Summer To Fall Trends: What To Wear Now And Wear Later

Summer is going to be over before we know it. I’m already seeing merchandise for back-to-school and even Halloween at some of my favorite stores. However, we have at least another 6-8 weeks of sunny weather and heat, so let’s not get too ahead of ourselves. Even though we aren’t fully ready to leave the summer behind, it is time to start to think about the best way to transition our wardrobes into the fall season.

I’ve made it a point to add some items to my closet that I can wear now and also wear during fall’s cool weather days. Transitional pieces are my favorite types of clothing to buy, so I’ve found a few that could work for you. Here are some items that you can wear now and wear later from summer to fall.

Summer To Fall Trends

Jackets And Blazers To Wear Now And Wear Later

I don’t care what the weather is outside, I always like to have a jacket or a cover-up with me. Getting caught in the rain or an exceptionally aggressive air conditioning situation without something over my arms is a personal nightmare. Because of this, I’m always on the lookout for something that I can wear across multiple seasons to get the most use out of the piece. If you’d like to try something on the trendy side, you can get this cropped utility jacket from Old Navy. I will say that Old Navy has great items for the summer and this one can be added to the list.

If something more classic is your style, try this oversized blazer from Target. Target is another retailer that was incredibly on point this summer, and looking at this jacket, it will be the place to plan a shopping trip for fall trends and staples as well. As a bonus piece, I would suggest you stock up on a few of these halter tank tops from Gap. You can wear them by themselves on some of the really hot days, or layer them underneath either of the above pieces or a jacket you already have.

Transitional Pants And Skirts

I’m not really a shorts person (unless they are part of a set) so during the summer, when I wear separates, I opt for pants. The good thing about pants is most of them are great transition pieces into the fall. If you have a preference for pants as well, try these crop wide leg pants. For the summer months, pair them with some slide sandals and a tank top. When the weather starts to cool, you can add a loose sweater and a pair of ankle boots or loafers. I also really adore  this army green color for the seasonal transitions.

If you like skirts, you can try this slit-hem twill skirt. The midi length is ideal for the fall since it offers more coverage on the legs. It is also still good for summer, because it’s very on-trend and incredibly chic. Also, the $19.99 price tag is awesome and super affordable if you are on a tight budget.

Dresses To Wear Now And Wear Later

Dresses can be really easy pieces to transition from season to season. The key is to find ways to wear them with layers. For example, this denim cap sleeve dress is a fabulous option to wear now with a pair of sandals or some clean, white sneakers. For the fall, you can add a pair of tights, tall leather boots and an oversized blazer or jacket.

This ribbed midi sweater dress is one that I will be adding to my wardrobe. The sweater knit fabric will transition easily into the cool weather months. However it’s a thin knit, so you can wear it now for an evening out or to your office and be comfortable. I personally like thin knits like this in the summertime, because they keep me relatively warm in the air-conditioned buildings, but I won’t get too hot once I step outside.

Shoes From Summer To Fall

Mary Janes are definitely having a moment, so now is the perfect time to find and invest in a pair. I tend to go the fun and flashy route, but if that’s not you, try these Splendid Mariana Mary Jane flats. They come in three classic colors and are made from a quality genuine leather, allowing them to stay on your rotation for many years. I do love the classic simplicity of these that make them appropriate to wear across multiple seasons.

Finally, I’m really digging these slingback loafers. They are combining a couple of classic trends into one cute and comfortable shoe. They can be worn now with summer skirts, dresses and shorts. And you can also wear them in the fall with some straight leg or wide leg jeans, and heavy weight dresses and maxi skirts.

Summer to Fall Fashion Style Tips

1. Fabric content matters. If you think about it, there are a few fabrics that can be worn all year around. A naturally beautiful fabric like silk is breathable and will keep you cool in the summer but it’s also a great insulator so it will keep you warm in the cool weather months. Denim, woven fabrics like cotton and cotton blends are other options.
2. Layering is key. The key to being able to transition many of these pieces from the summer to the fall is to layer. Key layering pieces like knit sweaters, button front shirts and tights or leggings should be considered when transitioning from one season to the next.
3. Stick to a neutral color palette. It’s always a good idea to get your transitional pieces in neutral colors. That way regardless of the season, they will work seamlessly with the rest of the wardrobe. Colors like camel, navy, black and army green are staples in any season.

Shop Summer To Fall Fashion Trends

Pictured above from left to right:

Old Navy Crop Utility Jacket, $49.99

Target Women’s Oversized Party Blazer – Wild Fable™, $38.00

Modern Rib Halter Tank Top, $19

Crop Wide Leg Pants, $26.97

Slit-hem Twill Skirt, $19.99

Madewell Denim Cap-Sleeve Shirtdress in Aquino Wash, now $138

Banana Republic Factory Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress, $65

Splendid Mariana Mary Jane Flat, 128.99

Steve Madden Reeves Natural Linen, $69.99

What is your favorite summer to fall fashion item?

– Carmen Turner

You may also like to read more of Carmen’s fashion posts like What To Wear When You Travel: Summer Fashion For Women Over 50 and How to Slay At The Office: Chic Summer Workwear For Women Over 50.

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