How to Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall
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As summer gives way to fall, our wardrobes should adapt as well. While it’s not quite cold enough to bring out wool coats, chunky sweaters, and knee-high boots, our breezy summer wardrobes are too warm for the changing weather.
With a few key pieces, you can seamlessly transition your look for the new season. This guide will walk you through how to transition your wardrobe seamlessly into autumn.
Discover the 10 transitional clothing essentials that can elevate your style and extend the life of your summer clothes. From layering basics to versatile footwear, these pieces will become your go-to choices for the in-between season.
You can create several summer to fall outfits using just these transitional items, but they’re also easy to style with your summer wardrobe. For example, ankle boots can be worn with white denim and a billowy blouse on a mild fall day, or paired with wool pants and a cashmere sweater when the temperature drops.
Here’s how to master the art of transitional dressing.
How to Transition Your Wardrobe for Fall
1. Audit Your Wardrobe
Before diving into fall shopping, take a critical look at your current wardrobe. Identify pieces that can easily transition from summer to fall, such as lightweight knits and versatile outerwear. This initial closet review will help you determine what items you need for a well-rounded fall wardrobe. Here's a quick step-by-step guide on how to assess your current wardrobe:
Empty your closet. Start by emptying your closet and laying out all your clothing items on your bed or a designated space. This allows you to see everything you have and makes it easier to sort through your items.
Sort by category. Divide your clothing into categories such as tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories. This organization will help you get a clear picture of what you own in each category.
Identify versatile pieces. Determine which pieces to keep for fall, especially those in neutral colors or fall tones that are easy to layer and incredibly versatile. While basic staples like white t-shirts and tanks might be in your “keep” pile, it's time to retire those sundresses and strappy sandals until next summer.
Assess fit and condition. Try on everything to ensure it still fits and is in good condition. Anything that no longer works for you should go into a “donate” or “sell” pile to create space for new pieces.
Identify wardrobe gaps. Once you've assessed your current wardrobe, you can determine what's missing from your fall wardrobe. Dark-wash denim? A versatile jacket? Essential sweaters? Make a list to guide your shopping and avoid redundant purchases.
Read More: How to Create a Capsule Wardrobe in 2024
2. Choose an Autumnal Color Palette
Simply your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue by selecting an autumnal color palette. With a few key colors, you’ll ensure that everything in your closet goes together too.
Start with neutral colors that will serve as the foundation of your fall wardrobe. These colors will form the basis of your outfits and can include lighter shades like white, beige, taupe, gray and cream, as well as deeper hues like black, chocolate brown, charcoal gray and navy.
To add depth and variety to your palette, select a few accent colors that complement your core colors. These can be lighter or brighter shades that provide contrast and interest. For example, consider burnt orange, golden yellow, sage green, and bright red.
Certain shades may enhance your natural complexion, while others might make you appear washed out. Here are some fall color suggestions for each of the 12 color seasons:
Spring Seasons
Bright Spring. True red, magenta, violet, bright orange, golden yellow, apple green, turquoise, navy, espresso brown, ivory
True Spring. Persimmon, pumpkin orange, marigold, bright lime, moss green, cream, ivory, light tan, honey, dark brown
Light Spring. Crimson, kelly green, soft pink, apricot, marigold, taupe, light gray, khaki, camel, cream
Summer Seasons
Light Summer. Soft rose, lavender, soft teal, soft berry, sage green, periwinkle, navy, silver, charcoal, dove gray
True Summer. True red, rose pink, mauve, grape purple, dusty plum, teal, soft blue, soft grey, cool taupe, navy
Soft Summer. Berry, garnet, dusty rose, soft olive green, orchid, muted lavender, sage green, soft navy, greige, charcoal
Autumn Seasons
Soft Autumn. Apricot, muted orange, espresso brown, soft olive, sage green, beige, cream, ivory, taupe
True Autumn. Brick red, copper, burnt orange, deep mustard yellow, espresso brown, olive green, cream, tan, beige, khaki
Dark Autumn. Burgundy, copper, eggplant, plum, midnight blue, chocolate brown, burnt orange, dark olive green, beige, cream
Winter Seasons
Dark Winter. Deep red, persimmon, chocolate brown, bright navy, emerald green, forest green, black, charcoal, black
True Winter. Cherry red, plum, royal blue, violet, pine green, black, charcoal, silver, navy, pewter
Bright Winter. Fuchsia, bright red, deep golden yellows, royal blue, maroon, black, charcoal, silver, navy, gunmetal
Read More: What to Wear Instead of Black: 12 Alternatives for Every Color Season
3. Invest in Easy-to-Layer Outerwear
Layering is the cornerstone of transitional dressing. Investing in versatile outerwear pieces will not only elevate your style but also provide warmth as the temperature drops. While I’ve included my favorite options later on in this post, here are some initial pieces to consider:
Lightweight jacket. A denim jacket, leather moto, or cool bomber is a must-have for those mild autumn days. Layer over summer dresses, basic tees, or even lightweight sweaters for effortless fall dressing.
Trench coat. A classic trench coat is an elegant, practical choice for early fall. Dress it up or down, rain or shine, it’s one wardrobe essential that I can’t recommend enough.
Blazer. A blazer adds something smart to any outfit. Layer it over fluid dresses, crisp shirting, or soft knitwear for autumn style that takes you from day to night.
4. Add Cozy Textures
As you transition your wardrobe for fall, be sure to incorporate some seasonal textures to up the coziness. Wool, suede, velvet, flannel, corduroy and faux fur are all autumn-appropriate options.
Try pairing a wool knit with a cotton poplin skirt, a sophisticated suede blazer with cropped jeans and kitten heels, or velvet loafers with a preppy mini skirt and button-down.
5. Mix and Match Summer and Fall Pieces
Don't be too quick to pack away your summer favorites! With a few styling tweaks, you can easily transition your warm-weather pieces into the cooler months.
Extend the life of summer dresses—especially long-sleeved styles—by layering them with tights and boots.
Pair those romantic summer tanks with your favorite denim and a wool blazer for a night-out look that’s feminine and a bit polished.
Even mini shorts and skirts can be styled for colder days with tights and cozy knit. Add knee-high boots or kitten heels for on-trend transitional style.
6. Footwear for Fall
When the temperatures start to drop, swap out your sandals and slides for fall-ready footwear. Ankle boots, knee-high boots, ballet flats and loafers are classic choices for autumn that effortlessly elevate any outfit. For more casual looks, invest in a pair of trendy sneakers that suit your fall style.
Later on in this post, I’ll suggest my top footwear picks to complete your fall wardrobe.
Read More: 10 Essential Shoes Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet
7. Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can seamlessly bridge the gap between summer and fall.
Start by swapping out your woven summer hats for felt and wool options. It might be too soon for beanies and knit caps, but they can make cozy choices when the temperatures really drop.
You can still make use of your lighter scarves during early fall. The headscarf trend will continue into the season, so it’s worth trying out. While you may not need your wool scarves just yet, they can still look stylish with short jackets on variable days.
As for bags, it's time to retire those summer straw totes in favor of leather or suede options. And don't forget to update your jewelry with richer tones and materials to complement the changing season. Say goodbye to anything with seashells, starfish and summer motifs.
Transitional Clothing Essentials
1. Classic Blazer
As I touched on earlier, easy-to-layer outwear is essential for dressing during the early fall months, and a classic blazer is a must-have for transitioning your wardrobe to the cooler weather.
Layer it over a lightweight sweater on crisp fall days or a cotton tank when it’s still warm. A blazer pairs well with virtually any type of bottom, from mini skirts to wool trousers.
You can find blazers in a range of colors and textures at almost any budget, but neutral shades like chocolate brown, charcoal gray and warm camel will offer the most versatility. Timeless prints like plaid and houndstooth are also worth considering for an undeniably chic fall wardrobe.
2. Trench Coat
A timeless trench coat is the ultimate outerwear piece for the in-between season. Wear it over your summer outfits to add extra warmth without the bulkiness of a wool coat, or style it with your favorite fall looks. My go-to casual look for warmer fall days is a trench coat worn over a comfortable tee, relaxed denim, and a pair of ballet flats.
I always opt for a classic silhouette, but you can also find cropped, pleated and patterned trench coats to suit your personal style.
Pay attention to the color of the trench coat, as some are warmer and camel-toned, while others are cooler and gray-toned. Choose a shade that complements your most-worn pieces and fits well with your existing wardrobe.
The best part is that investing in a trench coat now will serve you well in the spring too!
3. Lightweight Sweater
As temperatures begin to fall, lightweight sweaters become your best friends for that extra layer of warmth and style. For the most versatility, choose sweaters in neutral tones or rich, earthy colors like rust, olive, or mustard. Refer to the best fall colors for your season earlier in this post for additional ideas.
Layer a sweater over basic summer tank tops and dresses for comfort that’s still chic. Look for breathable fabrics such as cotton blends and lightweight knits to ensure you stay cozy without overheating during those not-hot-but-not-cold days.
4. Knit Tank
Sweater weather is not quite here yet, but knitwear can still be a great choice for transitional seasons. A knit tank is the perfect option for your summer-to-fall wardrobe. They work well in warmer weather and also serve as layering pieces when temperatures drop.
You can pair knit tanks with almost any outfit; I especially like them with wide-leg trousers and strappy sandals in the summer, and with a blazer, straight-leg jeans, and loafers in the fall. Whenever you’d wear a cotton ribbed tank, consider swapping in a knit version instead.
5. Layering Top
To master the art of layering, stock up on essential layering tops that can easily transition your summer wardrobe into fall.
Long-sleeve tees and thick cotton t-shirts are just a few options that can be worn under sweaters, cardigans, or jackets without adding bulk.
You can also extend the life of your sleeveless summer dresses by layering them with short-sleeve t-shirts underneath. I’m obsessed with this dress and t-shirt combo and this preppier, work-ready ensemble.
Opt for neutral tones like black, navy, beige or gray that coordinate with the rest of your fall wardrobe.
6. Dark-Wash Jeans
A well-fitting pair of dark-wash jeans is one wardrobe basic we all need in our closets, but they are particularly practical to have during the pre-fall season. Try them with an oversized blazer, t-shirt, sneakers and a baseball cap for a sportier look, or wear them with a silky blouse, strappy heels and a clutch for a flirty night-out ensemble.
While cropped jeans are great for summer, longer lengths are more suitable for the in-between months. Choose a style that fits your preferences and will continue to be useful as fall progresses—I’m currently loving boot-cut jeans. Although classic blue jeans are always a staple, consider adding pairs in black, gray, or other dark shades to your collection too.
7. Mini Skirt
Replace your lightweight skirts with a wool-blend, denim, or leather mini as the season changes. This transitional clothing staple makes a preppy addition to your fall wardrobe.
Wear it now with a long-sleeve tee and loafers, and later pair it with a turtleneck sweater, knee-high boots and tights as winter approaches.
When choosing the most fall-ready option, look for darker, neutral colors such as black, navy, camel, brown and maroon. Stick with a solid color, or try a seasonal print like plaid or houndstooth. A tweed mini skirt is also a favorite for fall.
8. Leather Bag
Swap out your summery totes and baskets for the sophisticated look of a leather bag this fall. Opt for rich, autumnal hues like burgundy, camel, or chocolate brown to complement your seasonal wardrobe. Elevate your style with textured options featuring crocodile embossing, glossy finishes, or edgy hardware. For a bold statement, a brightly colored carryall can add a vibrant touch to your neutral fall outfits.
9. Ankle Boot
Hold off on the knee-high boots, and instead try a shorter ankle boot during the early fall months. These versatile and comfortable shoes are a wardrobe staple.
Style them with your favorite jeans and sweater for a no-fail fall look, and add a blazer or wool coat and thick socks for extra warmth.
Classic styles in leather or suede are my favorite for fall, and the color options are endless: black, camel, brown and cream all make excellent choices. Heeled and lace-up boots are also fun variations to experiment with.
10. Ballet Flat
Ballet flats are the epitome of comfort and style, making them ideal for transitioning from summer to fall. Their understated elegance and versatility lend themselves well to a variety of outfits. Whether you're running errands or heading to a casual gathering, ballet flats can seamlessly tie your look together.
Pair them with your favorite jeans, a lightweight knit, and a soft scarf for a chic and cozy ensemble that's perfect for those mild fall days.
If ballerinas aren’t your style, try a pair of loafers. You can wear them during the early months of autumn and even during the winter months with thick wool pants or lined tights.
As the seasons shift, your wardrobe should follow suit, seamlessly blending the best of both summer and fall. By following these style tips and incorporating these 10 transitional clothing essentials, you’ll be able to navigate the transitional period with ease.
How are you transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall? What are your favorite transitional fall pieces? Let me know in the comments below.
