). Otherwise, Gestuz has this simple men’s white shirt (£100, plumaystitch.com). Combine it with light tailored trousers or with a skirt and heels.

I end up with a simple mac or trench – brace yourself, there’s plenty to choose from! On the high street, Barbour and Reformation have decent shapes, while Raey gets a modern update with his batwing style (£695, partyfashion.com). The extra insulation you get from a cotton coat is key for morning and night wear.

While we’re at it, you need to understand a little bit about shape and form to nail this layering thing. If you’re petite or fuller in the bust (or, in fact, both) keep your layers light and don’t develop too much. If you have broader shoulders, tie scarves and sweaters just inside the shoulder line; If you have a narrow shoulder, you can add a little more volume and place them on the outside or head edge of the shoulder.

Lastly, I would recommend a roomy bag, something that can handle a few extra additions without tearing at the seams. Marfa Stance, Métier, Coccinelle, Aspinal and Coach all have smart and roomy bags. Your last layer is a thin cashmere scarf, one that rolls up nicely. Fenwick has a few colors in this pretty whisperweight from Begg & Co (£220 on sale, fenwick.es). Or check out this lovely Large N Peal version (£179, npeal.com). You can put it around your shoulders or neck in the morning or as needed when the temperature drops.

If you need a reassuring “just in case” jumper, I often use my merino or plain wool knits and tie them around the neck. Choose tonal colors for quiet luxury, or highlight it with a bright hue. The Max Mara Studio fabrics come in deep orange, citrus yellow and emerald green (£270, gb.maxmara.com). All of these colors will work with grays, navy blues, and neutrals.

How about socks and sandals? That’s one I do a lot in the spring and fall. If it’s good enough for Miuccia Prada, it’s good enough for me. Pairing an ankle sock with a sandal or slingback adds a bit of edge, a pinch of diversion to the proceedings. The easiest way to get it right is to have tonal socks and shoes. For example, a black or navy sock with a black heel, or a chocolate brown sock with a brown sandal. I know a lot of street stylers have embraced the high white sock and pumps look, but that makes me think of Michelle Dubois from ‘Hello ‘Hello.

Night outings are a bit more complicated. An oversized blazer is the way to go if you’re wearing a dress or dressy pants. This type of blazer works because of its slightly pulled-in nature, that looser menswear fit. The trick to making this sing is to balance the proportion – you’ll need a heel to offset the size and length. I love the Arket backpack (£149, market.com). Frankie Shop and Acne Studios make similar versions for a higher price (£600, farfetch.com). Roll up the sleeves to control the volume. Trust me, it works. I often hide a very thin cardigan inside my jacket if I’m worried about air conditioning or if I’m outside for a long time. Just try it on and make sure you can’t see the cardigan once you put on the blazer.

Being a jacket obsessive, I also have several evening blazers for that conundrum. The traditional satin-trimmed tuxedo jacket is the ultimate evening costume. Sorry, but the best ones are expensive. Saint Laurent’s single-breasted tuxedo jacket is classy (£2,175, partyfashion.com), the Balenciaga hourglass blazer (£3,026, nordstrom.com) with its hip-hugging cut is a thing of beauty, while Celine’s Jude Tuxedo Jacket (£1,950, celine.com) is painfully simple. You will own this jacket forever, making it a true work house. Or go for a statement satin, something feathered like this secondhand from Yves Salomon (£308, vestiairecollective.com), an ornate jacket (see Cinq à Sept), or a cape. These all add to the outfit and you probably won’t even want to take it off.