You know what’s tough?
Figuring out what on Earth to wear during that awkward period between summer and fall.
It’s the time when the excitement of autumn creeps up on you, bubbling to the surface until you’re almost ready to explode. You’re buying new fall clothes, dusting off old favorites, planning everything you want to do and see during the season. Maybe you’re even lighting some cinnamon candles. Heck, Starbucks already released its pumpkin spiced latte, and it’s only August.
But therein lies the problem – it’s only August. You want to go pick apples, but the pools are still open. You want to wear a cute sweater, a plaid skirt and boots, but it’s 90 degrees outside.
So how do you remedy this? How do you marry your joy and thrill for the coming cooler months with the reality that it’s still the dog days of summer?
Donning an outfit featuring beautiful botanical prints, paired with textured, rich accessories is your answer. Well, not your only answer – there are many ways to dress when transitioning between summer and fall – but this is an elegant, fun and seasonally-appropriate way to do it.
Botanical prints incorporate the beauty of fall foliage while paying homage to the flowers found at the end of summer. It’s a perfect match. This is especially true if you select a patterned sundress, like the one I am wearing here. This Zimmermann style is made of linen, making it the ultimate choice for hot weather. But the botanical motif around the hem of the skirt adds the right amount of autumnal interest. It’s pretty much my dream dress for this time of year.
I have paired this dress with my Valentino Rockstud Spike Bag in a deep burgundy wine color and Chloe wedges in a blush suede. I purchased the bag secondhand during winter last year (pro tip – the more economical and sustainable way to shop luxury goods is by buying secondhand – no one will ever know the difference). I have been looking forward to when I can finally bust it out for fall. I love how the edginess of the dark leather and spikes contrast with the femininity of the florals and linen. I talk a lot about adding visual interest to your attire, and mixing up fabrics and textures is another way to create it.
My mom helped me take these photos at sunset, and I think the golden light could not suit the outfit – or the transition period we are now in – better. The sun may be setting on what I hope was a wonderful summer for everyone, but it’s also casting a gorgeous glow on the season to come. Autumn is my absolute favorite season, but while I wait patiently for it to arrive, I’ll be here savoring the last of warm evenings like this one. Make sure you savor them, too.
