What To Wear Now To Transition Your Wardrobe From Summer To Fall

Do you know what I love? That time at the end of summer when the weather starts to cool and you know fall is just around the corner. The cooler temperatures at night, the brisk breezes starting to appear during the day and the ability to wear light sweaters, jeans and rich leather shoes without the fear of sweating through your clothes.

Summer To Fall Transition Wardrobe

As we say goodbye to the sweltering temperatures of summer and usher in the chill of fall, let’s look at some choice pieces you can start wearing to transition into the new season. Some you can wear now and some in a few weeks, but all are extremely wearable!

Sweaters And Tops

When you are starting to build your fall wardrobe, it’s always best to begin with pieces you can layer. They are great options when the weather is unpredictable and you need to go from cool to warm and back to cool temperatures as the day shifts. One of my favorite pieces I’ve found so far is this Funnel Neck Zip-Up Sleeveless Jacket.

This layering piece can work with a T-shirt underneath, another lightweight sweater for extra warmth or one of these We The Free Most Loved Long Sleeve Tops from Free People. I absolutely love these lightweight tops and would get them in multiple colors. You can wear them for almost any occasion, depending on how you style them, and the $38 retail price is attractive enough to purchase more than one.

If you want something for a little later in the season, I found this Denim Belted Trench. I recently purchased this one for myself and really love it, as well as the matching wide-leg trouser jeans. The denim fabric is not too thick, drapes nicely and has a relaxed, slightly oversized fit.

Finally, if you are a cardigan sweater gal, I found this V-Neck Cardigan Sweater. The wide check pattern is beautifully seasonal, and the chunky, oversized fit is casual and comfortable. It can be worn throughout the entire fall and winter season. This is another one I’m planning to pick up for myself!

Bottoms And Dresses

A fresh pair of seasonal jeans is always a smart way to build up your fall wardrobe. There are so many styles and cuts to choose from these days, but a pair of colored jeans is especially on trend for fall. I found this chocolate brown pair that incorporates all my favorite features in a jean: a high rise, relaxed fit and wide leg.

For the office or a dressier occasion, these Ponte Drapey Slim Pull-On Pants are a great choice. My favorite color is the spiced olive green, but cream white is also a beautiful transitional shade to take you from summer into fall.

Dresses and skirts offer another easy way to update your wardrobe. I found this Henrietta Satin Skirt for a fun and sexy separate. The lingerie trend is big this season, and this skirt gives you the chance to try it in a wearable and comfortable way.

For a dress option, consider this Tie-Front Cotton-Blend Dress. It makes a great base piece to build around for late summer and early fall. Pair it with sandals for now, then add a trench coat and boots later.

Shoes

If you want to restock your closet with shoes to transition into fall, it’s always best to start with the basics. I like to follow the rule of something casual, something comfy, something sporty and something elevated.

For something casual, I always opt for a flat or small heel that will work with anything from jeans to skirts and dresses. I found these Italian Leather Slingback Flats that are the perfect choice for this category. I’ve been gravitating toward brown rather than black lately, so I love the espresso color, but black is always a smart choice too.

For my something comfy, I’ve always loved UGG boots, regardless of how trendy they may be in any given year. This year, I want to invest in some super cozy and warm mules for ease and comfort. These UGG Tasman II mules are my first choice. They offer the classic UGG design, color and quality, and you can’t go wrong with a pair.

For something sporty, I love sneakers and always keep my eye out for new pairs to kick around in. I found these New Balance 9060 sneakers that I would love to add to my collection. I like the fact that they are unisex, so they offer many of the same features and support you would find in the men’s version.

Finally, my elevated pick is these Baylez Buckled Mules. They are beautifully crafted from leather, and the thick strap and heel should provide comfortable wear, while the pointed toe gives them a classic, chic look that works well for dressed-up looks and nicer occasions.

Expert Style Tips

1. Get excited! I know that a new season and new clothes can bring up feelings about how clothing fits your body, size transitions and problem areas you may have been struggling with. But seasonal transitions are the perfect time to find new pieces to love and discover the parts of yourself you want to accentuate.

2. Start slowly. I get so excited about a new season that I tend to dive headfirst into buying new clothes instead of taking my time to curate my wardrobe. My advice is to really think about what speaks to you when you are shopping and edit your choices to the best of your ability. Spread your purchases out throughout the season so that when fall drops start trickling into stores, you don’t blow your budget right out of the gate!

3. Your existing style matters. Don’t forget that you already have an entire closet of fall clothes from past seasons. You’ve spent years curating a collection of pieces you already love, so make sure to consider what you own when looking for new styles to fill the gaps.

—Carmen Turner

You may also like to read more of Carmen’s posts like What To Wear On Vacation This Summer: Easy Outfit Ideas and Summer Handbags for Every Day, Every Outfit and Every Adventure.

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