Before anyone riots, I know it’s only July. But it is the end of July, and August will be here before we know it. I’m already seeing back-to-school shopping everywhere around me, which can only mean one thing – it’s time to start thinking about fall.
Fall fashion is my absolute favorite fashion time of year. I live for it. The fabrics, the layering, all my favorite skirts and boots and coats and turtlenecks. It truly is divine and brings me so much joy. I also completely adore summer fashion and being able to wear my favorite sundresses, sandals and wicker bags each day.
But you know what I don’t love? That awkward half season in between the two. You know, when it’s late August or just after Labor Day and you’re fully in the autumn spirit, but it’s still 90 degrees outside. What do you wear when it’s too hot for a chunky sweater but you’re kind of over your shorts and swimsuits?
Enter: transition pieces. These are ultra important pieces in your wardrobe that will help you bridge the limbo land that is the time between summer and fall. Transition pieces will help you transform items from your summer closet to make them more seasonally appropriate for autumn.
Transition pieces typically focus on accessories and style staples – things like handbags, shoes, jewelry or hair accessories, jackets, and denim. Essentially, their job is to turn something super summery – like a white sundress or pair of cutoff shorts – into an outfit that is more toned-down and reminiscent of the cooler months ahead.
These don’t have to be basics, but they most often are. Transition pieces are usually in darker, more neutral shades and are made out of more fall-inspired fabrics like light knits, leathers, and suedes. They’ll bring the texture and tone of a night in October, and the summer dresses you’re pairing them with will feel like June. Together, the outfit will be perfect for early September.
I have several transition pieces in my own wardrobe that I reach for constantly as summer winds down to an end. I can’t say enough good things about my favorite AllSaints leather jacket or the best Veja sneakers. They’re the perfect go-to’s when you aren’t sure exactly what to go to. Adding a leather jacket over any dress – like this Few Moda green midi – adds a bit of ruggedness, and slipping on these sustainable sneakers will also make your look a notch more casual and “cool girl” chic.
You can’t underestimate the power of a great handbag. The rich brown of this Tory Burch Lee Radziwill purse will add autumnal warmth to your summery clothes. It’s a gorgeous neutral that can be worn year-round, but it will be working overtime in early fall.
I bought these *stunning* Vince boots in black from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and they are perfection. They’re my favorite thing from the order. They are high quality and so flattering on the foot. Even though I bought the black, I think the taupe suede version would make an iconic transition boot. The color feels very fall, but it’s not too harsh to be worn now with your little white dresses. I think they would also look gorgeous with some classic denim, like this Madewell pair.
For other accessories, I think you can’t go wrong with a pearl headband and timeless Ray-Ban sunglasses. My style tends to trend a bit more preppy in the fall, so a pearl headband is a must. Style it with your leather jacket to balance out the roughness with a touch of femininity. The result will be an outfit that feels effortless yet well-thought out at the same time. I’m typically an aviators kind of girl, but Clubmasters just read more autumnal to me. Maybe it’s because they look more academic and remind me of going back to class? Not sure, but they’re a classic addition regardless.
If you live somewhere extremely hot where August/September is still waaaaay too warm for any layering of any kind, jewelry is a great option. It’s a fun opportunity to play around with fall color without adding any unnecessary physical warmth to your outfit. I think these little heart earrings are so adorable!
