It’s that time of the year again: not quite fall! That time where ladies everywhere vacillate between putting away their summer cutoffs and feeling too overheated to go for their favorite fall sweaters. Here are some tips on how to use five common pieces from summer to get you through August and September.
1. Long-Sleeved Shift Dress
My favorite crossover piece right now is this number with long sleeves from Equipment, in a versatile color like olive that works for summer and fall alike. Silk and a breezy fit make this staple cool enough to get through August’s vicissitudes, but long sleeves make it appropriate as a layering piece when sweater weather really hits. Style with chunky sandals and sunglasses now, throw on booties and a scarf or leather jacket in October.
2. Wide-Leg Slacks
This easy silhouette looks fresh now with one of summer’s ubiquitous off-the-shoulder tops, but get them in a fall color and fabric, like this red Alice and Olivia satin pair I picked up on super sale at Net-A-Porter, and they’ll go well with turtlenecks, cozy sweaters, and vests in a couple months. Plus, they’re basically like fashion-forward pajamas you can wear to work! Bonus points for a pair that reach the ground with a heel, lending those awesome leg-lengthening properties.
3. Non-Sandal Block Heels
Outlets like Zara churned out tons of summer block-heel shoes in fall-friendly colors (like blue and silver) as well as fabrics like suede and velvet. There’s nothing chicer than cigarette pants, a low block heel, and a blouse with one of 2017’s ubiquitous statement sleeves for a fall walk in the city. Add minimalistic jewelry, like a reasonably-priced Daniel Wellington watch or these silver studs with a cool—but subtle—modern shape.
4. Pleated Skirt
The knee-to-midi length pleated skirt is having a major moment. You can update the look by getting one in a fall-friendly fabric like leather, or, if you have one, rely on one from summer and pair with more fall-friendly colored blouses, like navy, burgundy, and black. A color combo I love for fall is pairing those pinks that have been happening this summer with burgundy or red.
5. Summery Striped Tee and Jean Combo
This is my favorite “look put-together” trick. Throw a fall blazer over your most low-maintenance summer outfit – striped tee and jeans (I prefer mine high-waisted and skinny, YMMV). The blazer adds autumn polish and structure, not to mention something to guard against dropping evening temperatures, to what was an easy-breezy outfit for summer.
