Summer’s days are waning, and soon we’ll be back-to-school shopping and lining up for pumpkin lattes. Autumn is an undeniably tricky time for fashion, with temperatures fluctuating wildly from one day to the next. Fortunately, it only takes a handful of Clothes Mentor hacks to take your closet from beach to bonfire.
8 Summer-to-Fall Fashion Tips (And 3 Wardrobe Essentials)
The cardinal rule of summer-to-autumn clothing swaps: dress for the weather you have, not the weather you want. Are you kitted out in corduroy on September 1, only to be met with an 85-degree scorcher? Does your climate have cool sunny days with crisp yellow leaves or steady rain and biting winds until December? Understanding your environment (and its quirks) will help you make the right choices to make the transition with ease.
Here are some tips to help you get through the next few weeks:
Wear “Summer Plus”
If you live in a warmer climate, fall might be just a windier (or wetter) version of summer. Pair lightweight dresses with a denim jacket, wear shorts with a long-sleeve top, or layer cardigans over your summer tanks.
Flip Your Footwear
Shoes can make or break an outfit! Fortunately, we make it easy and affordable to swap out your sandals for ankle boots, loafers, or sneakers in cooler weather.
Fall Wardrobe Essential #1: Effortlessly chic booties.
New Top, Same Taste
Some pieces (such as animal prints) can be worn year-round. Zebra prints often complement vibrant summer colors, while leopard blends into the warmer tones of fall. If you don’t want to veer too far out of your lane, consider swapping your least versatile piece for something similar in a different cut or fabric weight.
Accessorize With Intention
Scarves, hats, and gloves can give you an added, snuggly warmth—but they should also fit your lifestyle. Choose touchscreen gloves if you’re an avid texter, sunglasses that won’t get crushed in your purse, or infinity scarves if you have precocious pets.
Invest in Mainstays
Before snapping up the latest fall fashion trends, look for some tried-and-true items that will serve you year after year. A classic trench coat or a chunky knit sweater is perfect for the transition period and can be layered over almost anything.
Fall Wardrobe Essential #2: Cardigans perfect for the couch or the coffeehouse.
Pattern Swap
Some patterns scream summer—like polka dots and navy stripes—while plaid is a sure signal of autumn. A plaid blazer or houndstooth vest can add interest without overwhelming your look.
Shift Colors and Textures
Move from bright summer hues to richer, deeper tones like burgundy, olive, mustard, and navy. Fabrics like denim, corduroy, and suede are more characteristic of fall and add depth and warmth to your outfits.
Check Your Outerwear
Assess your coat and jacket collection to ensure items are suitable for crisp fall mornings and cooler evenings. If your outerwear options are strikingly similar, consider adding a blazer or duster to create interesting and eclectic looks.
Fall Wardrobe Essential #3: A jacket so good you’ll wear it with everything.
