How to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall
Ever felt that mini panic when the sun starts setting earlier, and the morning air gets a bit colder? Yep, that’s fall knocking on your door! But before you go into full wardrobe switch mode, let's figure out how to transition your existing summer wardrobe into fall.
Transitioning doesn't mean stashing away all of your summer favourites until next year. Instead, it's about reimagining and layering them to suit the cooler temperatures. Think of your summer dresses paired with denim jackets and ankle boots, or a flowy skirt styled with long sleeves and boots. Even tank tops can have a second life under blazers and jackets. With a little creativity and a few additional pieces, your summer wardrobe can easily transition and keep you looking chic throughout the fall. The key? Balance, versatility, and a splash of autumn hues.
Preparing your wardrobe for fall: Where to start?
You may be looking at your summer wardrobe and wondering, “Now what?” We’ve all been there. But don’t worry, you’ll see just how easy it is to wear your favourite summer dress right into fall. Let’s start by:
- Taking inventory: Identify the basics. Start by sorting through your summer clothes. Lay them out and decide which ones have the potential for layering or can be easily paired with warmer pieces. This is also a good time to pack away anything that you will not be wearing until next year.
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Finding your essential layers: Do you have neutral-toned cardigans, blazers + jackets, or scarves? These items are crucial in transitioning outfits from summer to fall. This not only gives you added warmth but also creates depth in your outfit.
- Incorporating autumn colours: Introduce deeper hues like burgundies, mustards, olives, and navy to your autumn wardrobe. These can be added through accessories, or even shoes to make your summer pieces more fall-appropriate.
- Swapping your footwear: Usually, the quickest and easiest way to make an outfit look fall-ready is with shoes. Changing out sandals for flats, mules, or boots can instantly transform the feel of an outfit. They are excellent choices that will fix the gap between summer sandals and heavy winter boots. They can be paired with dresses, jeans, or skirts, making them a fall staple.
- Accessorizing for the season: Before diving into buying new clothes, consider how accessories like hats, belts, bags, scarves, and jewelry can help fall-ify your look. Think of pairing your light maxi dresses with a chunky scarf, cardigan and ankle boots. With just a few accessories, your summer staples can roll right into fall.
It's all about smart pairings, creative layering, and introducing a few key elements that embody the fall spirit. Remember, the transition doesn't require a complete wardrobe revamp. We’re only working with the items you already own in your capsule wardrobe.
Summer to fall wardrobe essentials
- Basic t-shirts, tanks, blouses + lightweight sweaters
- Cardigans, jackets, trench coats + blazers
- Maxi dresses
- Dark wash jeans, pants, leggings + tights
- Scarves, jewelry, belts + bags
- Ankle boots, loafers + sneakers
Tips to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall
Switching gears from summer to fall fashion isn't just about pulling out those sweaters and packing up the swimsuits. It's an opportunity to refresh, reevaluate, and reimagine your style. Here are a few tips to help you make this transition easier:
Declutter and store: As you transition, it's a good opportunity to declutter. Store away purely summer items, like swimsuits or super light camisoles, making room for your fall pieces. Make sure you launder your clothes before tucking them away. Even the tiniest marks can become permanent over time. Properly caring for your garments before storage not only preserves their integrity but also deters moths or other insects.
Mix and match textures: Mix up light summer fabrics with heavier fall ones. Think lightweight dresses with chunky cardigans or blouses with leather jackets.
Don’t put away the pastels just yet: Even if your summer wardrobe is filled with pastels and bright colours, think about how you can add autumn hues with accessories or additional pieces. Let’s say you have a blue pastel jumpsuit. For fall, add a deep brown belt and swap out your straw bag for a burnt-orange clutch. A touch of autumn colours can instantly make any outfit fall-ready.
Reimagine summer dresses: Long summer dresses can be worn with a belt and a jacket on top, turning them into perfect fall outfits. Check out the navy dress below! See how our model switched things up for the season? She went from a light cardigan to a cool denim jacket, swapped out her sandals for some boots, and topped it all off with a cute hat for those crisp fall vibes.
Utilize denim: A denim jacket can be thrown over almost any summer dress or top to make it more suitable for cooler temperatures. This doesn’t just apply to jackets. Those ripped or cropped jeans from summer? Pair them with ankle boots and a cozy sweater.
Invest in tights and leggings: These can transform your summer skirts and mini dresses instantly, turning your favourite warm-weather pieces into cozy, chic fall outfits with just one accessory swap.
Stay practical with outerwear: As the weather becomes unpredictable, make sure to have a lightweight jacket or trench coat handy. They're perfect for layering over summer outfits without adding too much bulk.
Summer to fall transition outfits
Both: Rory cardigan | Shandra tank
Left: Breda top | Sierra pant
Right: Wallace top | Jilly skirt
Left: Zuri tunic | Lisa2 leggings
Right: Wallace top | Jilly skirt
Left: Zuri tunic | Lisa2 leggings
Right: Emily blazer | Rhoda top | Jilly skirt
Transitioning between seasons is as much about creativity as it is about practicality. By blending elements from both summer and fall, you can keep your style fresh, versatile, and season-appropriate without a complete wardrobe overhaul. After the transition period is over, your trusty fall capsule wardrobe has got you covered for all those cozy days ahead!
With much love,
Your Miik team 🤍