If you’re craving fall outfits by September but the weather isn’t cooperating, summer-to-fall transition outfits are the key! The trick is to find ways to style your summer capsule pieces in a manner that will look more appropriate for autumn – without causing you to overheat in the process. This is easier said than done, but I’ve put together 9 outfits below to give you a little bit of inspiration about how to transition your summer basics to fall-ready looks.
1. white skirt + white tank + gold jewelry + leather bag + chocolate brown flats
skirt | tank | bag | shoes | necklace | earrings
In the Midwest, September can still reach 80 degrees with no problem at all. That means that even though September seems more like an autumnal month, the hot weather calls for much of the same that summer does – tank tops, breezy skirts, and light layers.
If you want to make your go-to white skirt from summer look more appropriate for fall style, contrasting colors will be your best bet. First, start with your white base – your midi skirt and a light tank top. Next, add contrast to these warm-weather pieces with dark colors. Think a pair of rich chocolate brown flats, and a coordinating bag in supple woven leather. These textures and dark shades traditionally are associated with an autumn aesthetic, so they help make your white skirt and top fit right in with fall scenery.
When it comes to your jewelry, go for a chunky pair of gold hoop earrings and a statement necklace with beads in a similar color palette to your shoes and bag. These pieces will help tie your look together and appear more intentional!
2. cardigan + mini skirt + flip flops + gold hoops + straw bag
cardigan | skirt | shoes | bag | earrings
Next up, another summer staple: a floral mini skirt. This spring and summer capsule wardrobe piece is easy to transition to fall with the right styling. On top, balance out the shorter look of your skirt with a cozy knit with additional coverage. A cardigan in a neutral shade is perfect!
As for your accessories, don’t be afraid to reach for more summer staples – your look will still appear balanced. Try a straw tote in a larger, relaxed size, a pair of leather flip-flops in a dark color, and a pair of gold hoop earrings to round out your casual fall outfit.
3. black midi dress + pearl earrings + faux leather bag + leopard print flats
shoes | bag | dress | earrings
When it comes to transitioning your little black dress to fall, you don’t have to swap out your favorite midi tank dress for a long-sleeved version just yet! Instead, reach for fall patterns and textures when it comes to your accessories. Leopard print is perfect for this! When it comes to your bag, try a top-handle style with some structure for an elegant look. Finish your classy date night out with a pair of pearl earrings.
4. black shirt + wide-leg jeans + pearl jewelry + flip flops + straw bag
jeans | top | sandals | bag | earrings | bracelet
If your summer favorites include straw bags and flip-flops, I’ve got good news for you! You can style these pieces well into autumn for chic fall fashion. For cooler weather, you just have to make a few adaptations for the rest of your look.
First, swap your denim shorts for classic blue jeans instead. Next, instead of summer’s breezy white blouse, reach for a darker color like black or navy, and aim for a style with short sleeves, or long ones if your climate calls for a little bit of extra warmth.
Dressing to meet friends for lunch? Keep your accessories simple with a pearl bracelet and earrings.
5. linen pants + cotton sweater + chambray shirt + pearls + mules + straw bag
pants | shirt | sweater | shoes | bag | earrings
Are you a big fan of coastal grandmother style in the summer? (I’m with you!) The key pieces from this aesthetic are great for transitional leather. The trick is to dress in layers that you can remove throughout the day as it warms up.
First, start with a coastal grandmother’s favorite – the white linen pants. And no, you don’t have to pack these away after Labor Day! Instead, use them as a foundational piece for your laidback autumn looks. On top, pair them with a chambray button-up shirt and a cotton sweater. If it gets too warm for both layers, you can always tie the sweater around your shoulders instead. Breathable fabrics are still the key to nailing this aesthetic!
When it comes to your accessories, try swapping out your bag and footwear for pieces in darker tones. Think an olive green straw bag instead of a light beige version, and exchange your fisherman sandals for a pair of cozy clogs. Add a pair of pearl earrings and you’re all set to go!
6. polka dot mini dress + pearls + trench c0at + ballet flats + leather bag
polka dot dress | trench coat | bag | flats | earrings
If you’re more about the classy elegant vibes for summer and fall, try this look. First, start with a summer midi dress – polka dots have been especially popular this year, even though they’re also a classic pattern.
Next, add a piece of fall outerwear. You can’t get much more classic than a French girl’s favorite trench coat. It’s the perfect piece for weather that calls for nothing more than a light jacket.
Accessorize with other French girl favorite pieces – think pearl stud earrings and a pair of black ballet flats. Now you’re ready for a nice dinner, cocktails, or an evening work event. You can also swap out the flats for a pair of slingback heels, if you prefer!
7. striped button-up shirt + white jeans + gold accessories + chocolate brown bag and shoes
jeans | ankle boots | shirt | bag | earrings | watch
The right color combinations are key to nailing your transitional wardrobe. Blue and brown are one of my personal favorites when it comes to transitional weather!
If you want to rock your white jeans into the fall season, say no more. Pair them with blue and brown, and you’ll instantly have the perfect mix of colors for September, or even October. Think a pair of white jeans, a blue and white button-up shirt, and chocolate brown accessories (like a woven tote bag and ankle booties). Finish your look with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a gold watch. This is the perfect transitional look for casual Fridays at the office.
8. white tank top + dark-wash jeans + suede bag + sunglasses + flip flops
tank top | jeans | necklace | bag | shoes | sunglasses
A white tank may be one of the most versatile pieces in your summer wardrobe, and you can use it to style an off-duty model look in the fall, too. First, create interest in your look by adding a contrasting color to the bright white top. Dark-wash jeans are a necessity for your fall wardrobe, and a great choice for this look.
Next, go for accessories that belong in both your summer and fall wardrobes. From your summer selection, grab a pair of black flip-flops, oval sunglasses, and a statement necklace. As for your fall staple, reach for a suede bag in olive green. If you get chilly or wear this look later into the year, you can always add a suede jacket in fall colors for the final touch!
9. barn jacket + white tee + denim shorts + neck scarf + boots + basket
t-shirt | shorts | jacket | boots | basket | scarf
Lightweight layers are certainly key to rocking pieces from your summer closet into transitional weather. If you want to style your favorite denim shorts and white t-shirt into autumn, add a utility jacket or barn jacket on top to give your look a cool weather edge. Next, pair your denim shorts with knee-high boots for additional coverage. If you’re heading to your local farmer’s market to pick up your seasonal favorites, try a pair of Hunter rain boots.
Finish your look with a red or burgundy neck scarf for a pop of color, and a basket bag to hold all of your market goodies!
The Trick to Transitional Temperatures
Light layers, as well as mixing and matching your fall and summer pieces, are two of the tricks to nailing your summer-to-fall transition outfits. For the unpredictable time of year, go for pieces that are easy to remove if you get warm, but also keep the chill out in the early morning. Once you get the hang of mixing and matching your pieces from each season, you’ll start to fall in love with transitional style!
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