Rag and Bone Vest // Free People Jeans
Do you ever get dressed, look in the mirror and think, “Did I get this completely wrong?” If you’re googling What to Wear in Early Fall, you probably know exactly what I mean.
One day it feels like summer. The next, there’s a chill in the air, a little wind or rain and sometimes you get all of that in the same day!
Early fall can be tricky. We want to embrace the new season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re ready for heavy sweaters, boots and coats.
Living in Florida has taught me one very important fashion lesson: always keep a sweater in the car.
Yes, even in September and October, when the temperatures can still feel very much like summer. And then there’s Florida air conditioning. Walk into a restaurant, store or movie theater and suddenly you’re freezing.
That happened to me recently at lunch. I was perfectly comfortable outside, walked into the restaurant and immediately wished I had brought a sweater. By the time lunch was over, I couldn’t wait to step back outside and warm up.
So how do we dress for early fall without dressing for temperatures we don’t actually have?
For me, it’s all about lightweight layers, fall colors and pieces that can easily be added or removed.
Start With What You Already Own
How to Wear White Jeans in the Fall
You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe simply because the calendar says fall.
Recently, I spent an afternoon browsing the shops at Mercato in Naples, stopping into Tommy Bahama, Southern Tide and Ted Baker for a little fall fashion inspiration. What struck me was how easy it is to take pieces we already own and simply change the way we style them.
And isn’t that one of the best parts of fashion? Sometimes you don’t need something new, you just need to look at what you already have in your closet a little differently.
One of my favorite places to start is with white or ecru jeans like this pair that I purchased last year.
Now, I know what you’re thinking…Can I still wear white jeans after Labor Day?
I think we’ve heard that rule enough by now. And honestly, I’m pretty sure it’s time to let it go. 😉
White jeans can absolutely work for fall. It’s all about what you pair with them.
Instead of bright summer colors, try adding shades of camel, chocolate brown, cognac, olive, cream and warm neutrals. Suddenly, that same pair of white jeans feels completely ready for fall.
I’ve written before about why I don’t think you should put away your white jeans when summer ends, and I still feel the same way. They are one of those pieces that can work beautifully throughout the year.
And don’t be afraid of color.
Fall doesn’t have to mean an entire wardrobe of earth tones. An unexpected pop of navy, burgundy, plum or another rich shade can give a neutral outfit just the right amount of personality.
Dark Florals Are an Easy Fall Transition
Florals may be associated with spring and summer, but dark florals are one of my favorite ways to transition into fall.
A dark floral blouse, dress or skirt can be worn now with sandals or flats while the weather is still warm. Later, simply add a cardigan, blazer or denim jacket when the temperature finally drops.
It’s one of the easiest ways to make something already hanging in your closet feel a little more seasonal.
And if you’re like me, I’d much rather find a new way to wear something I already love than put it away for another six months.
Lightweight Layers Are Your Best Friend
This time of year, I’m always looking for pieces I can easily take on and off throughout the day.
Think lightweight cotton sweaters, cardigans, linen blends, denim jackets and lightweight blazers.
This is especially helpful for those of us living in warmer climates. We may not need heavy knits just yet, but we can still embrace fall fashion without dressing for temperatures we don’t actually have.
And honestly, isn’t being comfortable part of looking stylish?
For me, the best outfits are the ones that look polished but still allow you to move through your day comfortably.
Bring Back the Blazer
Blazers will always be one of my favorite fall pieces.
Throw one over a simple T-shirt or camisole with jeans and suddenly the outfit looks finished.
For early fall, I especially love textured or lightweight blazers. You get that polished look without feeling overdressed or overheated.
And, of course, fall is the perfect time to bring plaid back into the mix.
You don’t need to go head-to-toe plaid. One piece a blazer, scarf or handbag is enough to immediately change the mood of an outfit. Sometimes one little detail is all it takes.
Never Underestimate a Denim Jacket
If there is one jacket that earns its place in my closet year after year, it’s a denim jacket. Denim is seasonless.
Wear it over a dark floral dress you enjoyed all summer. Pair it with ecru pants. Or throw it over a lightweight sweater when the temperatures finally start to drop.
A denim jacket is also one of those pieces that makes getting dressed a little easier. It can make a casual outfit feel more pulled together without making it feel like you tried too hard.
Sometimes transitioning your wardrobe into fall isn’t about putting all of your summer clothes away.
It’s simply about adding one more layer.
Dress for the Weather You Actually Have
I think that may be the biggest lesson when it comes to transitional fall style.
We see beautiful images of chunky sweaters, wool coats and boots everywhere this time of year. But if it’s 82 degrees outside, that outfit probably isn’t going to work—and there’s nothing stylish about being miserable.
Instead, change the colors. Add texture. Swap a summer sandal for a loafer or ballet flat. Add a lightweight jacket. Try a richer-colored handbag or scarf.
Small changes can make your wardrobe feel like fall even when Mother Nature hasn’t quite gotten the message yet.
And that’s really what I love about transitional fall fashion. You don’t have to completely reinvent your wardrobe every season. You simply need a few pieces that can work with what you already own.
Fashion should be fun. It should make you feel good. And most importantly, there shouldn’t be an expiration date on wearing something you love.
So, if you’re standing in your closet wondering what on earth you’re supposed to wear when fall can’t make up its mind, remember:
Light layers. Richer colors. A few seasonal accessories. And wear what makes you feel good.
And if all else fails? Keep a sweater in your car. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.
Cheers!
Read:>> How to Dress When the Weather is Still Warm
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