For most of us, fall is officially in full swing and bringing all kinds of crazy weather. One minute it’s 80 degrees, the next it’s 45. We’re totally cool with rolling with the punches, but we’d rather not have to choose between sweating our butts off (hello, menopause is already helping us out with that one) or freezing. Obviously, figuring out how to dress for fall can be a challenge.
Which is why strategically setting up your closet for that fall transition is so key. Our Fashion Editor Kim Cihlar comes to the rescue with a new “Talk in Closet With Kim” and is giving us all her autumn fashion tips. And, in classic “Talk’n Closet” style, she’s showing us how to work what we already have (with a couple new pieces thrown in) to maximize our fashion choices without blowing our savings. Below we have eight ways to help transition your fall style.
1. Long Silhouettes
Switching to longer, flowing dresses feel natural when summer is over, and the bonus is that they are super versatile. This dress from Saga, in the words of Kim, is “soft, comfortable, easy to wear.”
2. Layer
Add some sweaters and layer! When you head out the door and aren’t really sure what the weather will be like, a Bleusalt wrap is easy to throw in your bag just in case. A cape like this one from Banana Republic is amazing for when temps dip.
By the way, thrift store cardigans are always a win.
3. Denim, Denim and More Denim
Denim really is magic, isn’t it? You can wear it in the dead of winter of the middle of summer and it always feels right. Jean jackets, especially classic ones from Levi’s, are the perfect fall staple. And they’re easy to find at thrift stores.
4. Sweatshirt Material
Sweatshirt dresses and tunics, like this one from Boden, are perfect for layering with Spanx (or any other leggings you might have), and jackets made from sweatshirt material (like this one from Shopbop) are super comfy and can transition from dressy to casual easily. In other words, this textile is fall fashion at its best.
5. Work with Accessories
Weather not as cold as you want it to be? Those who live in warmer climates can definitely have FOMO (the millennial acronym for Fear of Missing Out) on all the fun fall fashion that everyone else gets to wear. A belt is an easy way to add some fall style without adding to much warmth to your ensemble, and this Obi braid-detail belt from Chico’s is one of our faves.
Necklace layering is a way to add excitement to an outfit. Fanny packs are also back (!) and a perfect way to add a little interest to a long dress or tunic. Here’s a Michael Kors fanny pack that has a great stylish feel.
6. It’s all about the shoe
‘Tis the season for booties! These Vionic booties have an insole that molds to your own fit and allow you to wear heels all day. When weighing how to dress for fall, comfort should never be ignored and a good bootie combines fashion and function.
7. Classic Bags
We all know that sometimes all it takes is a great bag to complete an ensemble—and Kim is an advocate for buying a good knock off of those ridiculously expensive bags (Kelly and Birkin). Here’s a great looking one that won’t set you back the price of a car.
8. Work with Scent
Changing up your style doesn’t just have to be about appearance. Essential oils transform the mood and help you transition into fall gracefully. (Kim loves Jiva Apoha and Emes.)
Do you have any tips on how to dress for fall? Share your fall fashion tips in the comments!
