3 min readReady or not, Labor Day is around the corner, and summer is sadly coming to a close. This means that now is the time to start transitioning your closet into one more fitting for the changing season. When crafting the ultimate summer-to-fall wardrobe, the trick is to focus on classic wardrobe essentials mixed with trendier pieces; think timeless khaki trench coats layered atop slinky slip skirts or striped tees styled with corduroy pants. It’s all about bridging the gap between summer and fall textures, balancing lightweight fabrics with warmer ones.
Another way to create a strong transitional-outfit formula is to choose a color palette that mixes warm neutrals with one or two moodier shades, such as olive, chocolate, or navy. Pops of red are a good choice in the mix too, whether that’s by way of the Row’s preppy barn jacket or Arch4’s cashmere polo sweater. Simple style swaps, like a raffia bag in favor of a sumptuous suede tote or a moody floral dress instead of an LWD, can help set the tone as you head into the early autumn season.
Below, tiptoe into fall with these 10 best summer-to-fall transitional outfits.
Texture Takeover
For crisp fall days ahead, lean into textures like Cos’s long-line suede coat layered over a sleek croc-embellished midi skirt. Style it with a white tee, minimalist thong sandals, and Sophie Buhai’s cord necklace for a dash of red.
Cos Croc-Effect Leather Wrap Skirt
Joseph Cotton and Silk-Blend Jersey T-Shirt
A.Emery Kinto Leather Thong Sandals
Sophie Buhai Small Full Moon Pendant
Casual Prep
Add a little prep into your look and style the Row’s cherry-red barn jacket over Róhe’s menswear-inspired flannel shirt. Style it with a pair of sleek, straight-leg white jeans and supple suede boat shoes.
The Row Elodianna Cotton Canvas Jacket
EB Denim Low-Rise Baggy Jeans
Emme Parsons Parker Loafers
Róhe Checked Twill Shirt
Liffner Buckled Suede Bucket Bag
Boho Edge
Style your white poplin skirt with a sleeveless cashmere knit that’s both cozy and comfortable. For chillier days, wear it with a leather jacket and Khaite’s distressed cowboy boots.
Mango High-Neck Leather Jacket
Jacquemus Triana Pleated Cotton-Poplin Midi Skirt
Corduroy Cool
Layer Toteme’s trench-like car coat over J.Crew’s rich hazelnut corduroy pants and a striped long-sleeve tee to create an autumn-forward color palette. Adidas’s retro sneakers and a large leather tote help achieve an off-duty, downtown city vibe.
Toteme Oversize Trench Jacket
J.Crew Slim-Wide Pants in Corduroy
J.Crew Perfect Stripe Rib Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Adidas Originals Japan Sneakers
Toteme Lounge Belted Leather Tote Bag
Early-Fall Floral Finds
Who says you can’t wear florals during the fall? Slip into Ulla Johnson’s moody floral turtleneck maxi dress and add a trench coat and boots for when it hits peak leaf-peeping season.
Ulla Johnson Koa Allover-Print Long-Sleeve Jersey Dress
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Staud Wide-Shaft Wally Boots
Burberry Long Gabardine Fitzrovia Trench
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Métier Parallel 22 Suede Shoulder Bag
Joolz by Martha Calvo Rhodium Earrings
Suede Story
Pair Stouls’s suede tank top with Esse Studios’ tailored black trousers for a transitional outfit that’s both sleek and ideal for late-September afternoons that slip into the night. Versatile accessories like a midnight-blue crossbody bag and metallic sandals will still feel appropriate for both day and night too.
Stouls Miuccia Suede Tank
Esse Studios Portia Pleated Straight-Leg Pants
Proenza Schouler Slash Flat Thong Sandals
Savette Florence Leather Shoulder Bag
Midseason Romance
A white tank and slip skirt will do just fine as summer is winding down, but one easy way to keep wearing your romantic lace-trimmed slip skirts this fall is to add a sumptuous suede jacket.
Banana Republic Heritage Suede Jacket
Dôen Elowette Floral Lace Hem Silk Skirt
Leset Nando High-Neck Tank Top
Color Burst
For a vibrant, welcome pop of color, layer in a red cashmere polo shirt underneath a slouchy leather bomber jacket. Style it with your go-to jeans and ballet flats.
Nour Hammour Dalma Leather Bomber Jacket
Arch4 Hamilton Cashmere Polo Shirt
Le Monde Beryl Mica Gathered Leather Ballet Flats
A New Kind of Short for Fall
For the ultimate late-summer look, style Bermuda shorts made of suede with a cashmere cardigan. Keep the summer vibes going a bit longer and wear them with PVC thong sandals and a shell necklace.
Loulou de Saison Aidar Cardigan
Massimo Dutti Suede Bermuda Shorts
Christopher Esber Jo Jelly Flip-Flop Sandals
A Wardrobe Classic
The unsung hero in any transitional wardrobe is a trench coat. Wear it with everything from jeans and dresses to your favorite slip skirt. Accessorize with a suede bag and red beaded necklace for a pop of color.
Aritzia Finch Trench Coat
Dolce & Gabbana Lace-Trimmed Satin Skirt
Magda Butrym Maya Suede Shoulder Bag
