I’ve come to love this transitional time between summer and fall. How sweet to experience two of my favorite seasons at the same time, just for a little while. I love feeling hints of cooler weather in the mornings, yet still getting to enjoy the warm afternoon sun. Nothing is extreme yet — the oppressive heat has passed, the cold can wait. It’s the best of both seasons.
And in terms of our closets, this in-between season gives us space to play with fall clothes, without the need to bundle up just yet. (Yay!) I’ve been fully enjoying my first few steps into fall style this year, and I thought I’d share three outfits I’m excited about for this transitional time. Try to spot the fall and summer elements in each one.
LOOK 1
If you see something you like, you can shop it using the affiliate links below:
Floral Top by Doen (old) | similar by Doen (made responsibly) | similar in gold | similar in solid black | similar in rust, under $20
Mules by Nisolo (made responsibly) *I’m usually a 7 or 7.5, and got a 7.5
Straw Bag (vintage) | similar | similar, round | similar, crossbody
Sunglasses by Ray Ban | similar under $20
As much as I love my lighter summer color palette, I can feel myself giving in to the seasonal shift and leaning in to this darker palette that’s all fall — although I snuck a light colored straw bag in there as a nod to summer.
Lately, I’ve been about outfits that don’t constrict the waist / stomach area. But I still love super high rise, vintage looking jeans — what’s a girl to do? Well, I grabbed these jeans for starters. They have that vintage, super high rise (11.5 inches! I haven’t found any that high anywhere else!) but they are s t r e t c h y and actually hold their shape over multiple wears. Love ’em.
Mules are magic for that space between summer and fall. You can channel a fall vibe, without going full on with booties — practical for mild weather. I particularly love that these mules have a woven texture, meaning I won’t have to worry about scuffs or spots showing.
LOOK 2
Dress by Christy Dawn (old) | similar by Christy Dawn (made responsibly) *search “dawn dress” | similar by Reformation (made responsibly)
Sneakers gifted by Nisolo (made responsibly) *mine are the Natural Vachetta color, in a 7.5
Switching gears a little, to a more summery look. However, it wouldn’t be hard to take this look into fall — I could always add a chunky cardigan like this one in a neutral shade similar to my shoes to make it more appropriate for cool weather. I could even add soft leggings underneath for chillier days.
I’ve had these shoes all summer, and just love ’em. The Vibram sole absorbs shock, and makes for a very comfortable travel shoe. I wore mine alllll over New York City earlier this summer — you can see what I packed for that trip here.
LOOK 3
Top by Reformation (made responsibly)
Jeans by Citizens of Humanity | Same jeans, darker wash
Shoes gifted by Nisolo (made responsibly) *I got a 7.5
This might be my favorite outfit out of all three. It’s simple, but it’s got little details here and there to keep things interesting — especially that autumnal sienna color contrasted with summery faded denim. Ah, the art of creating a good color palette in an outfit — it’s one of my favorite things and you can see how I create my wardrobe color palette here.
This outfit looks pretty, but feels comfortable thanks to the stretchy denim that looks vintage (another great pair for waist / stomach comfort!) and the low, walkable heel (they do take a little breaking in, but soften up nicely).
I’d been eyeing this dark sienna top all summer, and finally went for it when it went on sale. And I’m so glad I did — the color is all fall, but the cut and weight of the fabric is perfect for mild days. Transitional pieces for the win! Word to the wise: it’s a little sheer, so wear a nude bra underneath (you can find my favorite soft nude bra right here).
• • •
And there you have it! Three outfits to wear when it’s not quite summer, but not quite fall.
So tell me, do you have any go-to tips for blending summer and fall elements in an outfit? What are you most excited about wearing, now that we’re getting close to fall?
xo,
P.S. There are plenty of other spots around the internet where I share my style these days:
Youtube for fun videos like my minimal summer makeup routine.
Spotify for yummy playlists, like Feel Good Fall, Pre-Bedtime Zen, and Self Care Night.
Oh I am so ready for autumn. Yesterday was damp and warm (yuck) today is cooler and still damp so I have socks on for the first time in weeks and am slowly starting to sort through my clothes, pull out a few blazers, consider washing and packing away the skimpier tops. Am thinking camis and t’s layered with linen shirts, chinos and soft denim, light cashmere cardis before the full on chunky sweaters, cord and thick denim makes an appearance. Brogues, mules, sneakers, colourful flats between sandals and boot weather
I just today bagged a similar pair of mules in black (the tan was OOS) half price in the sale. Its so hard to find affordable leather shoes in the UK, I would kill to be able to get nisolos as I love every pair I see on bloggers.
Love, love, love the priah top. Not familiar with the brand–would you say they run small or large?
Hi Sarah! I’d say they run true to size. I usually take a small in tops at Madewell, and I got a small in the Priah top. :)
Thanks!
I’m so in love with that first look. The dark top and washed denim look is totally my sweet soot this fall. Question about the fit on the jeans: do they run tts or stretch? I’m considering ordering them but I don’t know if I should go with my usual or down a size.
I got my regular Madewell size and they fit perfectly, so I’d say they run true to size and wouldn’t recommend sizing down. They do start stretching out about 5 or so wears in, but a simple pop in the wash fixes that. :)
That last look is my fave! I am obsessed with those jeans! Every time they’re in a post I think “I neeeeed those”! How is COH sizing compared to Madewell??
They really are the best! I take a size smaller in COH than I do in Madewell. :)
So glad to see your face around the interwebs :) Quick question – do you prefer the St. Agni Woven mules (I think I saw you wear them before!) or the Nisolo Ama?
I have both! I realized that, even though they seem similar, they actually have two very different vibes and serve two different purposes. The St. Agni Bunto is like a beach shoe — carefree, undone, casual to the max, more appropriate for summer and the weekend. The Nisolo Ama is more like a city shoe — tailored, dressier, more appropriate for fall and winter, something you could wear to work. So if you’re picking between the two, go with whichever one matches your lifestyle most of the time. :)
Oooh…that sienna color with the soft blues would make wonderful bed linens!!
I lean away from more fitted tops because of a little extra stomach weight, do you think this top could be worn a little loose without looking strange given it is clearly meant to be fitted???? I really like it and based on the fit guide would be a medium, but am wondering whether a large would work. Thoughts?? Thanks so much!!! :)
I think it would work really well if you wanted to size up. The top really does have a nice drape to it — it’s not super fitted or tight in the stomach area. I was between sizes too and took the larger of the two sizes and it worked out great! Hope that helps :)
love all the 3 looks. The dress is so pretty and romantic…and the outfits with jeans are fabulous.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
In LOVE with the rug in your last outfit images. Where is it from?!
Thank you! It’s vintage, but check out Pampa (https://pampa.com.au/) for similar options. :)
I love when you add to your blog posts which items are made ethically.
Would you be able to add that to this post?
Thanks for the inspo, so many great ideas!
Sure thing, lady! Just added ’em in! :)
The first shirt is BEAUTIFUL. I’m actually obsessed.
Ashlea | https://clothedingold.com
i love that you are transferring boho vibes and texture into fall. I’ve been in the same fashion mood as of late.
Number 3 is my jammm!
Oh thanks for the outfits ideas! It’s that time of the year when I really don’t know how to dress properly without being too cold or too hot…
wow, you have such a long hair! i love the colors and outfits!
Ohh that Pria top is perfection! I would be all over that sale if I weren’t 6 months pregnant. I love how you paired it with the light wash jeans.
hi Caroline,
I was wondering, if of course you can share, what is your height and your weight and the exact size you choose for your Madewell denim. I live in Europe -we have other sizes and I want to order one from Madewell without having to return it. I would be grateful.
thank you in advance
calli
Hi Calli! I’m 5’5, 110lbs, and I got a size 24 in the Madewell jeans. Hope that helps!
Caroline thank you a lot. That really helped as I am 5’3, and 110 lbs so I can order a 24 in the petite version..
calli
Hi! I know you said it’s old, but could you please share the source of the top in the first look? I’m absolutely in love with it!
Many thanks!
Elle