7 Easy Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall
Even though summer is just getting started, the fall season will be here before you know it!
When fall comes to mind, you think of pumpkin spiced everything, apple picking, and chunky sweaters. However, there’s a special time in between the two seasons that offers just enough of a balance. We’ll call her, pre-fall.
If you’re anything like me, you want to hold onto summer for as long as possible, but that doesn’t mean you need to get rid of all of your summer clothes as soon as fall (aka pre-fall) starts to arrive!
How to transition your summer wardrobe into fall
The key to transitioning your wardrobe is to gradually introduce fall elements while still using your summer pieces. With that being said, I’m sharing 7 ways you can easily transition your summer wardrobe into fall!
1. Add in darker tones and fall colors
Summer is all about bright, light hues, which is a stark contrast to fall’s moodier palette. Start by swapping your light wash jeans for dark wash denim.
When it comes to a fall-ready color palette, black, and brown are the easiest colors to start with when transitioning your closet from summer to fall, and if you have a neutral wardrobe (like me), then congrats because that means you’ll have a lot less swapping to do, plus a lot more outfit options to play with!
Aside from those neutrals, some other fall-ready colors you can add are rust, mustard, olive green, and navy. If these feel like a bit too much color for an entire outfit, incorporating them through accessories, such as scarves, handbags, or shoes, can instantly make your outfits feel more autumnal without straying from your overall neutral palette.
And just because you’re adding in darker tones, doesn’t mean you need to completely omit lighter shades like white and taupe! These are great colors to add contrast, or soften up a fall look. So don’t toss those white jeans because they can work with your outfits year-round!
One of my favorite go-to fall transition outfits is a pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a light sweater, and a pair of cute taupe booties!
2. Trade sandals for fall-ready footwear
Transition your summer footwear to more fall-ready options. Start replacing sandals and flip flops with boots, mules, sneakers, or flats. These shoe styles are not only suitable for cooler weather but can also instantly transform any previous summer look into a fall-ready outfit with ease!
Dresses are the one staple item that are a part of my wardrobe year-round. So when it comes to creating seasonal outfits, one of my favorite ways to rewear my collection of dresses throughout the year is to switch up my shoes! My favorite pair of boots for fall are the Caty ankle boots from Matisse, I have them in every color possible and as soon as the temps start to cool, I immediately swap out my sandals for them. I just love how they add a chic vibe to any outfit!
3. Incorporate layers into your outfits
Even though the temperatures might not be cool enough for chunky sweaters, you can start transitioning into fall by incorporating light layers into your outfits. Toss on a lightweight jacket, shacket, sweater, or cardigan over your favorite summer dresses or tops. Layering allows you to adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day while adding a touch of autumn coziness to your look!
4. Swap out the summer accessories
Trade in those straw hats and woven summer accessories for more fall-appropriate ones like leather bags and belts, felt fedora hats, and light scarves. You can even play around with fun autumnal styles like animal print and plaid!
5. Opt for longer silhouettes
As fall arrives, the temperatures start to drop so opting for weather-appropriate silhouettes are a must! Instead of t-shirts and tank tops, swap them out for long sleeve tops instead. Trade the shorts for jeans, and mini skirts and dresses for midi or maxi lengths.
For those in-between-season days, balance a short silhouette with a longer one, like a cropped tank with a maxi skirt or a lightweight long-sleeve sweater with a mini skirt or shorts!
6. Add tights
Pair your summer skirts and dresses with opaque tights. This combination keeps you cozy and looking fall-ready while extending the life of your favorite summer pieces!
7. Switch to heavier fabrics
As the temperatures start to cool, you can gradually introduce heavier fabrics like wool, tweed, or corduroy in your outfits. Think about swapping your lightweight cottons for more substantial materials.
Remember, the key to transitioning your wardrobe is to gradually introduce fall elements while still making use of your summer pieces. With these simple steps, you'll be able to create stylish and seasonally appropriate outfits as the weather gets cooler, without the need to buy an entirely new wardrobe for fall!
