So, here we are again. Classes are starting, leaves will be falling soon and those hot days spent at the terrace are coming to an end. When summer turns into autumn, it’s easy to fall into an overall slump, but the most common rut of all to get stuck in is a fashion rut. When the days get colder, it’s so tempting to live in sweatshirts and forget all about the cute clothes that you loved to rock all summer. While comfy days are definitely an occasional must, it’s surprisingly easy to turn your favorite summer pieces into fall-friendly, trendy outfits.
The Mini Skater Skirt
On a warm summer night, a skater skirt is perfect paired with a cropped tank and wedges, but on a breezy autumn night in Madison, you would be shivering before you even got to the bar. One way to bring skirts into the colder seasons is to throw tights on under them, but that’s outdated. Instead, try pairing your summer skirts with over-the-knee socks, a cropped sweater and closed-toe wedges. It offers a little less full-body coverage than tights and a tucked-in sweater, but it still provides you with enough warmth that you can exist in the outdoors. Fall does not have to mean the start of denim season, so take a risk and keep your skirts a main part of your wardrobe until blizzards tell you otherwise.
Layering… the Right Way
Everyone remembers being a young kid on a cool day, wearing about eight million layers, bundled to the point that moving became a small struggle. If the idea of layering still holds that connotation with you, think again, because the bulky days are over. Instead of wearing a classic layered outfit (e.g. tank top, t-shirt, sweatshirt, coat), try throwing in unique pieces that could have potentially stood alone in the summer. For example, instead of a cardigan, try an open, light kimono. Worn over a tank and under a light military jacket, this look is adorable and effortless. When you arrive at your indoor destination, you won’t dread peeling off your layers to reveal more bland, typical autumn layers, but rather you’ll have a cute outfit right on underneath. Don’t let a little wind make you forget to put your best fashion foot forward, even if it has to remain slightly hidden on your walk to class.
Wide-Leg Chiffon Pants
In the summer, these pants act like a maxi skirt, which can be paired perfectly with a cami and sandals. The key in transitioning this look into fall is to keep yourself from looking too engulfed in flowy clothes. The perfect way to do this is to pair these pants with an off-the-shoulder sweater that comes down to just an inch or two below the top of the pants. As far as shoes go, Converse, Keds, Toms or any other canvas sneakers looks great with this outfit. It’s fall casual without looking lazy, and it’s just as comfortable as sweats. This look can also be taken from day to night simply by swapping out the sneakers for wedges (high enough that the pants won’t drag) and a pretty tank under the sweater (one strap should show). These wide-leg pants were a beloved item this past summer, and they still have more work to do this fall.
Let’s be real, it’s hard to put effort into style when it’s cold out, but challange yourself and dedicate at least two days of the week to trying to incorporate your summer wardrobe into your fall wardrobe. Summer has to end, but summer fashion certainly does not.
Fashion dilemma? Not to worry, shoot Syndey an email at smmann@wisc.edu.
