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8 Tips for Shifting Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall

Get ready, fall is just around the corner.

Last Updated on December 4, 2020 by Amanda - Florida State University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
8 tips for shifting your wardrobe from summer to fall header

There is nothing more satisfying than the sweet transition from bright summer colors and hot weather, to dark tones and crisp winds.

Fall is arguably the best time of year. Pumpkin-spiced everything, cool temperatures, and – of course – cute fall trends.

However, the struggle of transitioning one’s entire wardrobe over from sundresses to thick coats can be a challenge.

Here are eight simple tips to help you shift your wardrobe into the fall season.

{RELATED POST: How to Wear Your Summer Clothes in Winter}

1. Layers

View this post on Instagram

There's just something about a long sleeve ribbed top. I swear it feels like a warm hug when you slip it on. I just got this cutie striped one from @bananarepublic and it reminded me how much I love a good staple piece. I'm always gravitating toward trendier items, so it's a refreshing addition to my wardrobe. Pair it with a slip dress and just add boots for work or sneakers for the weekend. You can swipe up in my stories now to shop my look and always in my shop highlights! #itsbanana #ad @liketoknow.it #liketkit http://liketk.it/2KCw1 #LTKunder50 #LTKunder100 #LTKstyletip #wyntdecorgoals

A post shared by Janelle Marie Lloyd (@waityouneedthis) on Feb 21, 2020 at 6:11am PST

Brisk air and cold mornings will likely have you reaching for your favorite cozy cardigan.

My favorite layers always consist of thick, warm jackets or sweaters over simple outfits, that way I am not freezing on my way to class and can simply remove one layer to reveal an adorable outfit underneath.

You can always get creative with your layers as well by adding a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck under a dress.

2. Statement Jackets

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Less inspiration, more representation. Say it with me. LESS INSPIRATION, MORE REPRESENTATION

A post shared by She and Turquoise (@shondinalee) on Jul 22, 2020 at 2:27pm PDT

I love a good jacket, but I found myself – several seasons ago – spending way too much money on coats that I only use every now and then.

The key is to find a few statement jackets that will work with several outfits. My trick is to shop for jackets in darker colors like brown, black, and jewel tones.

Need help finding a great jacket? Check out our guide to 2020’s best fall jackets.

3. Keep Your Summer Dresses

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You must be a parking ticket, because you have fine written all over you 🀘🏻

A post shared by Lisa Prang (@lisamarieprang) on Sep 25, 2018 at 12:01pm PDT

This tip will keep you from putting those summer dresses away too early. It’s easier to transition sundresses into fall than you would think!

Throw a knit sweater over your favorite summer dress and add a belt to bring out your silhouette.

Still chilly? Try adding thick tights or leggings!

4. Introduce Darker Colors

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Thanks Ohio for actually giving us a beautiful fall this year πŸ‚βœ¨πŸ #bcbgmaxazria #guccibelt #fallstyle

A post shared by Amanda Bloom ⚑️ (@amanda.in.bloom) on Oct 20, 2019 at 9:51am PDT

As the leaves change colors, so do our wardrobes!

Begin to introduce darker colors into your outfits. My favorites are typically dark brown, oxblood red, violet, and muted orange tones.

Rather than styling your favorite bright, floral blouse with white jeans, consider opting for a dark red sweater. It’s that easy!

5. Boots, Boots, Boots

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Raise your teddy coat arms in the air if you have felt personally victimized by @treynkennedy’s content this season πŸ™‹πŸΌβ€β™€οΈ #fall #fallleaves #fallstyle

A post shared by Amanda Bloom ⚑️ (@amanda.in.bloom) on Oct 26, 2019 at 4:45pm PDT

Like jackets, boots are an essential element of your fall wardrobe.

Find those perfect brown or black boots that will match several outfits. Versatility and wearability is key!

A functional, staple pair of boots can go a long way. I typically keep my black booties and my grey thigh-high boots on hand.

It is actually amazing how great boots go with so many styles, ranging from dresses and tights to jeans, and even shorts with cardigans!

6. Tights

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I wore this for Thanksgiving but I’m thinking it would also be perfect for Christmas parties! πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸ»

A post shared by Sydney Hoffman (@syd.hoff) on Nov 2, 2019 at 7:14am PDT

Putting your shorts away until the spring does not have to be a necessity. Play around and style a pair of dark-colored shorts with some tights – you may be surprised at how great they look together!

I tend to stick with darker tights for more versatility, but more power to you if you are a bright tight kind of person!

7. Bags

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Pretty sure 90% of my closet is Rust color now πŸ™ˆ what about you? Current fav color? 😊 @lulus #lulusambassador #lovelulus

A post shared by Monica Gabriela (@itsmsmonica) on Dec 10, 2019 at 7:39pm PST

There is something to be said about how put-together you look when you match your perfect fall outfit with a great bag.

I typically style most of my outfits with an adorable cross-body bag in a neutral color. If your whole outfit is dark, maybe go for a bright cream bag to make it pop.

8. Belts Are A Must

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’m just a girl standing in front of Tuesday, asking it to be Friday ✨ #lovelulus #lulusambassador @lulus ✨

A post shared by Batsheva (@batshevahaart) on Sep 17, 2019 at 5:34pm PDT

Belting is a lifesaver for several reasons.

First, a good belt makes an outfit come to life and gives it personality. In the fall, campus becomes a sea of dark hoodies and leggings, and a great, belted outfit will make you look more professional than your peers.

Faux snakeskin or crocodile prints are ultra-versatile and the texture is interesting.

You can belt just about anything, from dresses to jackets and sweaters. Trust me, the options are endless.

How will you be transitioning your wardrobe this fall?

We are still a few weeks away from fall, but it is never too early to start transitioning your wardrobe into the next season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Tags : cold weather outfits, Fall, Fall Fashion Trends, summer to fall transition

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Originally published on August 30, 2020
Previous Mixing Textures 101: How to Use Texture to Bring Any Outfit to Life
Next Cute Fall Outfits 2020: 6 Trendy (& Slightly 2000s-Inspired) Outfit Ideas We’ll Be Wearing on Repeat

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