Transition Your Summer Maxi into a Fall Staple

Wasn’t it just a billion degrees outside last week? I can’t say I’m sad to see summer go, but it can make us play some serious catch up with switching our closets over from season to season. While we are in this autumnal sweet-spot where the air is cool but not too chilly, we can extend the life of our summer wardrobe even further with some of the best tips and tricks to transition your clothes from summer to fall.

Ok, lets do some visualization.

Close your eyes.

Now picture your very own maxi dresses.

Ok. Got a visual in your mind?

Great! Now pick a favorite. It can be sleeveless or with sleeves, floral or striped, crepe silk or cotton. Whatever you have works with these tips!

Now we are going to pull in a few other key pieces to make the look go from light and breezy to fresh and cozy.

Layer it up!

Literally any jacket you have will work. Blazer (check!), vintage leather moto jacket (check!), jean jacket ((check!)(check!)). You get brownie points if you pattern play. Here are some of our favorite ways to mix patterns:

Stripes and floral

Plaid and floral, paisley, or stars

Houndstooth and floral

Switch out the shoes!

The shoes often set the entire vibe for your outfit. Change the shoes, change the entire outfit, I always say. The cooler weather is going to have you ditching your Birkenstocks, gladiator sandals, and wedge espadrilles for something more season-appropriate.

Go for wedge platform sneakers, mules, or the all-time-favorite: ankle booties. Because we are still vibing on the early 90s, don’t be afraid to grab those fuzzy socks in the back of your dresser drawer and pair them back to your sneakers or booties. A bit of sock sticking out of the top a la the '90s is a very cute and unexpected touch.

Think about your color!

Pulling a look from summer into fall successfully isn’t solely about the pieces your mixing in. It is also about the colors. The wrong choice in this department and your look will still be planted firmly in the summer camp. When your layering garments over your floaty floral maxi dress, think about pairing it with traditional fall colors.

Neutrals to mix with summery colors include:

• Ivory
• Taupe
• Almond
• Blush
• Caramel
• Toffee
• Butterscotch
• Espresso

(Ok, ok, maybe I’m having a real urge to run to the sweet shop slash cafe right now!)

• Black
• Grey
• Champagne gold
• Bronze

Warm fall colors include:

• Ginger
• Rust
• Ochre
• Mustard
• Sunflower
• Oxblood
• Raisin
• Wine
• Fushcia

Cool fall colors include:

• Navy
• Indigo
• Alpine
• Teal
• Olive
• Aubergine
• Heather
• Amethyst

When you put all the components together: your amazing jacket, a great fall shoe, and they are pulling in those key fall colors, the look will be winning major style points and be completely appropriate for this time of year! While everyone else is struggling with “what to wear” during this awkward in-between season, you’ll be sippin’ a latte in style. Whether you are going to work, running errands, or heading to the nearest hayride or marshmallow roast, you’ll feel refreshed and en pointe!