Although I’m super excited for a new season, I’m not quite ready to retire my summer dresses just yet. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to transition a summer dress into fall. Read on for five simple tips to help you achieve a stylish and weather appropriate look 😉
Outfit Details
Review Australia Dress c/o (sold out – love this and this) | WAYF Top (also worn here and here) | Review Australia Handbag (old – similar here) | Alexandre de Paris Headband c/o (similar here) | Pink Bow Heels (old – similar here) | Michael M Ring c/o (similar here)
How to Transition a Summer Dress into Fall
When the seasons change, I use it as an excuse to get more inventive with my styling, especially for spring and fall! In California, the leaves are FINALLY started to change and the weather is cooling down making it an optimal time to take advantage of layering. It’s that in-between time where it’s not quite cold enough to wear a full on coat but it’s not warm enough to wear shorts (not that I wear them anyway haha!). I’m also trying to enjoy and get as much wear as I can out of my summer dresses before I put them away for the season. So how do you transition a summer dress into fall you might ask? It’s easy! Just layer a long sleeve underneath!
Most people just pop a cardigan on top and call it day and while this is also an efficient way of prolonging wear from your sleeveless summer dresses, I think that many people forget about the magic of layering a top underneath. Chunky cardigans are great for making a look more casual while layering a long sleeve top underneath tends to make it look more dressed up. I’m definitely the latter of the two ha! While it may sound like an easy addition, there are still a few things to look out for.
Choose the Right Neckline
The trick for a seamless look is to choose a top that has high neckline or a round neckline. For example, I chose a ruffled neck detail for this outfit and it looks so seamless that the top could easily be mistaken as part of the dress. Before I decided on this top, I styled about five more that looked equally amazing but they all had the high or round neckline in common. Swoop necks, boat necks and v-necks just don’t look the same. I also recommend pairing with tops that have some kind of neckline detail – a ruffle, a bow, a brooch, etc. You can view more examples of how I styled it here and here!
Choose the Right Fabric and Design
Since my style is super feminine, I tend to gravitate toward tops that are lace, chiffon or a thin knit material. Simple, basic designs are always perfect for layering under but I also tend to choose items that compliment the dress I’m wearing. Whether that’s ruffles, lace, embellishments or embroidery, the top never takes away from the dress but instead compliments it in an understated way. I think this is the perfect way for incorporating more of your unique style into an outfit and while lightweight items are best for layering underneath, it’s still important that you chose items that speak to you and your personal style.
Choose the Right Sleeve
I recommend long sleeves for warmth and because it looks more fall appropriate. A puffed shoulder detail is always super flattering, especially if the dress goes in at the waist. Long sleeves that fit closer to the body (think – knits and the one I’m wearing) are always super classy. I also really love billowy sleeves with a fitted wrist detail and think these are great for both fit and flare styles and sheath styles. A small bell-sleeve can also look great, especially with sheath styles but I would stay away from a really exaggerated bell-sleeve since it might be a bit too overwhelming. The sleeve type just depends on the look you’re going for.
Choose the Right Color
White and cream are ALWAYS winners! They look great with any color, any print… anything really. I also really love the stark contrast between a white top layered under a black dress. Black is another good option but I think it looks best with textures and prints that are also black. For example, a basic black top would look amazing paired with a black floral dress and a black lace top would look incredible with a velvet black dress. White and cream are much more versatile with prints and colors but black is better with textured pieces in the same color and looks more chic. I recommend having one of each 🙂
Transitioning into Winter
Even though it’s not even close to being winter, here’s another tip to try out in those cooler months! Lighter fabrics like chiffon, lace and thin knits are great for fall but you can still pull off the same look in winter without freezing! I love using turtlenecks and mocknecks for this purpose. They keep you warm and cozy but you still look super stylish and polished! Just make sure that it’s a thinner knit so it doesn’t look bulky under your dress. For additional layering, you can utilize tights and boots along with a sleek winter coat.
I hope you loved these tips on how to transition a summer dress into fall!
Is this something you’ll be incorporating into your wardrobe this season?
xo
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