Fall-ify Your Wardrobe: How To Wear Your Summer Pieces Into The Fall
I’ve been getting panicked messages lately - from followers and clients (that have not had their fall styling appointments yet). They are all wondering what to wear during this transitional time of year.
You know, the questions go something like this…
I have clothes from the summer I still want to wear, but how?
When do I have to stop wearing my white jeans?
The calendar says fall, but the temps say summer; what should I wear?
It feels like summer during the day, yet fall at night, help!
Can I still wear open-toe shoes in September?
My shoes go from sandals to boots; what do I wear now?
Let’s Fall-ify Your Wardrobe
My general answer to these questions is layers. Layers allow you to adjust your outfit as the temps change. Let me address all of those questions.
I have clothes from the summer I still want to wear, but how?
The wonderful thing about fall-ifying your wardrobe is that you get more longevity out of your summer pieces. I just did a segment for WKYC where I broke it all down… However, there is only so much you can cover in 3.5 minutes. If you didn’t see it, here’s the link.
And now, let me dig deeper and also give you links to some of those items. The pieces from discount stores like Marshall’s are not often linkable.
3 Easy Ways To Take Your Summer Pieces Into Fall
Layer UNDER It
Meaning, take your sleeveless (or even short-sleeved) dress or top and put a long sleeved layer underneath. I find a slim button-up or tissue turtleneck to work best. The goal is to add a layer but not add extra bulk.
Shorts and mini dresses can also benefit from a layer to take them into the cooler weather. A sheer tight top looks super chic. And the bonus, if you’re like me and not a big fan of your legs, is that the tights serve as camouflage, so bring on the short(er) skirts and tights; I’m all for it!
2. Layer OVER It
Again, your sleeveless piece that reigned supreme over the summer can still be heroes in the autumn. Adding a topper (like a third piece) gives your sleeveless clothes purpose and warmth in the fall. And the topper (as in a blazer, leather jacket or sweater) also adds an element of interest to the outfit.
I also like to add a cropped sweater or a t-shirt (tied at the waist) as another over it option. In the segment, I put a cardigan over a spaghetti strap dress, but BACKWARDS. The higher neckline gave the outfit a cozier feel.
3. Close The Toes
Yes, you can wear sandals in the warmer fall months, especially if your outfit is balanced with 12-month fabrics and grounded colors. But if you really want to bring your summer outfits into fall, swap sandals for booties or boots. Hiding the piggies (as in this little piggy went to market) makes an outfit feel more fall.
When the calendar says fall, but the temps say summer…
Wear pieces that are in more autumnal shades (think rust, brown, camel, mustard, forest green, gray) yet are still lighter weight. You can also mix these colors with your tried and true summer favorites to fall-ify them.
What do I wear when it feels like summer during the day, yet fall at night?
Layer something over your outfit to ward off the chill and have your outfit feel a bit more fall. Blazers, leather, and denim jackets work great for this. As does cashmere in the form of a sweater or wrap.
My shoes go from sandals to boots; what do I wear now?
You can wear sandals now. Just make sure to balance the barefoot with being covered somewhere else, so it doesn’t feel too summer-y. I love mules or loafers for this time of year. It gives the toe coverage and still shows some skin.
When do I have to stop wearing my white jeans?
IMHO, Never!! I wear my white jeans all year round. Use tips similar to above, Combine the white jeans with cooler weather fabrics and autumnal colors. And you’re good to go!