The Late Summer Pieces To Transition Into Fall
As I patiently await autumnal weather and all the cozy knitwear and boots that come with it I thought I’d share some of my summer pieces that are getting a lot of use lately. I’ve provided some examples of how I style each piece for the late summer months (when it’s particularly warm) and the swaps that I’ll make when the temps eventually drop. This way we can squeeze all the cost-per-wear out of our summer pieces before packing them away into storage for the remainder of the year.
Summery Blouses
Late Summer - These are the summer wardrobe MVP when it’s too hot to think about getting dressed, much less looking stylish. A summery blouse (think linen, eyelet, etc.) instantly elevates a pair of denim shorts and slides, making for a chic ‘throw-on-and-go’ look.
Fall Swaps - Admittedly, I don’t have any tops I consider ‘off limits’ once summer ends but if I did I’d team them up with a thick knit cardigan, like this one. This way you can still show off the details of the blouse and have a substantial layer of warmth. I love the way Alicia Lund found this effortless balance with a summery tank top, light wash denim and a cozy cardigan.
Linen Shirts
Late Summer - I’ve talked a lot about this summer staple and it’s something I’ve worn even more lately. When it’s super hot out I usually reach for a tank top, but I like to have a light layer to accompany it in case I’m getting a lot of sun or going in and out of air-conditioned stores. My favorite way to wear it is unbuttoned, as a light coverup. I also love the look of a linen shirt thrown over a bathing suit at the beach. And on its own you can keep things simple with denim cutoffs, slides and a chic sun hat.
Fall Swaps - Because it’s tailored I find it quite easy to transition this piece into fall. A linen shirt tucked into a pair of black dress pants or khaki chinos with loafers looks equal parts smart and casual. I’m also excited to pair this with my wide leg pants and clogs.
Tailored Shorts
Late Summer - I love this smart summer staple. Summer clothing can often feel so casual to the point that it makes me feel a bit blah. So it’s nice to have pieces like this to keep me feeling put together. Tailored shorts are also so easy to style and they dress up a plain tank or tee so well. This pair from VETTA actually buttons into a blouse to create a romper, which you can recreate the effect of with a blouse in the same color and material.
Fall Swaps - Transitioning tailored shorts into fall is neat because that’s when you can really have some fun playing with proportions. I plan to pair mine with a chunkier knit or a peasant blouse. Having something a bit heavier or more billowy on top creates a nice contrast to bare legs.
White Denim
Late Summer - White denim is a crisp summer staple that I can’t get enough of. I love the way it pairs with a silk camisole or linen blouse for a minimal, romantic look. I’m also partial to a head-to-toe white outfit. The key to nailing a monochrome look? Incorporate varying shades of white and off-white so it doesn’t look to contrived.
Fall Swaps - Personally I don’t abide by the 'no white after Labor Day’ rule. White denim in the winter is such a cool look and really helps to brighten up an otherwise dark and heavy winter wardrobe. This fall I plan to style my off-white bottoms with all the warm neutrals - camel colored knitwear, a khaki trench coat and brown leather handbags.
Basket Bags
Late Summer - One of my favorite outfit combos for summer is an oversized midi or maxi dress and a woven basket bag, as seen on Hannah Crosskey and Rose of @dadouchic. Gives me all the tropical vacay vibes. For a more day-to-day look, I usually pair my favorite basket bag with a simple jeans and tee outfit for minimal ‘jazzing up’ effort.
Fall Swaps - I’ve seen so much styling inspiration for transitioning basket bags into an A/W wardrobe. Take for example the slim jeans and a blazer combo, à la Emma Hill. You could also go the route of head-to-toe neutrals or pair it with some tailored pants and a cashmere crewneck. And then there’s Monikh Dale who somehow perfectly captures the summer to fall transition in one look.
Slides & Sandals
Late Summer - Sandals are a pretty obvious one to style as they go with everything. I live in sandals all summer and generally dislike wearing socks and shoes when I don’t absolutely have to so summer footwear is my jam. This year I’ve rekindled my love for the humble flip flop after seeing loads of cool Scandi girls rocking them. They’re the definition of a minimal, barely-there shoe.
Fall Swaps - Okay, I’ll admit this one may only apply to those of you in California or anywhere else with a mild A/W. Bringing my slides and sandals into fall is one of my favorite styling tricks. I like to pair them with a slim or straight leg jean and a simple cashmere crew or heavier knit on top. I’m especially excited to pair my beloved Birkenstock Arizonas with knits, a shacket, even a silk midi skirt.