As the days get shorter and the PSLs start flowing, it's time to address that awkward time of year when summer and fall are stuck in an epic battle of the seasons. You know the drill: mornings so crisp you could refrigerate leftovers on your front porch, afternoons hotter than your aunt’s famous jalapeño salsa, and evenings that somehow manage to combine both. If you’re staring at your closet in existential dread, unsure if you need a sundress, a sweater, or a thermal parka, you’re in good company.
Luckily, I’ve got some foolproof (read: wildly experimental) styling tips to help you transition your wardrobe from summer to fall without losing your sanity—or your fashion cred.
Layering is the seasonal transition trick. Why? Because temperatures in fall have the emotional range of a teen in a YA novel. Start with your summer faves—think lightweight tees, tanks, and breezy dresses—and layer them up with cozy cardigans, denim jackets, or even a sneaky turtleneck (don't pretend you're too cool for turtlenecks; no one is). Bonus points if you can manage to wear three different types of fabrics at once without looking like you got dressed in the dark.
Pro tip: Get creative! A sundress over leggings? Groundbreaking. A crop top under a blazer? CEO energy. The goal is to look effortlessly stylish while keeping your body temp as unpredictable as the weather itself.
If you’ve been flaunting your perfectly pedicured toes all summer, it’s time to say goodbye. Boots are the ultimate footwear for fall—it’s like putting on an "I’ve got my life together" badge without having to actually get your life together. From ankle boots to knee-highs, a solid pair of boots will take any summer outfit and instantly make it autumn-appropriate.
Swap your flip-flops for some chic suede ankle boots, and suddenly that flowy summer dress looks less like “beach day” and more like “Pinterest board come to life.”
Scarves are the unsung heroes of fall fashion. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also scream, "I read books, drink artisanal coffee, and probably own a candle that smells like autumn leaves." Drape one over your shoulders, tie it around your neck, or—if you’re feeling especially extra—turn it into a makeshift shawl. Just don’t accidentally recreate that Lenny Kravitz Giant Scarf meme unless you’re fully prepared for the memes that will follow you.
You know that chunky knit sweater you’ve been dying to wear since July? Pair it with a flowy summer skirt for a contrast that says “I’m embracing the chill” but also “I’m still holding onto summer because it’s all I know.” The key here is balance: the heavier the fabric on top, the lighter it should be on the bottom. Think denim jackets over linen dresses or leather boots with cotton shorts. It’s a beautiful balancing act between cozy and breezy, just like the fall weather itself.
Look, we all love a good neon moment, but the fall color palette is where it’s at. We're talking rich burgundy, mustard yellow, forest green, and pumpkin-spice-everything. It’s like you’re dressing to blend in with the changing leaves, but in a chic way. Start incorporating these autumnal hues into your summer wardrobe, and you’ll be ready to rock September like it’s your personal runway. And if you need a little inspiration to get into the fall mood, check out these september quotes for some poetic autumn vibes.
Denim jackets, denim skirts, denim jeans—heck, throw in a denim-on-denim look if you're feeling bold. Denim is the universal fabric that says, “I don’t care what season it is; I’m fashionable year-round.” Toss a denim jacket over your summer maxi dress or pair your shorts with some knee-high boots and a denim shirt. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of your wardrobe—endlessly versatile, undeniably cool, and always there when you need it.
You may think your straw hat has no place in fall, but that’s where you’re wrong. Swap out your wide-brimmed summer hats for fedoras or floppy felt hats. They instantly elevate any outfit and protect you from the unforgivingly bright September sun, because yes, it’s still very much there despite the chill in the air.
And what about sunglasses? Fall sun still requires shades, my friend. Opt for darker frames and chunkier styles to match your autumn aesthetic. You’ll look like you’ve stepped straight out of a moody Instagram filter.
Navigating the wardrobe switch from summer to fall is like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in a hurricane, but with the right mix of layers, textures, and some killer boots, you’ll be ready for whatever the season throws at you. Whether you’re sipping cider in a chunky sweater or clinging to your favorite sundress for dear life, remember: fashion is supposed to be fun—even if the weather has no idea what it’s doing.
Now, go forth and conquer fall fashion, one scarf at a time. 🍁