With the new season fast approaching, you might be wondering how to transition your summer clothing for colder weather. Thankfully, dressing for autumn doesn’t need to be expensive and there are plenty of ways to make the most of your summer items.
From layering with polo necks and jackets to picking autumnal textures and colours, strategic styling will help your favourite summer pieces stick around for another season. Find out how to transition your wardrobe for autumn below:
1. Layer Your Summer Dress
If you’re not ready to wave goodbye to the floaty dresses of June and July, you’re in luck. With a few clever tricks, your summer dress can be just as suitable for the early days of autumn – all it takes is some tactical layering!
To add extra insulation to smock dresses, tiered dresses and midi dresses, throw a polo neck top or a long-sleeve shirt underneath. For an effortless way to transitioning your dresses for autumn, we recommend selecting lightweight layers to ensure they sit comfortably together.
You can also tick off the trend for playful layering by mixing up your necklines.
Whether you wear a turtleneck top under a 90s style slip dress or a striped tee with a denim pinafore, have fun experimenting with different styles to help your summer dresses become a year-round investment.
2. Add Autumnal Colours
With each new season comes a new colour palette. While spring and summer are often characterised by light and bright tones, autumn and winter tend to focus on richer, darker colours. Luckily, there’s no reason why your summer shades can’t be worn throughout the rest of the year.
To update your outfits for autumn, pair the pastels of summer 2020 with warm-toned knits in contrasting colours. For example, a powder blue dress can be transformed for autumn with a mustard cardigan and ballet flats. Wearing bright clothing with neutral knitted jumpers in beige, cream and sand can similarly mellow the colour scheme for September and October.
3. Focus On Textures
From picnics and bike rides to family walks, outdoor activities show no sign of slowing down during the first few weeks of autumn. Even so, there might be a slight chill in the air! To ensure your summer clothing has protection from the cooler weather, focus on incorporating new textures into your look.
Whether you choose lightweight knitted jumpers, jersey cardigans or ribbed sweatshirts, there are plenty of textured fabrics to give your outfit extra warmth. Even a durable denim jacket can do wonders against a brisk breeze.
4. Update Your Summer Sandals
If you thought that sandals were only acceptable in high summer, think again! For that perfect summer-to-autumn sandal, select slingback sandals, chunky buckle styles or mule sandals. More durable than flip-flops and sliders, these designs can easily be worn with all manner of transitional outfits thanks to their versatility.
Instead of pairing your sandals with dresses and skirts, wear them with wide leg trousers and culottes. Instantly giving your summer shoes an autumnal twist, casual trousers are also ideal both for working from home and for wearing in the office.
5. Wear Lightweight Jacket
One of the most noticeable differences between summer and the start of autumn is that you suddenly need to carry (and occasionally wear!) a jacket. However, unlike your winter coat, your jacket should be lightweight enough to fold over your arm for sunny spells. Think denim jackets, longline dusters, utility jackets and double-breasted blazers.
Just remember to style your outerwear with the zip and buttons undone to let your summer wardrobe enjoy a few more weeks in the sun!
6. Switch Up Your Accessories
For a budget-friendly way of marking a change in the seasons, refresh your accessories. This can be as simple as switching your summery woven bag for a black mock croc design. Even wearing a black belt around a floral dress can be surprisingly effective when it comes to transitioning your look!
For more of the latest trends for women, check out our new in women’s clothing collection, featuring new season dresses, comfy loungewear and everyday jeans.
