The one piece that will make transitional dressing a breeze

They say March comes in like a lion, and this year it has. But just as quickly as the clouds close over, the sun can suddenly break through, making puffa jackets and parkas look and feel completely unseasonable. In Ireland, March through to May is all about transitional dressing; keeping warm but looking that little bit fresher and less weighed down by chunky layers. My failsafe item is a sleeveless jacket because it can be styled to suit whatever weather gets flung at me, but gives enough of a nod to summer to make me feel reinvented for the rest of the season. Here are five of my favourites right now.

This is a great value item from Zara. I love the subtle detailing that the white piping lends this piece. It looks premium but at a high street price.

Navy waistcoat, €49.95 at Zara

At this time of year you want to lighten up your neutrals. Beige or grey are softer and less wintry-looking options than black, yet you won’t look stupid on those spring days that feel more like November. Layer this wool gilet over a funnel-neck jumper as below.

Textured wool gilet, €175 at Cos

I love the texture that the frills on this Moncler x Simone Rocha gilet add. It combines the Italian lifestyle brand’s signature utilitarianism with Rocha’s feminine aesthetic.

Ruffled quilted shell vest, Moncler Genius x Simone Rocha, €990 at net-a-porter.com

I’ma big fan of faux fur at this time of year. The texture is so comforting but it can be worn in colours and shapes that don’t feel too wintry. The gorgeous rust shade of this Weekday sleeveless jacket will add warmth to pale neutrals.

Lasso vest, €60 at weekday.com

It’s amazing how white can freshen up an outfit instantly. I love the simplicity of this white linen jacket. For the next month or so I’d layer it over a chunky knit, or wear it as an extra layer beneath a chunky cardigan.