While the Summer heat demands a wardrobe both light and airy, the current transition to Fall requires a styling approach that's a little more practical. Hence the knee-jerk reaction to layer, layer, layer. So, as we ease our closets into a new season, let's not discount the durability of those tried-and-true Summer staples, especially as we layer up. Seriously. It's totally fine to keep that pair of crisp white denim jeans around for the long haul, it's more than possible to wear your lightweight shift dresses in mid-October, and, yes, please do keep that sweet miniskirt within arm's reach. This Fall, we plan on extending the lifespan of our most beloved warm-weather pieces. See how in the gallery.
Source: Zara [1]
The Lightweight Dress
It's usually the billowy, somewhat shapeless shift dress you wore all Summer long that's the first to go come Fall cleanout. Not so, this time around. Instead, pair it with this season’s take on the mod Chelsea boot [2] and an oversize tweedy vest. Texture? Check. Chic, low heel? Check. Then, get as creative, or as classic, as you'd like when it comes to "layering" on the accessories — we've opted for geometric, Southwestern-inspired jewelry and an olive-hued bucket bag.
Get the look:
- Zara Printed Shift Dress [3] ($60)
- Isabel Marant Estelle Wool Blend Tweed Gilet [4] ($815)
- Madewell Tiger's Eye Cuff [5] ($45)
- Campbell Lariat Necklace [6] ($165)
- Michael Kors Collection Julie Small Drawstring Crossbody Bag [7] ($795)
- Gap Chelsea Booties [8] ($90)
The White Denim
While we're pretty sure the whole "no white after Labor Day" rule is a thing of the past, it doesn't take away from the fact that white denim can be tricky to style any time of the year. So, how do you make these jeans feel particularly Fall appropriate?
Add strong yet subtle pieces to the mix. This outfit equation — a pinstripe blazer and button-down shirt, patent oxfords, and a colorblock clutch — not only tempers the stark white jeans but also is polished enough for the workplace.
Get the look:
- Current/Elliott The Fling Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jeans [9] ($170)
- Topshop Premium Pinstripe Shirt [10] ($76)
- By Malene Birger Annavia Blazer [11] ($507)
- Iris & Ink Leather and Suede Clutch [12] ($95)
- J.Crew Leather Brim Baseball Cap [13] ($50)
- Forever 21 Faux Patent Oxfords [14] ($30)
The Printed Skirt
This would be about the time you start looking for darker floral wares, right? Well, hold off a little longer. Your flirty and bright skirts will provide the perfect contrast to a flurry of Fall items, including black suede midcalf boots, a burgundy calf-hair purse, a black fedora, and black opaque tights.
Get the look:
- H&M Knit Sweater in Camel [15] ($25)
- Markus Lupfer English Rose Charlotte Wool-Blend Mini Skirt [16] ($540)
- Hobbs Opaque Tights 60 Denier [17] ($13)
- Bailey For J.Crew Felt Hat [18] ($98)
- Hirotaka Obelisk Stud Earrings [19] ($334)
- M2Malletier Amor Fati Calf Hair and Leather Shoulder Bag [20] ($2,185)
- Club Monaco Callie Boot [21] ($495)