It’s September, and that means one thing: fall! Well… not quite. While autumn hasn’t officially arrived, many of us have already mentally embraced the new season. There’s something about kids heading back to school and the calendar flipping to September that makes summer feel like it’s over. The reality, though, is that for many of us, temperatures are still soaring. That in-between season can create a bit of an outfit dilemma: how do you dress for fall when it still feels like summer outside? I’ve put together a few outfit ideas to help you navigate this tricky transition. Whether you’re ready to embrace all things fall now, or you live in a southern state where true autumn weather is still weeks away, keep scrolling for outfit inspiration that’s perfect for those warm fall days!
1. sleeveless brown gingham dress + brown flats + brown bag + brown necklace
dress | flats | necklace | hair clip | bag
The other day, I wore a sleeveless dark brown gingham dress with loafers (no socks), and I made a mental note that it was such a great option for this in-between weather. While gingham is usually considered a summer print, choosing it in a dark brown instantly gives it a fall feel, making it the perfect transitional piece. The sleeveless silhouette keeps you from overheating, while chocolate brown accessories add even more of an autumn touch. (Here’s another dress option if that one is sold out.)
2. quarter length sleeve shirt + white linen shorts + chocolate brown loafers + chocolate brown bag + black leather watch
shorts | shirt | bag | shoes | watch
Many people avoid wearing black when it’s really hot because it absorbs more heat – and while that’s true, it’s a great option once the temperatures start to cool, even just a little. Pairing a quarter-sleeve top (the shorter sleeves make all the difference for extra airflow!) with white linen shorts creates the perfect balance between summer and fall. Finish the look with chocolate brown accessories to add even more autumn-inspired vibes.
Related: Cute Fall Outfits in Autumn Colors, Part 1
3. black mini skirt + white t-shirt + clogs + suede bag + accessories
skirt | shoes | shirt | earrings | bracelet | headband | bag | glasses
A white T-shirt and mini skirt make the perfect foundation for a variety of outfits. For those warm early fall days, this combination keeps you cool without venturing into full-on fall territory with a trench coat and tall boots. Instead, lean into the season with accessories like slip-on clogs, a coordinating suede bag, and chocolate brown accents for an effortless autumn feel.
4. green smocked shirt + white skirt + flats + gold accessories
top | skirt | shoes | hair clip | earrings
A big part of dressing for warm/hot fall is choosing autumn colors, patterns, and textures in summer-friendly silhouettes. Take this smocked sleeveless top, for example. It’s a great piece for warm weather, but in a rich olive green, it instantly feels more seasonally appropriate. Paired with a white skirt, the outfit stays light and breezy, while gold accessories and burnt yellow shoes add the perfect finishing touches for an autumn-inspired look.
5. chocolate brown sleeveless top + denim skirt + loafers + brown and gold accessories
top | skirt | earrings | necklace | bag | shoes
As someone who has this shirt in white, I can attest to how breezy it is! I love the chocolate brown version because it seems like the perfect piece for the summer-to-fall transition or summer in the South. A denim skirt adds a fall touch (without going full-on maxi). Lug sole loafers are perfect for giving that preppy fall touch, and if you wear them without socks, it’s a little bit cooler. (But wearing them with socks is so cute too!)
6. white cropped button up + tan midi skirt + woven loafers + woven bag
shirt | skirt | shoes | bag | earrings
If you’d prefer to wear sleeves, a cropped button-up is a great option. The cropped style gives some breathability – and you can also cuff the sleeves for more of a cooling factor. A flowy, lightweight skirt is always a must-have for effortless, easy looks. In the summer, I’m probably wearing this with tan lace-up sandals, but for fall, swap them out for closed-toe shoes and a matching bag in a beautiful fall shade. (The woven texture is great for adding interest to your look, too.)
7. navy eyelet shirt + navy shorts + gold earrings + wine colored shoes + wine colored bag
shorts | bag | shoes | shirt | belt | earrings
With tiny holes and plenty of airflow, an eyelet top like this is great for this kind of hot autumn weather! Choose a top like this in an autumn color like navy, olive green, burgundy, or camel to give it that fall look. For this outfit, I loved the idea of creating a navy blue base and adding in a gorgeous fall color – like this oxblood/wine shade. For added pizzazz, incorporate gold accessories.
Related: Cute Fall Outfits in Autumn Colors, Part 2
8. sleeveless knit vest + white skirt + brown tall boots + brown and gold accessories
top | skirt | boots | bag | earrings
I’ll admit, wearing tall boots right now sounds like sweat city, but in a few more weeks, this outfit will be a great one to recreate. Not only is the neutral color palette aesthetically pleasing, but the sleeveless knit sweater paired with the flowy skirt and chocolate brown accessories creates the perfect mix of summer and fall.
9. olive green lace trim shorts + black top + flats + gold and black accessories
necklace | bracelet | top | shorts | flats
There are a lot of sleeveless looks here, which I personally prefer when it’s hot out, but I know that’s not everyone’s personal preference. Here’s to show that short-sleeve or cap-sleeve looks can work too! These lace shorts in an olive and black color combo tie in nicely with the shirt and add that autumn look.
Stylish Fall Outfits for Hot Autumn Days
By sticking to summer-friendly silhouettes like skirts, dresses, and sleeveless tops, while choosing fall-friendly styles such as suede, woven leather, and rich colors, you can easily create stylish autumn outfits that won’t leave you overheating!
Need some more early fall outfit inspo? Up Next: What Audrey Hepburn Would Wear for Her Early Fall Outfits
