The first genuinely cold week in Amsterdam has moved later by about three weeks over the last decade. This is a small fact with an awkward consequence for anyone who sells coats.

Layers, not weights

The answer is not lighter outerwear. It is outerwear that works over more than one thing. A coat cut generously through the shoulder takes a four-ply knit underneath in November and nothing at all in September.

This is why every coat we stock is cut with that clearance, and why we no longer buy anything described as a transitional weight.

The autumn edit

In practice: one coat, two knits of different plies, and a silk that can be worn alone. Four pieces that cover fourteen weeks.