We’re definitely in the dog days of summer, but fall is on the way. And I’m really looking forward to experiencing a full-on autumn this first year in Ohio. But, having lived in Arizona for the past 14 years and Texas and Georgia before that, I know what it’s like to have fall days that don’t feel all that autumnal. Ha! So today I’m sharing a simple outfit that will help us all transition into fall…no matter how long that transition may be!
Let me break this look down for you step by step.
Step 1 – Start with a clean slate.
When you’re ready to look like fall even when it doesn’t yet feel like fall, create a transitional look that builds on the basics. This isn’t the time for your summery print tee or that darling gingham skirt you’ve been wearing all summer.
Instead start with something very basic like a white tee and a denim skirt.
Other great basics to build on would include:
- black tee + khaki chinos
- white tee + black jeans
- solid tee + crop ankle jeans
- chambray shirt + khaki skirt
- graphic tee + camo pants
Can you think of other “clean slate” combinations to build on?
Step 2 – Accessorize with warm tones.
I love adding leopard print to my transitional looks because it’s a “warm tone” that works as a neutral, but adds a layer of depth. You could just as easily add other warm tones:
- caramel leather belt
- black leather belt
- tortoise shell belt or jewelry
- goldenrod, burgundy, olive green or deep brown in a neck scarf or jewelry
- warm toned fedora
Step 3 – Add a handbag & shoes in neutrals.
Here’s where you have to give me a little of that move-across-the-country grace. Ha! When we shot these photos I couldn’t find most of my shoes. Hehehe! So I chose the most neutral I could find – my gold sandals!
But really that goes to show that it’s perfectly fine to still wear your sandals in the warmer days of fall. Just go with the neutral ones – metallic, leather, animal print – instead of anything in summer colors, like pink.
I did, however, manage to find my new Tory Burch handbag. I bought this lovely black leather hobo bag several months ago when the price was reduced significantly. It’s an investment piece, but I know I’ll be using it year round for years to come. (The leather is amazingly plush and supple. I love it! And the bag is available in two other beautiful shades as well.)
Step 4 – Add some smart jewelry.
If you’re trying to look a little more autumnal, even though the temps are high, it’s time to put away the tropical colored earrings and distinctly summer baubles. Instead, add your favorite gold or silver pieces in tasteful layers. Again tortoise shell, while appropriate year round, lends a warm hue to your outfit.
Step 5 – Add a third piece.
Actually the easiest way to move gently into fall is simply to add a third piece to your outfit. That’s exactly why I purchased this nifty utility jacket last year. I have some current picks in the shopping widget below, but I especially like this one by Lucky Brand, which is what mine is.
Other “third pieces” that can help complete a transitional outfit include:
- simple, lightweight neutral colored cardigan – black, beige, brown, grey, etc.
- blue denim jacket
- black denim jacket
- faux suede moto jacket
- animal print sweater or jacket
- vest
- black, camel or navy blazer
- plaid blazer
- knit kimono (as in this previous post)
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You can shop the look through the links in the copy above or through the shopping widget below. Sale prices are not always reflected in the widget, so click through to get pricing info. Remember, if you purchase anything through these links I potentially earn a commission, but at no cost to you. Thank you for shopping through Dressed for My Day. I am grateful!
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Blessed for My Day
Today may you be blessed with insight and wisdom so that you can detect any activity of the enemy of your soul. May God show you the areas where you are most susceptible to attack and temptation, not to frighten you, but so you may fortify those areas of your life.
I’ve found that I am most susceptible to enemy attack when I am hungry, angry, lonely or tired. That’s why occasionally I need to H.A.L.T. I need to examine my life…my daily activities even…and see if there are areas of susceptibility that I need to fix. When I start getting cranky towards my husband, for instance, or ill tempered with other people, I need to ask myself if perhaps I’m hungry, angry, lonely or tired. Then I can fix the real problem and proceed with love, grace and godly behavior.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8
Cute practical summer to fall transition outfit, Kay! ??Very useful tips! I can also relate to the blessing for the day. When my grumpy mood sets in, I look for the true trigger, and try to do something about it! ? (Same for those around me who may not be in the best mood!).
Hi Betty. Thanks so much for letting me know that you enjoyed the post. That’s my goal – useful tips!! Here’s to a grump-free day! 🙂
Thank you Kay. Wonderful ideas for transitional looks going into Fall. I’ll be doing a LOT of your suggestions in the coming 6 weeks…at least. Living in Oklahoma, Fall is sometimes slow to show up and I’m ready NOW! Ha!! Anyway, always appreciate your insight and advice. You’re always :spot on.:
Hahaha! I hear ya. I’m always anxious for the next season about this time into the present one. My Daddy always calls that “wishing your life away.” But it’s very hard to be content when you know what’s coming! Here’s to an early fall! 🙂
Pretty look today. I love fall but will be sorry to see summer go, it’s just such a simple casual time of year. Love the HALT suggestion, those are definitely my triggers. Have a wonderful day!!!
Hi Deb. Yeah, I heard the HALT acronym from Dr. Charles Stanley, but it may not have originated with him. Unfortunately I sometimes remember to HALT a little too late. Hmm. I hope you have a lovely day, too. 🙂
Thank you for all your styling tips and posts. You certainly help me in upping my style and giving me inspiration.
Great to hear, Arna. Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you have a lovely day!
Kay, I really like the style of your Lucky jacket. It looks fitted, but not to the point of being restrictive. What about a dark colored maxi dress or skirt as a transition piece? As you know first hand, the heat, humidity, and heat index will be in GA well into September, so being able to shed some layers is good. I am very hot natured now, so my layers do need to be lightweight. I did pin one of your pictures to Pinterest, for me to refer back to. I hope that you have a blessed day!
HI Ginger. Thanks for the Pin. Yes! A maxi dress or skirt can certainly transition into fall with a third piece or maybe darker, richer accessories. Great idea!
I love the denim skirt. I am ordering that today! I also loved it styled with the utility outfit!
The Blessed for my Day spoke to me today!!! I will remember to HALT when my bad attitude takes over! Thank you!
Great, Kellie. Thanks for letting me know. ?
As you know fall doesn’t arrive here in AZ until the end of Oct at the earliest. 114 here today, so whatever you are feeling in Ohio should be a relief. I do love that utility jacket, can you share what size you are wearing, and is it true to size? I like the Tory Burch handbag you are carrying, but would need a lot better price for me to consider it. Im glad you shared about the shoes..I didn’t think they went with the outfit….hee hee
Hi Linda. The jacket I’m wearing does fit true to size but it’s not the one I linked to. I purchased it last year and it’s no longer available. But I did buy it at Lucky Brand do I think the sizing would be similar to the one I linked to. Hope that helps.
Great look, Kay. So happy to see you are enjoying your new home. Have a great day!!
Thanks Susanne! Yeah, if I can ever get unpacked. Ugh!! Soon enough I suppose. ❤️
I really like the idea of starting with a clean slate. For some reason, that feels less overwhelming to me than setting out to pull an outfit together all at once. Glad you shared this!
Kay, copied and sent “Blessed for my Day” to our women’s Bible study. We are beginning “No Other Gods”, Kelly Minter and this was perfect for a kick off thought. Also, am enjoying “The View from My Front Porch” study. Thank you!
Enjoy visiting with you daily.
Hi Jes. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the Bible study. It was the first one I wrote. ❤️
I love, love, love this look Kay! I knew I wanted to save it as soon as I saw your email, so thanks for reminding me how to pin from your blog.
Great to hear, Katie. Thanks so much for pinning and spreading the love!