Take Your Style From Summer to Autumn With Ease
by Jordan K. Davis
Summer may be the best season for hanging out at the pool but autumn is quite arguably the best season for fashion. There’s nothing like wearing a cozy sweater in the crisp fall air or strolling under falling leaves in your favorite pair of boots. Although it may be time to say goodbye to warm summer nights, you don’t have to say goodbye to all of your summer wardrobe. While it may seem impossible, you can actually wear some of your summer favorites into autumn. With the right styling, you can easily transition your summer wardrobe into the fall and look autumn ready, without breaking the bank.
This summer has been all about 90s nostalgia with a touch of boho chic. Thick velvet chokers, frayed denim shorts, and floral print bohemian dresses have been a staple during the warmer months and the good news is many of these looks will still be on trend this fall. Velvet chokers will remain the must-have statement piece but with a bit of twist on the summer accessory. This fall, expect to see large embellished chokers on the fashion savvy. You can easily transition your favorite summer choker into an autumn look by adding a brooch or pendant, like a vintage inspired brooch from Charming Charlie. Save even more money by using a brooch or pendant you already have or check out your local thrift store to find a one-of-a-kind piece to bring your summer choker into the fall.
Shorts are another summer staple that may not immediately seem like they can work for the fall, but the right pair will transition seamlessly. Both frayed denim shorts and tailored shorts, especially those in darker colors, like black or navy, can be incorporated into your fall wardrobe by pairing them with tights and will look totally on trend this year. Add a pair of black opaque tights or sheer tights, like these options from H&M, to your favorite pair of shorts and finish the look with a tucked-in blouse, oversized cardigan, and booties.
The flowing boho dresses will still be trendy this fall, which means you can wear your summer dress throughout the autumn. Turn this summer look into fall chic by swapping sandals for suede ankle booties, like Old Navy’s suede ankle boot, and add a floppy wool hat in a rich fall color, like the double-cord wool floppy hat available at Kohl’s.
Shearling bomber jackets were all the rage at New York Fashion Week and will be a fall 2016 must-have. You can turn your favorite graphic t-shirt and jean outfit from summer into a chic, edgy fall look by adding a leather shearling bomber jacket, like this faux shearling aviator jacket, along with a beanie, and scarf.
Repurposing summer accessories can also help you look fall-ready without spending extra money. Accessories like sunglasses, large statement earrings, and wide brimmed floppy hats can all transition well from a summer outfit to fall. Sunglasses are an essential accessory, regardless of the season, and Ray-Ban sunglasses are always on trend. Wear your favorite pair of sunglasses with a chunky sweater, scarf, dark wash jeans, and leather boots and you’ll look fall-ready.
Although many summer pieces can still work in the fall, many will need to take a hiatus until summer comes around again. Switch your favorite sandals for black leather chelsea boots, like the Crown Vintage Tabitha Bootie, or a preppy pair of tall riding boots, like the Journee Collection Barb Riding Boot. Floppy hats often transition well from summer to fall, with the exception of straw hats. Most straw hats look too summery and can feel forced into a fall outfit. Instead, switch your favorite straw hat out for a floppy wool hat or a felt panama hat, like the Ecote Scout Panama Hat from Urban Outfitters.
Adding fall items to your wardrobe doesn’t have to be pricey. Although you’ll be saving money wearing some of your summer items into the fall, buying new boots, hats, scarves, and sweaters can add up. You can save money by hosting a wardrobe exchange with your friends, shopping at thrift stores, or take up knitting or crochet to make your own beanies and scarves for a fraction of the cost of pre-made.
This fall, get the most out of your wardrobe by combining your favorite summer pieces with fall essentials. You’ll be able to save money while looking completely on trend. How will you be updating your summer look to fall this year?