Transitioning To A Fall Wardrobe
Reversible Faux Wool Long Scarf
As summer draws to a close, we find ourselves in that indecisive, stuck in the middle, uncertain time. In sartorial terms, it’s transition season. As we’re still dressing for warm weather, we can’t help but mull over the stylish choices we need to make to round out our future fall wardrobes.
Letting go of summer can be an emotional task, especially when you think about archiving your favorite warm-season wares. While it’s understandable to mourn the end of sunny days spent on the beach, this time of the year can also be a great excuse to experiment with layers, new silhouettes, and accessories–so really, all fashion fun isn’t lost.
Because of the in-between nature of the season, your closet for the time being shouldn’t be riddled with trends or of pieces made for one specific occasion. In fact, the anatomy of a transition piece is pretty straightforward: It must be appropriate in style and fabrication to wear now and ideal to layer for cooler seasons.
As we say goodbye to the summer sun and welcome the autumn leaves, we run down our top seven tips to get you to help you transition into that fall wardrobe in ease.
Rethink What You Already Own
The weather is so changeable at the start of a new season, so it’s best to stick with versatile pieces that are readily available in your closet. Lightweight trousers are perfect for summer but also transition well into fall with leather flats and a cardigan. A heavier bag, like those made in leather, help give your look a more autumnal feel.
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Layer Away
Shopping an entirely new wardrobe for the in-between season can be excessive, especially when it lasts for just a couple of weeks. To keep from splurging, consider layering. Your summer looks will go a long way into fall if you add layering to account for the unpredictable weather. The key to mastering this technique is to find a piece you loved during the summer, like a summer dress, and adding on fall-appropriate accessories and clothing, such as a long sleeved bodysuit, trench and boots, to keep you warm.
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Mix and Match Summer and Fall Staples
If you aren’t big on layering, consider mixing and matching the fabrics and textures of both seasons. This technique allows you to go from a sunny day out to a cozy hangout around the fireplace without much ado about the change in temperatures. Some handy, no-fail combinations include a maxi skirt with a cable knit sweater or a boyfriend jacket with biker shorts and sneakers.
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Wear the Season’s Colors
If you’re still not ready to let go of your summer ensembles and accessories, consider donning a more subdued autumnal color palette. Instead of reaching for the brightest item in your closet, go for a mix of hues reminiscent of fall leaves such as orange, red, yellow, and even dark green for good measure. If you want to get more wear out of your summer bag, choose a natural weave for a look that’s still casual and neutral enough for the season.
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Stick to the Basics
If you’re hell bent on keeping things as simple as possible, it’s best to stick with what’s tried and tested. Explore pairing a jeans and tee ensemble with fall-appropriate essentials such as a coat, scarf, and a pair of tall boots to elevate your look.
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Pair Summer Prints with Fall Neutrals
There’s no rule that says you can only wear your vibrantly printed dresses during the summertime. In fact, the transitional period can even extend their use for a couple weeks. Given the changes in the weather, this season calls for covering up more, which gives you a chance to play around with layers. When layering, opt for a subtle color that won’t take attention away from the print. To keep things fresh, accessorize with a pop of color to keep that summery vibe.
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Experiment with Suiting
Consider the unpredictability of the weather as a blessing in disguise–especially when deciding on a suit look. The transitional period between summer and fall gives you room to play around with shorter hemlines on skirts and looser-fits on jackets. You can also pair this look with a voluminous button down with a pussy bow to give your look some dimension. Finish off the outfit with the quintessential fall footwear, tall boots, for a standout strut about town.
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As the weather changes, so too do our wardrobes. While this season may be one of the hardest to dress for, simply because of the temperature changes, it also presents an opportunity to flex those creative muscles when it comes to putting together an outfit.
While the options may seem endless, the key to knocking transitional dressing out of the park is proportions. After all, fashion, like everything else in life, is best when it’s in balance.