by Alison Lumbatis
This post goes out to all my southern sisters, you know who you are. The ones who are ready right about now to make a pile of all of your shorts, flip flops and tank tops in your backyard and light ’em up into a bonfire…except that it’s WAY too hot to even think about a bonfire. The ones who are lighting Bath and Body Works fall candles on 100 degree days and dreaming of UGG’s (or at least a day when you can open the windows and turn off the A/C). The ones who are sweating through their clothes at high school football games and wouldn’t dare order a pumpkin spice latte unless you wanted to raise your body temp to a dangerous level. I feel your pain this time of the year. This post is for all of us in the “in-between” who so desperately want to wear fall clothes but know there’s not enough Secret anti-perspirant to support that decision.
Our version of summer to fall transition outfits looks a bit different from the rest of the world. We can’t just go straight to cozy sweaters and loafers once September arrives. Our outfits require a wee bit more finessing than that. We have to reinvent our summer clothes.
Today I’m sharing five of my favorite summer to fall transition outfit formulas with you. What’s an outfit formula you ask? Basically it’s math for your closet! Even if you’re not a fan of math, I promise that you will LOVE a good outfit formula. Just take the basic formula and swap in any piece from your closet to make it work. You can create endless combinations for each formula!
Let’s start by breathing new life into our summer closet staple – shorts. Shorts can easily be paired up with long sleeved tops now and lightweight sweaters later when there’s a slight chill in the air.
P.S. I shopped my closet for all of these outfits but I’ve linked up same or similar items below each.
Shorts + Button Down + Belt
Tuck your favorite button down shirt (I LOVE a soft chambray for this!) into any of your shorts. Finish it off with a belt and sandals. The belt gives it polish!
[Chambray Shirt/Skinny Belt/White Shorts/Patent Sandals/Bracelets]
Shorts + Lightweight Sweater
I always dreamed of living somewhere where I could wear a sweater with shorts in the summer. This summer we traveled to Wisconsin and I was able to wear this exact outfit. Half tuck your favorite lightweight sweater into some denim shorts to create this look.
[Navy Sweater/Frayed Hem Shorts/Sandals/Bracelets]
This next set of outfits features jeans on bottom. You can wear them now with a tank and later with a tee. Don’t forget about your trusty old year-round companion Mr. Cardigan. We ladies in the south know one thing – restaurants and stores are always kept the temperature of a meat locker. Stashing a cardigan in our purses is common practice.
Tank Top + Cropped Jeans + Sandals
I call this my late August outfit. When I just can’t bear the thought of another day in shorts, this is one of my go-to’s. Pair up any color tank with cropped jeans and sandals, add a colorful necklace for an instant outfit!
[Navy Tank/Tassel Necklace/Cropped Jeans/Patent Sandals]
Tee + Jeans + Flats
As we move into September, I start to crave closed-toe shoes. Mules are a perfect summer to fall shoe because the back is open so they’re somewhat ventilated. Half tuck any color tee into skinny jeans and add leopard print flats.
[Pink Tee/Gray Jeans/Necklace/Leopard Mules]
Tee + Cropped Jeans + Sneakers
Cute and comfy! Your tee and jeans get a boost from some cool kicks. This makes a great “base” outfit for adding on layers. Finish it out with a utility jacket, long cardigan or sweatshirt if/when it starts to cool down.
[Gray Tee/Cropped Jeans/New Balance Sneakers]
It’s Your Turn: What are some of your favorite outfit formulas to transition between the seasons?
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