Labor Day has passed, the kids are back in school – so that mean’s it’s fall, right? But the sun is shining and it’s shorts weather – so that means it’s still summer, right? September is definitely that in-between month where you’re soooo ready to wear fall clothes and toss those summer styles to the side – but don’t put away your summer wardrobe yet! Did you know that you can wear many of your warm-weather staples deep into the fall season? If you didn’t, you definitely need my tips on how to transition what you wore for the last several months into what you can wear for the next few. So before you change out your wardrobe for fall, check out which styles to keep in your closet for the season ahead…
PRINTED MINI SKIRT
If you thought that floral or animal print mini skirt was just for summer barbecues and 4th of July parties, think again! A short skirt is the ideal way to make a bundled up fall outfit feel a bit flirty, even when you’re covered from neck to wrist to toes - and a skirt with movement does the job even better. Just add tights, and pick your favorite ankle boots, knee high boots or over the knee boots, depending on your mood.
STYLE TIP: Choose your tights in relation to the color of the skirt: match the base color of the skirt when you can, or align with the darkest neutral in the print. And when that doesn’t work, simply match your booties.
WHITE JEANS
White jeans are a summer staple, and they’re a fall staple too – the biggest change from warm to cool weather is a transition in color. In summer, I love white jeans paired with brights or navy and white stripes – but in the fall, I shift to neutrals to feel seasonally appropriate. White jeans look amazing with pale neutral shades like ivory, taupe and grey – and adding some texture makes the outfit feel oh-so winter cozy (see my previous blog post here on wearing white outfits in winter).
I also love white jeans with darker neutrals and saturated fall colors – deep browns, dark greys and even burgundy and forest green come alive when paired with bright white. And if you’re nervous about white jeans in cool weather – stick to wearing them on sunny days. Check out more tips on wearing white jeans in cold weather here (for her and him!).
LACY TOPS
That strappy lacy camisole (or eyelet tank) that was your go-to with shorts for beach weekends becomes a feminine layer in the fall – and you’ll be surprised as to how versatile it truly is. Throw it under a deep v-neck pullover for a hit of lace at the neckline, wear it under a cropped chunky sweater for coverage and some sweet texture, and try it under that open-backed sweater that you’re never sure what to wear with.
STYLE TIP: Many tops in your summer wardrobe will work layered under a sweater in fall: a floral print tank is super pretty peeking out from under an oversized pullover, a sheer-ish top is unexpected at the hem of a turtleneck, and a silky camisole is a feminine layer under a hefty cardigan.
SLEEVELESS SWEATER
If you took my advice and tried a sweater tank this summer, you’ll be happy to know that it’s more than just a May to August style option. When the weather turns, I like to think of these as sweater vests! So grab your favorite white (or blue or striped) button-front shirt and layer it underneath for a perfectly preppy, yet altogether fashionable fall look.
A white shirt is also an ideal choice under the sleeveless turtleneck sweater tunic that you bought last year. It seamlessly shifts the sweater into fall, and looks super stylish over skinny jeans and boots.
STYLE TIP: If you’re trying to figure out how to wear your new statement sleeve blouse when the temperatures dip, a sweater vest can make it feel more fall-friendly.
SLEEVELESS DRESS
Much like a sleeveless sweater, a sleeveless dress just needs sleeves to shift the season. Yes, you can wear a button-front shirt as a layer, but how about trying a lightweight turtleneck sweater instead? You’ll definitely be warmer, especially with tights and boots – and it’s a slightly less preppy option than the shirt. When choosing which dresses to try, pick styles in fabrics that are cooler-weather appropriate (sweater dresses, structured shifts, etc), and leave the linens, thin cottons, and slinky silks at home.
SHIRTDRESS
A shirtdress is a true closet chameleon – it moves amongst seasons with ease, and (based on the fabric) it can take you from January all the way to December. What’s the secret to wearing one year-round? Of course, you could add a turtleneck underneath and find your favorite boots – but how about rethinking the shirtdress as a lightweight coat? It’s a hidden bonus when you have one that buttons all the way down – and it's also supremely chic, as well.
I must admit – I have a special affinity for shirtdresses. Check out my previous blog post here to see how I showed a client to wear hers from April to September, and click here to read why I think it’s the best choice to take on vacation.
Do you have any summer styles that you’re not sure can brave the cold? Ask me your questions in the comments!
