From Summer to Sweater Weather – How to Transition Your Wardrobe for the Seasons

So, every year, just when I finally have my summer wardrobe nailed down, the morning finally comes when I wake up, and the air is a little too crisp for the sleeveless cotton sundress and leather slide sandals I’ve been wearing on repeat. Don’t get me wrong, I am all about fall and winter fashion. Bring on the warm scarves, beautiful boots, and cozy sweaters, and I’m a happy girl.

But making that transition from summer to sweater weather can be a challenge. I mean, it’s not like we go from hangin’ out by the pool to building snow people overnight. There will be lots of days where the afternoon feels quite like early September, but the mornings and late afternoons are leaning hard into October and November. Here are great tips and ideas to start moving away from your airy summer clothes to a more cozy fall look while keeping your confident style.

Do a Closet Edit

First things first, it’s time to start changing the type of seasonal clothing that hangs in your closet. Like I said before, I actually get excited about fall style. But especially after I passed menopause, the change of seasons has a habit of setting off a whole range of temperature swings for me. So don’t be too hasty in packing away all your short sleeves and dresses. Here is the trick.

Store Summer Outfits

It’s time to pack away anything that just screams ‘summer’. Shorts, bathing suits, maxi dresses. This is also a great time to donate anything that you realize you never felt amazing in. It doesn’t matter where you bought it or how much it cost; if it doesn’t make you feel confident when you wear it, it isn’t doing its job.

Use Transition Clothes

Create a rack that is your transition wardrobe. These are pieces that can bridge the gap between both seasons. Think denim, dresses with short sleeves, lighter scarves, and short-sleeved tops.

Take Out Fall Clothes

Now, bring in your fall clothes! Sweaters, cardigans, scarves, skirts, boots, jeans, and pants.

This way, no matter how the day’s temperature (and yours!) leans, you can reach for pieces to mix and match.

Now What? Master Layering

The best way to seamlessly transition from summer fashion to sweater style, is to use layering. Layering is exactly what it sounds like; adding or subtracting clothes in layers so that you feel confident and comfortable. But there are a few tricks. Try these…

Lightweight Over Lightweight

When fall temps just start to… well, fall, make sure you are layering lightweight over lightweight. Don’t jump first to heavy sweaters and jackets. Try denim jackets, vests, long line cardigans and lightweight blazers first. If you don’t have any, invest in one or two. Not only are they great during this transition time, they are also terrific for wearing inside during the winter.

Go for Breathable Fabrics

Use breathable textures close to your skin for those warm afternoons, and use cozy warmth as outerwear so it is easily removed when the weather calls for it.

Denim Is Always Stylish

Denim and cotton blends bridge both seasons beautifully, make sure you use them as an anchor for your style choices.

Mix-and-Match Summer-Fall Outfit

Not ready to put away that floral sundress or sleeveless blouse? Pair it with a cardi, tights and ankle boots for the cutest fall outfit.

Accessorize for Fall

As the weather gets cooler, start adding fall accessories with texture and warmer colors. Think scarves, boots and cozy sweaters.

Choose Items That Fit Well

The biggest trick to making layering work? Remember when you layer, don’t give into the urge to use something oversized as your layering piece. That will just add bulk and be unflattering. You want your clothing to fit well.

Transition Your Seasonal Colors, Too

If you look in any clothing catalog, during the summer you will see brighter, clearer colors, but as the fall styles emerge, you will see more muted, warmer and more earthy tones. But when you are still using some of your summer wardrobe, it can be tricky to decide which direction to go.

• Gradually start playing down the brighter colors of summer by adding pieces that are a more toned down version. Still wearing that short sleeve blouse with a bright pink floral design? Tone it down with a more autumnal dusty rose cardigan on top.
• Use accessories in the same way. Add a warm leather bag and booties instead of your straw tote and sandals.
• Use scarves in slightly warmer tones with cozy textures and patterns near your face to bring attention to this new season.

Remember, Transition Is Good

Just like the seasons (and us!) our style doesn’t disappear, it just transforms. With these simple tips for transitioning to fall and winter, you can keep feeling confident, and comfortable. And that’s what style is all about for me. Helping you to create a confident image to present to the world.

It doesn’t have to be perfectly polished. It just has to feel like you. If you want to learn more, please visit my posts on How to Reinvent Yourself, and Makeup for Women Over 50+. Both can help you to find that confident woman who is still in there, and help her come out and enjoy everything this season in life has to offer!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you started transitioning your wardrobe yet? What summer items do you still wear? What do you like most about fall fashion?