A more appropriate title for this post might be How To Dress For Fall When It Feels Like Summer. This is the reality we find ourselves in when fall “arrives” emotionally and culturally, but the weather didn’t get the memo.
After Labor Day I usually do a big closet clean out, pack away my overtly summer clothes, and begin to bring into circulation more fall-friendly pieces. Even though I know I won’t wear the wool sweaters or cute coats for several months, I do begin to wear items that feel like fall while still being relatively lightweight. The trick with dressing for fall is all about the colors and textures you choose. Here is how I shift my wardrobe to fall when it’s still hot outside.
DARK DENIM.
Honestly, I wear jeans year-round, even in the heat of summer. They are the staple of my wardrobe, and all it takes to make them seem more seasonally appropriate is to shift from lighter denim to dark denim. Even when paired with a white T-shirt, dark denim will always look more fall-ish than light denim. Easy switch!
LIGHT LAYERS.
In that same vein, because I work indoors with an exceptional HVAC system and a thermostat that remains at a chipper 68 degrees, I normally grab a cardigan even in the heat of summer. My rule is that if it’s hot outside, it’s probably cold inside, so I enjoy the need for layers! Cotton cardigans, light utility jackets, and denim jackets are layers that can be added to any outfit for a fall nod without creating unwanted warmth.
NAVY OR BLACK.
Generally speaking, whenever possible, choose articles of clothing in navy or black. Instead of pastels, whites, or softer shades, shifting to darker hues will add a feeling of fall to your outfits. Consider dressing monochromatically as well. Black pants with a black top or navy pencil skirt with a navy t-shirt creates a backdrop to add a few fall accessories and create a seasonal look.
LEATHER BAG.
Switch out your handbag for something leather. This is such an easy step and will instantly feel as though you are leaving summer behind, ready for the changing leaves and crisper air. For an added bit of fall flair, layer on your favorite navy or striped scarf to the handle of your leather bag.
A TOUCH OF ANIMAL PRINT.
I have friends who treat animal print like a year-round staple and do so quite stylishly, but for me, leopard is something I save for fall. The colors and textures remind me of warmth. I have a leopard print crew neck sweater and a leopard belt in my closet. Both instantly take any outfit into an autumn state of mind.
ADD A TRENCH.
I love, love, love a trench coat. I would make the argument that trenches are year-round fare, but particularly in the fall, they are particularly on point. Trenches are equally stylish with jeans and a white shirt or draped over your shoulders with a little black dress. There is not a situation where a trench is not welcome. I consider this an investment piece and something that will serve you well for a lifetime.
DARKER NAILS AND LIPS.
Another easy fall move is to switch to deeper shades on your nails and lips. I am particularly fond of pausing my classic red nails and going for a more merlot shade. The same works on lips. Embracing darker colors in small amounts can add a feeling of fall.
LOAFERS.
I know fall is here when I begin wearing my loafers. Clogs have the same effect. They aren’t any more difficult or cumbersome to wear than ballet flats or platform sandals, but they truly look more in line with the fall aesthetic. I have a classic pair of loafers that I love, but I am thinking of adding a pair with cute bows to my shoe collection.
Classic fall pieces
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