How to Dress Comfy & Casual Transitioning from Summer to Fall
It may still be summer, but most of us have our minds on fall. What will you wear as you shift your wardrobe from vacation mode to reality? Here are three ways to dress casually and comfortably as you head towards autumn.
1. Introduce Fall Colors
To look and feel more fall-like, start wearing darker colors and mixing in some of Pantone’s 2024 Fall colors into your wardrobe. But don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all at once.
A great way to transition is to pair your favorite jeans with a classic striped top and add a fall-colored utility jacket. This burgundy utility jacket is a beautiful and refreshing change from olive to tan.
If it is still hot, you can keep your accessories light and more summery and switch to booties and a darker bag as it cools down in mid-fall.
2. Throw on a Poncho
We all know how crazy the weather can be in the fall. One day, it’s hot, the next, it’s cool. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing your summer clothes once the back-to-work season arrives, but it’s not cold enough to wear a turtleneck.
Another easy way to bridge the gap between hot and cold is with a light poncho. A thin, light shawl is ideal for cooler days; it can be carried in your bag if you are going out, and it’s cooler at night.
This toasted coconut one with the pretty buttons is a gorgeous color for this time of year and looks great with black jeans, booties, and a rich-looking dark leather bag.
3. Reinvent the Way You Wear White
Can You Wear White Or Cream in the Fall? Absolutely! Just because it’s September doesn’t mean white is suddenly off-limits. White can look chic year-round. It’s all in the way you style it.
For example, take a pair of white jeans and a ribbed knit sweater in a classic fall color like rust, gold, burgundy, or brown.
Accessorize with a dark tan leather bag, cute sneakers, and gold jewelry for an early fall look.
4. Wear an Animal Print
Some prints, like stripes and animal prints, are seasonless, which makes them ideal for this time of year.
This sporty leopard print shirt is a classic and looks fabulous with jeans, woven sandals, and this chic Chanel-inspired bag. Try some cute booties and a big fall-colored tote with this look in October!
Beauty Transition
Clothing is only part of the story – make-up also changes seasons. Make-up guru Bobby Brown suggests simple adjustments like opting for warmer, tawnier colors and switching your sheer summer lip gloss with a creamy lipstick formula.
Exfoliate your skin once a week to eliminate any summer flakiness, and switch to a slightly heavier moisturizer to protect your skin for the coming cooler and drier weather. She also advises dusting bronzer on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin to maintain some of that summer glow.
Lastly, ask your hairdresser to trim away dry, dead ends and tone down your summer highlights. This is also a great time to deep condition sun-damaged hair.
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What a big difference with these few simple changes!
And where can we find the lace dress?
Where can I find the green top pictured above?
Hi Stephanie, Here is the link: http://rstyle.me/~2xuLi.
Hi Deb! What a great site! Do you have an e-book for overweight women? I find I am instinctively going towards classic fashion and have purchased many neutral shrugs and bright shells and enjoy interchanging them. I have trouble wearing belts since I am short-waisted. I have an elastic waistband, but by the end of the day, it is folded over…not a great look. I have thick, heavy legs with “cankles” and need an idea for dress shoes. Due to a balance problem, I cannot wear high heels, so a lower or chunky heel would be better. Should I be looking for a nude tone in shoes? HELP!
Thanks!!!
Great “style recipe”; I love it! Copying this one. :)
Hi Celeste! Great to hear from you! I was at a friend’s 50th birthday party over the weekend, and she had no idea what to wear. When I saw her and told her how wonderful she looked, she took me aside and confessed that she had gone to Fabulous After 40 and searched for some inspiration on what to wear. She ended up with a snakeskin print jersey dress from Ann Taylor that added a hip belt, a pretty chunky necklace, and tall boots! That recipe worked perfectly for her!
Oooo.I love the dress!
MM
I also love the dress. Where can we get it?
Hi Stephanie, The dress is by Max Mara: http://rstyle.me/n/qcvdaueue
I’m with Carolyn – I love this.
I loved the scarf and kept rewinding the video to see how you tied it, but you were still too quick for me! I remember your head video about tying a scarf, but it didn’t turn up in my search. Can you tell me where to find that video?
Hi Carolyn,
JJ here…you are right about the scarf tying video. I’ll have to do another one this week and put it up!
UGG…..The other is so old, but you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPNNvLOW8hY.
More of these how-to videos, please. I love that you tell us where to buy it. Thanks!
Hi Gloria,
Glad to hear you liked it! Good news…more are on the way!!!
How do you keep the dress from clinging to the hose?
Hi Holly,
Good question… I use a non-cling spray. Also, a lightweight slip would work! (ha..haven’t pulled mine out for a long time!)
Fabulous — great ideas!
Hi Cindy! Great to see you again on the site! Your feedback is always welcomed!!!!!
Great tips! Thanks.
Hi Shawna,
This is an easy outfit to throw in your gym bag and be able to walk out the door looking nice, even after a workout!
I love this look! Thanks for these simple ideas which make a big difference. I can’t wait to tweak a few outfits of my own for fall!