Transitioning from Summer to Fall

We are past Labor Day, and although the first day of fall is not until September 23rd, people everywhere are prematurely adopting a full fall wardrobe of tall boots and chunky knit scarves amidst the 80° weather.  I’ve been there, I understand, and I know that it’s tricky to transition from one season to another.

Why do we jump full throttle into fall? My theory is that our mentality to wear fall clothes the second we pass Labor Day goes back to grade school. Going “back to school” meant getting new clothes, and those clothes were appropriate for fall. When you get new clothes you want to wear them right away, which means when you buy those new fall arrivals you want to work them into an outfit despite how hot it is outside. ** Let me remind you that here in Michigan and many parts of the country, we have cold weather for a good six months. That’s six months you can work in your cold weather clothes into all the outfits you’d like. **

The key to transitioning seasons is to consider both the weather and the time of year. While working in fall clothes into your current summer clothes, let this be a gradual transition making little switches as the weather gets colder. For example, put away white sandals and bring out your neutral loafers.

Falls colors in summer pieces will bring you into the new season without sacrificing your sanity in the heat. Outfits may slowly have more olive greens, navy blues, shades of red and burgundy, grays, etc.

Mix summer and fall clothes seamlessly. Shorts with sweaters, t-shirts with short boots, boat shoes with lightweight chinos, etc.

I put together four outfits that transition from summer to fall.  (L-R) 1. Lightweight sweater layered over an button down shirt with shorts. These khaki colored chino shorts are a great find to transition in both summer to fall and winter to spring. 2. White sweater, jeans, and lace up wedges use a lighter color top with fall shoes. 3. Chambray shirt, olive green shorts, and short boots. Chambray is your biggest friend when transitioning seasons. It’s both lightweight yet appropriate all year round. Here is where I mixed the summer and fall pieces. 4. Using fall color combination in a sleeveless dress is another example of considering the season and the weather. Olive green flats are a great slip on that will bring you into fall.

The dresses below are not only great for transitions, but can be worn later with tights when it cools down. Accessories with deep tones, such as the leather strap watch, are also a great switch from summer to fall. Silks scarves in fall colors are always classy and also a lightweight alternative to knit scarves.

Gingham and chambray button downs are a staple for me all year round and can be worn alone until it’s time to layer. Sweaters in fall tones but worn alone with the sleeves rolled up will allow you to wear your sweaters without the fuss of layering in the heat.

Neutral pants and shorts in either blue denim, colored denim, or chinos will help you work with what you already have in your wardrobe without having to bring the heavy corduroy out just yet.

Lastly, shoes are a great swap to get you to fall without busting out the tall leather boots. I’ve loving the short boots trend and think they are perfect not only for the transition period but can be worn until next summer. Slip on loafers, slippers, and boat shoes in rich tones to give you the fall appearance without the discomfort of overheating.

 

September 2, 2014 by thedressdecoded | 1 Comment