Autumn is the golden season for fashion. Mild temperatures allow for layering opportunities, as sweaters make their seasonal debut and shorts return to wardrobe hibernation. Changing foliage inspires a new color palette of warmer earth tones, while reds, oranges and browns enter the scene. The heat of summer fades and cooler temperatures chase away the need to wear a limiting collection of sweat-preventing outfits.
When Summer Just Won’t Leave
It seems more and more often, summer heat lingers, with some days into early October reaching temperatures in the 80s. When all you want is to break out the cute sweaters and boots, this lack of change can be discouraging.
Many times, the mornings of these days are freezing cold, tricking you into wearing warmer clothes for your early morning classes. By the time midday hits, you might find yourself wishing you wore a tank top and shorts instead. Luckily, it can be easy to combine your Summer and Fall wardrobes to create a perfect transitional set for the awkward fake fall period.
The Classic Cardigan
We all know and love her: let’s give it up for the versatile cardigan! An autumnal staple, the cardigan can come in many forms. They can be knit or other materials. They can be fastened in any which way, via buttons, snaps, ties, zippers or left open.
Cardigans are an excellent option for a toastier day where you might still have to experience a cool morning or overpowering air conditioning while indoors. They can be paired with a variety of layers: tank tops, tube tops, tees or long sleeves, and they pair well with pants or shorts.
Boots and Skirts
Skirts are a fabulous transitional piece for autumn because they can be so well incorporated into any fall outfit, but they are versatile to warmer temperatures as well. Pairing a skirt with a cute pair of boots is a summer trend that carries over well into the following season.
Adding a sweater to top it all off creates a super adorable, layered moment that will have you comfortable and fashionable throughout the day. This look is easily achievable using whatever you have in your closet: mini skirts, denim, maxi skirts or anything in between can be styled so well for intermediate temperatures.
Capris: A Controversial Take
Everyone feels a little bit differently about capris, but they were designed with fluctuating temperatures in mind. These three-quarter pants can be dressed up or down, paired with a sweater, T-shirt, sneakers or heels. Whatever your opinion is, these trendy bottoms make an excellent fake fall staple.
The Canadian Tuxedo, Eh?
A denim jacket paired with jeans, also known as a Canadian tuxedo, is yet another layered option for unpredictable weather. Though some disagreement surrounds whether the denims should be matchy-matchy or complementary washes, the Canadian tux can be styled according to any wearer’s personal preferences. A solid or patterned top, a statement belt and bold accessories elevate this look, especially for autumn.
Are you and your closet ready for colder temperatures, or are you still clinging on to the last few warm days of the year? Let us know on Instagram or X @VALLEYmag!
