I don’t know about you, but whenever August rolls around, I start daydreaming about fall outfits! However, just because I have visions of cozy knits, tall boots, and chic jackets dancing in my head, doesn’t mean the weather always cooperates… especially here in the Midwest. When you’re craving fall style but temperatures are still soaring, you have to get a little creative with your styling prowess. Below, I’ve put together 12 hot fall outfits to help you dress for warm weather in cool autumn style.
1. black shorts + black tank top + loafers + belt
shorts | top | shoes | belt | earrings
Ready to embrace chic fall looks, even when temps are still running high? Try swapping out your favorite summer staples for darker, moodier colors. Your tank tops, shorts, and other warm-weather basics will look much more fitting for the new season.
First, swap out your classic denim shorts for a pleated pair in black. On top, exchange your basic white tank from summer for a version in black instead. A monochromatic look will always make you look put-together! Then, continue your color scheme with your accessories. A thin black belt adds polish and highlights your waist. As for your footwear, leave your sandals behind in favor of a more fall-appropriate shoe, like horsebit loafers.
Finish your look with a pair of gold hoops that tie in nicely with your belt buckle. Now you’re ready for a chic day out spent admiring the art at a museum, or maybe browsing a bookshop for your latest read.
2. oversized button-up + tank top + mini skirt + mary jane heels
button-up | tank | skirt | socks | shoes | bag
Creative layering can help you embrace early fall outfits. Look for lighter, shorter pieces when summer’s heat hasn’t budged, and then try pairing them together. Breezy button-downs, mini skirts, tank tops in darker colors, ankle socks, etc., are easy styles to mix and match.
First, start with a black mini skirt. This is a perfect addition to a fall capsule wardrobe. On top, pair it with a basic tank in a statement color. Bright red is perfect for hot fall outfits! Over your tank, add a breezy button-down for added style, without the added heat of a heavy fabric.
Don’t be afraid to layer your accessories, too! Leopard print heels are perfect for this fall look, especially when paired with a frilly ankle sock. Add a sleek leather handbag and you’re ready to meet up with friends for a fun morning spent sipping espresso.
3. white skirt + short sleeve sweater + woven flats + suede bag
skirt | top | shoes | bag | necklace
Even if hot fall outfits aren’t the time to wear thick, heavy sweaters, cozy knits can still have a place in transitional outfits. The key is to look for thinner versions of your favorite fabrics, like cashmere. It also helps to go for a short-sleeve version.
Pair your cozy sweater with a summer favorite – the long white skirt. This piece is easy, breezy, and yes, you can wear it after Labor Day! Style it for autumn looks by pairing it with other fall fabrics, like your cashmere sweater, woven leather Mary Jane flats, and a suede handbag. A long necklace is the cherry on top.
4. brown sleeveless dress + cardigan + brown tote bag + brown flats
dress | tote | cardigan | flats | glasses | watch
Chocolate brown might just be the color of fall, which makes it the perfect choice for your hot fall outfits. Sometimes all you need to do to get a fall fix is to swap out your summer colors for darker, richer shades.
A maxi dress might just be one of the best pieces to style for hot summer days, but you can transition it to fall looks by reaching for a version in a warm shade of brown. Then, keep your color theme going with brown Mary Jane flats, a croc-embossed watch in chocolate brown, and a woven bag in – you guessed it – dark brown.
Throw on a light sweater and a pair of tortoiseshell glasses, and now you’re ready to cozy up in a cute coffee shop for a productive work day – even your laptop got the chocolate brown memo!
5. denim skirt + vest + blazer (optional) + loafers
blazer | skirt | vest | socks | shoes | bag | sunglasses | watch
Who doesn’t love an academia-inspired, preppy look for fall? You’d fit right in taking a walk inside your favorite autumn rom-com in this next look.
Start your look with a sleeveless vest – it will keep you cool and serve as the perfect foundation for your outfit. Over it, go for an oversized blazer for a playful take on a suiting look if the weather calls for it. To keep things from getting too formal, go for a more casual piece on the bottom, like a denim mini skirt.
When it comes to your accessories, lean into a prep school vibe with lug sole loafers and ribbed socks. Add a sleek leather bag in brown, a croc-embossed watch, and trendy oval sunglasses to round out your look.
6. pleated pants + tank top + suede sandals + suede bag
pants | top | sandals | bag | belt | earrings | bracelets
Dressing for a nice lunch? If you’re sitting outside to enjoy the last of the warm summer weather, you’ll want a look that’s both classy and cool. Start your look with a pair of breezy pleated pants. The pleats on this Everlane pair make them look as polished as they are comfortable for a warm autumn day.
On top, go for a black tank top for an effortlessly sleek vibe. Then, add texture with your accessories to make your outfit more interesting. A pair of gold cuff bracelets, suede sandals, a suede shoulder bag, a suede belt, and gold link earrings make your outfit look complete and put-together. Those suede accents make all the difference in transitioning this look from summer to fall!
7. long shorts + vest + burgundy slingback heels + burgundy belt + burgundy bag
shorts | vest | shoes | belt | sunglasses | bag
Have fun with an early-fall date night outfit by playing with suiting separates. These pieces will elevate your look and can help to balance out your feminine pieces for an interesting outfit that’s memorable and cool for a nice dinner or cocktail hour.
Reach for a sleeveless vest top and then pair it with pleated shorts in the same shade. The monochromatic look is always a great choice if you want to look classy and elegant! Next, mix things up with your accessories by adding an accent color. Since we’re going for a fall aesthetic here, burgundy is the perfect option. A pair of pointed-toe slingback heels adds a feminine touch to your traditionally masculine-looking suit-inspired top and bottoms.
Tie burgundy back into your look with a coordinating belt and a leather bag. The finishing touch? A chic pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses, in a sleek oval shape.
8. leopard print skirt + tee + red flats + red handbag
skirt | tee | bag | flats | necklace
Speaking of pops of color, cherry red is another great choice to instantly make your warm-weather looks more appropriate for fall style. Because cherry red is such a bright accent shade, keep the rest of your look neutral so that the red can really shine.
When it comes to fall patterns, you can never go wrong with leopard print. Plus, this pattern pairs so naturally with cherry red! Try pairing a leopard print skirt with red accessories, gold jewelry, and a black t-shirt. The result is a look that’s as trendy as it is timeless.
9. crop jeans + ribbed sweater vest + clogs + bucket bag
jeans | vest | clogs | bag | earrings
Full-length denim might just be one of fall’s most well-known staple pieces. And if you want to ease into wearing jeans for autumn, stick to a cropped pair in a light or mid-wash. Then, pair your jeans with a summer staple on top – like that sleeveless vest we’ve been talking about! It’s even better in a chocolate brown shade.
Use the sandwich method to help decide on your accessories. Get inspired by your rich brown top and try a pair of luxe leather clogs and a sleek bucket bag in a similar brown tone. Finally, gold link earrings add the perfect pop of metallics for the finishing touch.
10. linen shift dress + woven flats + twill scarf
dress | sunglasses | flats | scarf | bag | earrings
There’s never a bad time to wear a little black dress… that’s what makes the LBD so versatile! This layering superhero is fit for looks year-round, but is especially great for transitional summer to fall outfits. You can layer shirts or thin sweaters underneath, or use it as a base for your favorite fall looks.
For the sake of hot fall outfits, keep things simple with your LBD. Make your outfit more interesting with the help of accessories, rather than adding layers. Stay cool with a breezy pair of woven flats. Then, add a thin neck scarf for a pop of pattern. Add a sleek leather shoulder bag, oval sunglasses, and gold earrings. Now you’re ready for a full day of shopping in chic fall style.
11. navy shorts + tank top + oxford + loafers
shorts | oxford | tank | shoes | bag | watch | belt
Navy is another fall shade that’s useful to help transition your summer looks to autumn. This neutral shade of blue looks great year-round, and so it’s a great choice to pull from both your summer and fall capsule wardrobes.
Start your look with a monochromatic base. This gives you a slimming effect and makes you look more put-together, without any added effort. Then, reach for a lighter shade of blue with a breezy button-down. This gives you added coverage, without being too warm for early fall temperatures.
Finish your look with classy accessories in coordinating camel. Horsebit loafers, a thin belt, a woven handbag, and a leather watch are ideal!
12. black linen maxi skirt + burgundy sweater tank + burgundy sandals
skirt | top | shoes | bracelets | bag | watch | necklace
Burgundy was everywhere last fall, but that doesn’t mean that the trendy shade is going anywhere this year! This is another fall staple that’s perfect for embodying autumn’s rich, moody color palette.
For a cool look that still brings to mind the changing color of leaves, fall festivals, and cozy nights around a fire, lean into a burgundy look. Pair a burgundy tote with a leather watch in the same shade, burgundy sandals, and a burgundy tank top. Then, add a black maxi slip skirt on the bottom. A stack of gold bangles and a long gold necklace complete the outfit!
The Key to Effortless Fall Style in Warm Climates
The key to creating chic, hot fall outfits? There are actually a few important tips and tricks to remember! Embrace a rich, mood color palette. Get creative with light, loose layers. Mix and match your summer and autumn pieces. And finally, have fun with fall patterns! Although this time of year can be awkward to dress in due to the fluctuating temps, remembering these strategies will make getting dressed a (cool fall) breeze.
Ready for more outfit ideas for the transitional season? Up Next: 8 Chic Outfit Ideas for the Late Summer to Early Fall Shift
