I cannot believe how close we are to September. I know it’s technically summer until the end of the month, but in my eyes, September 1 is the unofficial first day of fall.
I think it’s probably because when I was growing up, by the beginning of September we were already back in school for at least a week, if not two. So even if the temperatures outside are still a little toasty, my mind is already focused on all things autumn. Bring on the fantasy football, apple orchards, pumpkin baked goods and, most importantly, the transitional dressing.
I did a post a little earlier in the month about the best transitional pieces to add to your wardrobe. But today I wanted to give you an outfit formula that you can use for when you’re getting dressed and you have no idea what to wear in this sort of limbo-land territory, fashionwise. This formula is easy, comfortable, put-together, and you can recreate it with things you already own in your closet. It’s a no-brainer look that I fall back on many times in late summer and early fall.
When in doubt, go for a midi dress + a leather (or faux leather) jacket + sneakers + a classic handbag. It’s the perfect way to get extra wears out of your favorite summer dresses, break in your new fall outerwear and find new styling opportunities for your closet staple shoes and bags.
I like to think of this as my “Cool Girl LA Look”, even though I am none of those things. But I like to think of it that way because that’s how effortless the outfit comes together. It feels like you didn’t spend a ton of time getting dressed, but you still look fab. This outfit formula is the right balance between feminine and masculine, casual and elevated and, naturally, summer and fall. Can you tell I’m a Libra?
I think part of the effortlessness comes in which midi dresses, sneakers and handbags you choose. I opted for a trio that all feature green, though in different shades and textures. Spicing up the range of hues and variety of materials is how you create a look that’s interesting and appears a lot more expensive than it is, all while remaining understated because the colors flow seamlessly.
Not only is this outfit formula very cute, but it’s versatile. If the day ends up being a bit warmer than you anticipated, you can chuck off the leather jacket and tie it around your waist. Sneakers will keep your feet nice and comfy, so it’s a great choice for virtually any occasion or event. It works for date night as easily as it does shopping, running errands, or even going back to school.
And the re-iterations of this outfit formula are virtually endless depending on how many dresses, bags, jackets and sneakers you have in your closet. It’s nice to have a go-to look in your back pocket that you can make different each and every time. That way, you’re wearing something you know looks good on you and you know works – but it’s not the identical outfit everyone’s seen a million times. In fact, you’ll look so effortless and chic, they might never realize exactly how easy it was to put together.
