How to Transition Summer Clothes to Fall

Five Ways to Reimagine Your Wardrobe
Jennifer Lake Lilly Pulitzer Blue Print Dress

What’s your favorite season? Summer easily tops my list. Keep in mind, I’m a lifelong Chicagoan. Windy City weather keeps you on your toes at all times – rainy springs, hot summers, unpredictable falls, and nearly unbearable winters. Thankfully, the beauty of our frantic forecast is that we still get to experience all four seasons. As such, I’ve learned the best ways to maximize my wardrobe to make it work year round. Therefore, today, I wanted to share four helpful tips to transition summer clothes to fall.

Jennifer Lake Lilly Pulitzer Blue Midi Dress

How to Transition Summer Clothes to Autumn

Simple changes to your wardrobe can make a big difference and ease your transition from summer to fall. Below, I’ve listed some great tips to streamline your process!

Layers, Layers, Layers

Simply put, the best way to transition summer clothes to fall is all about layers: cardigans, turtlenecks, vests, and sweaters. Once temperatures drop and the weather cools off, layering pieces make all of the difference. It’s one reason why I advocate for them so much during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Don’t feel like you need to store your summer styles right away! Take the Lilly Pulitzer midi that I’m wearing in today’s post. At first glance, the Chrisella midi dress may seem like a summer style. However, I just need to add this Tatum cardigan or Terry Wrap sweater to make it work in autumn.


Don’t Underestimate Accessories

While warm, cozy layers are an easy add-on to summer outfits, most people don’t value accessories. Often, a simple scarf, wrap, shoe, handbag, or pair of tights can make the outfit more seasonally appropriate.

For shoes, switch from espadrilles to booties or pumps and sandals to sneakers. Another easy solution is to switch out your beach, straw, and raffia hats to wool and felt styles.

Lastly, opt for thick, cozy scarves like this colorful wool and silk option. Scarves are always helpful to have on-hand season after season.


Move to Midi and Maxi Dresses

In summer, mini dresses and shorts are the norm. Often, midi and maxi styles are more occasional – and usually reserved for summer evenings. Once we start to transition into fall, opt more frequently for sightly longer dresses. They’ll keep your legs much warmer! Simply add a fitted jacket, motorcycle jacket, or blazer for an elevated look.

The Beauty of a Blouse

We’ve talked about layers to add over your clothes, but what about under? Blouses are one of my secret weapons of fall style. Furthermore, designers are offering countless chic options. Bow front, statement sleeves, embellished buttons, and even body suits. Moreover, I often add a tank top or lightweight tee underneath the blouse for added warmth.


In Closing

How do you maximize your summer wardrobe and transition pieces into fall? Share your tips in the comments below!

Summer Fall Wardrobe Transition

Dress: Lilly Pulitzer Chrisella Stretch Midi Shirtdress {c/o} Earrings: Lilly Pulitzer Coconut Kiss earrings {c/o} Bag: Redford Wicker Crossbody Bag {c/o} Shoes: Lilly Pulitzer Natasha Wedge Sandals {c/o}

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