High Low Styling: How To Make The Transition from Summer To Fall

Although we hate to admit it, summer is winding down and soon we will be in the middle of fall. But right now, and for the next couple of months, the weather will still be warm and balmy. It’s exciting that a lot of summer fashion is on sale, and you can wear it now, but somehow the bright candy colored clothing does not look so fresh once the temps start to drop. That’s because we are beginning to look ahead to the change of the season and our eyes are drawn to richer and warmer hues and clean crisp neutrals for fall. You can still wear your sandals and lightweight tops, only it is better if you can find ones that will work from now until fall. Summer is not yet over, and you can transition from summer to fall with this outfit for women over 40. I’m also showing you options to shop the look with high quality or low price pieces, or feel free to mix them up. That’s the beauty of high low styling. It’s up to you to decide how much you want to spend. 

Styling Tips: Summer To Fall Transition

Keep your fabrics light and your colors rich or neutral. When you shop for transitional fashion picture how each piece will look in October. Even though the weather will still be very warm, sunny neon colors just won’t look right come mid-September. Instead look for dark background florals and prints, and deeper solid shades like olive, rust, navy, plum, violet and mustard and neutrals like sand, tan and black. The colors may seem more serious, but there is nothing boring about them. Besides, these are the colors you can wear year round and you’ll be able to pull out these same pieces for resort and next spring.

Start With A Lightweight Blouse

Lightweight loose fitting blouses are ideal for making the transition. This Ganni Georgette Sleeveless Floral Blouse for $170  has a high neck and can be worn out or tucked in. The fabric, the print and the ruffle details at the sleeves are beautiful. However you can save quite a lot with a very similar print with this Knox Rose™ Crewneck Tank Top from Target for only $19.99.

Update Your Denim Jeans

Summer to fall transition is the perfect time to update your denim. If you don’t own a basic pair of cropped straight leg jeans with a medium wash and a higher waist, I recommend them. They are a newer take on a basic silhouette and they will work not only through fall but all year long. The cropped length will show off your sandals now and will work with booties later. You’ll be happy to have a pair of jeans with a high waist to wear with belts or for shorter tops and sweaters. These Re/Done Double Needle Stretch Jeans for $250 are fabulous or you can go low price with these Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans for $79.99.

Jeans are one item you may want to splurge on when you consider your cost per wear. If you wear the $250 pair 100 times your cost per wear is only $2.50, and if you wear the less expensive pair 10 times they are $7.99 per wear. See how I justify spending more?

Wear Heavier Sandals

Now is the time to go ahead and get a heavier pair of sandals. Look for suede and rich textured leathers and more covered up styles. As long as the weather is warm you can wear sandals! Something like these Vince Forster Strappy Ankle Wrap Sandals for $295 are ideal. Of course you can find less expensive sandals, too, like these 14th & Union Codie Caged Flat Sandals for a mere $39.97.

Rich Colors Are In The Bag

You might have your eye on a new bag for fall and you can start to carry it now. Fall 2019’s rich colors include shades of bright and dark reds, chocolate browns, dark cheddar, guacamole, teal, blue and forest green according to Pantone’s Autumn/Winter 2019/2020 NYFW Color Palette. Try a small crossbody style bag in one of these shades. This pine green Salvatore Ferragamo Joanne Leather Crossbody Bag is a great investment for $1750 but you can get in on the color trend for a fraction of the cost with this Urban Originals Melody Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag for only $78.

Wrap It Up With A Neutral Jacket

You may not think you need a jacket yet, but there are even times now with heavy air conditioning or perhaps to look more professional for work when you will need a jacket. A neutral linen blazer with menswear detailing dresses up this denim look for those occasions, and to simply look more fashionable. This gorgeous Brunello Cucinelli Double-breasted Linen and Cotton-blend Blazer is a huge (but well worth-it) investment for $3,495. So for a more palatable price you can get this Club Monaco Hadarahh Linen Blazer (now on sale) for $231.20.

Shop This Summer to Fall Transition Outfit High or Low

HIGH

Ganni Georgette Sleeveless Floral Blouse, $170

Re/Done Double Needle Stretch Jeans, $250

Vince Forster Strappy Ankle Wrap Sandal, $295

Salvatore Ferragamo Joanne Leather Crossbody Bag, $1750

Brunello Cucinelli Double-breasted Linen and Cotton-blend Blazer, $3,495

High priced outfit total cost: $5,960

LOW

Target Women’s Crewneck Tank Top – Knox Rose™, $19.99

Gap High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans with Secret Smoothing Pockets, $79.95

14th & Union Codie Caged Flat Sandals, $39.97

Urban Originals Melody Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag, $78

Club Monaco Hadarahh Linen Blazer, now $231.20

Low priced outfit total cost: $449.11

How much would you spend on this look?

You may also like to read more of Carol’s styling for women over 40 like: What to Pack In One Carry-On Bag? Easy Outfit Ideas For A Summer Trip and The Most Comfortable Sandals and Slides for Women Over 40 Under $50.

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