Summer to Fall Fashion: 3 Pieces to Wear Now and Later
Versatility is everything when it comes to fashion on a budget; when shopping for new clothes in summer, I always look for pieces that will work in hot weather and easily transition into fall.
With the spirit of transitional dressing in mind, I found 3 pieces that are perfect for the warm summer months, but can easily be worn into fall and winter. For each piece, I’ll show you how to wear it “now” (in summer), and “later” (in fall/winter), to help you get some wardrobe bang for your buck.
1. A Floral Dress
Dress, Sandals, Long-Sleeve Tee, Tights, Boots
Florals are a perpetual summer trend, but this floral dress is a perfect transition piece because of its black hue. To wear it now, keep your outfit simple by pairing it with a some studded sandals. Once the weather starts to cool, layer a long sleeve tee underneath, throw on some tights and add a pair of tough biker boots for a great fall outfit. If you need a jacket, a motorcycle style is the perfect finishing touch.
2. Jean Cutoffs
Shorts, Tee, Sandals, Button-Up, Tights, Boots
Jean cutoffs are a summer staple; you can pair them with everything from a tee for a casual look to a nice oxford shirt for a more dressy ensemble. To wear these shorts now, pair them with an adorable tee and pair of sandals for a comfy day look. Transition these shorts into winter by wearing a pair of tights underneath to keep your legs warm a la Alexa Chung. Next, add a cute plaid shirt and some black boots for a look that’s both casual and chic – perfect for wearing to class in the fall!
3. A Cream Blazer
Blazer, Sandals, Romper, Boots, Jeans
Blazers are so hot this season, and this cream-colored option is a great alternative to the typical black that most girls are sporting. To make the blazer wearable for summer, throw it over a cute romper and slide on some adorable flats. For fall and winter, pair the blazer with skinny jeans tucked into some knee-high boots. For those colder days, you could add a colorful scarf and beret for extra warmth.
What do you think?
Do you wear your summer clothes in fall and winter? Are you planning to invest in any pieces that will give you lots of wardrobe mileage? If so, what? Let me know with a comment!
Posted on on July 21, 2010 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Blazers, Denim, Dresses, Fall, Fall 2010, Florals, Shopping, Shorts, Summer, Transitional Fashion
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Gem
I love the floral dress idea but what is the actual link to that dress? The current one takes you to the expensive sandals.
And I absolutely love this site but it seems that the articles coming out now feature more and more expensive clothing. What happened to the college budget? Because 7 shorts aren’t that reachable for most.
Zephyr - CF Editor
Gem – Oops, the first link got messed up! Fixed it and it should work now! Thanks for letting us know.
As for more and more expensive products, not sure what other posts you’re referring to. Can you give an example of another post where the products are too high-end? This one does include some more expensive products as examples (obviously not things we’re saying you have to buy), but in general, we’ve been leaning towards MORE budget-friendly in most of our posts lately. Let me know what other posts you’re talking about – we always try to take reader feedback into account, although, of course, everyone’s idea of “budget-friendly” is different.
Elle
Love all the outfits here! Great inspiration. we can always find substitutions for these pieces in our own wardrobes or lower end stores.
Sari
I love the floral dress, I’ve actually been wanting one like that for awhile. In fact, I love this post in general and prefer it over the other summer/winter post from this week. I just really love the practicality of wearing pieces for more than one season. Plus, the outfits you put together are really cute, and I love that some of the other pieces (like the boots) work with with the three 3 core pieces you picked. Great post!
Miss Neira
I love posts like these.. I get really excited knowing I can still wear some of my favorite summer dresses for Fall!
Mae
Great post!
I love the items.
Rachel
Three great looks! The blazer is perfect, and the shorts with tights/boots is adorable! I’m not a huge fan of the longsleeve under the dress, but I know it would look adorable on many people.
Kelly
thanks. I really loved this one! I’ll definitely be using a lot of these ideas.
I’m also a HUGE fan of the whole tights-under-shorts look. I tried is last spring and got some positive feedback. it is a look I will definitely be rocking come fall.
Mika
I love that blazer! I def need to pick up some more for fall ( I only have two at the moment…)
Milana
Cute – I like the floral dress look!
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
I love this- this is exactly what I do!! Denim shorts with tights are a big thing over here- especially with the unpredictable british weather you can rarely wear shorts without tights!! Another great thing is to throw a cardigan over your summery dress or top. Boots and tights are perfect for a transition!!
I love the last one because I’ve never done that!! I’ll keep that in mind!!
Charlotte xx
Jenny
I think the outfits are kinda déja vu.
vanessa
HI HI HI!!
OMG, it’s so awesome to see a cal poly slo student on this website now!! i went to cal poly from 2000 to 2004 and majored in wine and viticulture.
YAY FOR CAL POLY!!
Jina
the Fall outfits articles are so helpful esp. during this time around!!! its about a month before school and its great to know what i should stock on for the upcoming semester at college!!
Yvonne
I especially love a cream blazer. It is definitely an item that can easily take you through all the seasons!
Maya
Love this, except for the the first option. Longsleeved high-cut tees under a dress just take me back to when I was 6. Wear a cute cardigan or a blazer instead.
Kayla
I love it because it saves money. You don’t have to buy all new outfits!
Preye
Hi, what’s the site for the sandals in look 3? the present link goes to a Japanese page. Nice post!!
Carri - Cal Poly
Hi Preye,
The shoes are from that Japanese site, but I found a similar pair from Steve Madden on sale for $15!
http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=50760&path=|womens%20shoes|womens%20flat%20sandals|
Evelina
I love the boots! I also like the idea of wearing a blazer… I have one summer blazer that’s just lying around. :o
Jaimie
Yeah Cal Poly! CPSLO? :). I’m a GrC student there right now!
I love the shoes in all of these!! I think I really need to invest in some black motorcycle boots next! They’re a good staple to toughen up some very feminine pieces.
Mimi
I actually wear a lot of my clothes year round. I usually pick things that i can wear specifically for not just one season. I like not having to pack away some clothes!