How to Dress for Fall When It’s Warm Outside
Getting dressed in a warmer climate from early August to October can be quite a challenge. Schools are back in session, your favorite brands have released their fall clothing lines, and Halloween decor is filling up the shelves, making you feel like it’s time for booties and sweaters. But, surprise—it’s still a sweltering 90 degrees! Should you stick with shorts and tank tops or sweat it out in a cardigan? Today, let’s talk about how to dress for fall when it’s still warm outside. I’ve got some great tips to help you stay stylish, comfy, and cool during this tricky transition!
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How to Dress for Fall When It’s Warm Outside
Add a Splash of Fall Color
Warm weather shouldn’t keep you from adding fall colors to your wardrobe. It is a fun way to transition from summer to autumn without breaking a sweat.
Are you wondering what shades to add? I personally lean towards earth tones for my fall wardrobe. Those are rich browns, caramel/camel, olive and sage greens, and burnt oranges. I also like to look for jewel tones, which are deeper, bolder colors like emerald green, burgundy, sapphire blue, plum, and ruby red. In other words, I like all colors. Lol!
These olive pants scream fall to me, but I’ll pair them with a short-sleeved shirt for the next few months to keep me cool! You could even switch this look by wearing a fall colored short sleeve top with a pair of chino or denim shorts. I always think of plaid during fall, so these kitten-heel slingback shoes are perfect.
Choose Comfortable Fabrics
When it’s still warm but you’re itching to add a touch of fall to your wardrobe, go for cool, comfy fabrics that keep you feeling great. Think lightweight cottons and breezy linen blends that let you stay cool while you layer up. These fabrics are perfect for adding some fall flair without overheating. I have also been adding some crochet style tops to my closet. They are perfect for getting those sweater vibes, but they have a large open knit for good airflow.
If you want to wear sweaters and knits, you can also go with short sleeve or sleeveless options like this knit midi dress. They still give you the cozy, textured look but with a little extra airflow! I’ve been a big fan of sweater vests like this white one and this black and white striped one for this exact reason.
Here’s a short sleeve sweater tank that I’ve been living in this summer. I love a cable-knit sweater, and this one is sooo soft! I loved it so much that I also bought it in white and pink. The medium fits me great, but I bought the white in large. I paired it with a breezy pair of jeans, but it also looks great with linen pants.
Cozy sweaters, as long as they aren’t too hot, are an easy way to get a fall vibe. I’m wearing a black cable knit short-sleeve sweater, but it is also available in fall hues such as rust.
Think About Footwear
Choosing the right shoes can make all the difference in looking like you’re dressing for fall vs. summer. Nothing screams summertime like a pair of flip-flops, so it’s time to set those aside if you’re looking for autumn vibes. I know boots are what our minds go to when we envision fall outfits, but I’m here to tell you that a pair of flats will look cute for late summer and early fall!
Mules are a fantastic option because they have a closed toe, but they’re backless. This lets your feet breathe, unlike a pair of boots. They come in various styles and materials, from sleek leather to cozy suede, making them perfect for those in-between days. Pair them with everything from jeans to a denim skirt for an effortlessly chic look that’s both stylish and practical.
If you feel like it’s past the point of sandal territory, but you can’t bear to wear a pair of boots yet, throw on your sneakers! Sneakers are an all-season shoe, and they can honestly be worn with almost anything these days. I love a classic all-white sneaker, but you can also find sneakers in some great fall colors, like these tan Retro Court Sneakers from Rag & Bone.
Pull Out Your Transitional Pieces
Late summer and early fall is the time to pull out your transitional pieces. I know that sounds complicated, but this is just a fancy way of saying use light layers to create an outfit! These are perfect for those in-between days where it starts out chilly while you’re doing your morning errands, but then you are sweating by lunchtime.
A classic denim jacket is a must. It’s laid-back enough for the day but can be dressed up for evening events. A medium-wash denim jacket is a timeless choice, and this is my absolute favorite one. I wear it over dresses, tee shirts, jumpsuits, and the list goes on!
A cozy cardigan or lightweight sweater is great for cooler mornings and evenings. This one is super lightweight and comfy! You might not think of fall when you see pink, but it is available in lots of other colors, like dark green, gray, navy, and black.
Don’t Forget Fall Accessories
You don’t have to overhaul your entire closet to create a fall look. Instead, start with a few fall pieces like scarves, bags, or shoes in fall hues to add that seasonal vibe.
Are you looking forward to fall fashion? When do you switch over your wardrobe to the new season?
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Verse Of The Day
Matthew 19:26 NIV
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
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Fall here in Virginia Beach does not arrive thank god till mid to late October. Too soon to think about that here. Its 85F with dew point of 70F. Can’t think of fall yet. When I was living up north in Long Island the media was training everyone that Memorial Day starts summer and Labor Day ends summer. For me I love 50F and rain during Memorial Day and 95F and humidity on or after Labor day just to shut everyone up. For me I dress the weather. Love wearing a summer white dress right after Labor Day and sometimes in October especially up north. Here in Virginia Beach September is beautiful assuming no hurricanes. Gotta to go to Long Island mid September for a wedding. Got a little white dress ready just in case its warm enough. Summer is my season and I don’t like it go away. Since I moved to here its about 6 months Summer, 2.5 months fall, 2.5 months spring and 1 month winter, My fall more like winter day to day fashion is very basic. Jeans, sneakers, sweaters, jackets. Boots, sweater dresses for going out. Summer fashion is about 75% of my wardrobe.
“Fall” doesn’t happen here in the Houston area until… umm…. ever! My trees usually loose their leaves in December / January 🙂 So summer weight fall clothes are necessary! Thanks for ideas and inspiration! Denim Skirts, Navy/Black linen pants, olive anything all work for our fall. I love the magenta you modeled; pretty! I bought some brown and some olive suede sandals… that’s fall, right?
Lol! Never, hahaha!
Living in News Orleans we need warm weather fall clothes. It sometimes doesn’t feel so much like fall in the Deep South.
LOVE the plaid pumps!! Plaid always makes me feel like it’s fall!
Thanks for this! Here in Minnesota, we are already enjoying some cooler temperatures so I am looking forward to your fall posts!!
Ready for a lil fall!!!
I am really surprised that you haven’t posted about Talbots new arrivals. I have bought tons of stuff and love the new collection
I’ve been swamped and haven’t had time to look at their new collection.
I live her in Central Florida where the heat index is running around 115 degrees and Walmart is putting out fall clothes that just makes us cringe to HOT.
Agreed
Chilly in PA today! Thx
Well up there Fall is about to start soon. That is why I don’t live there. Could not wait to leave Long Island. Virginia beach has winter but not the real bitterness of Long Island or the North East in general unless there is a strong cold front that pushes all the way down. Winter shorter here. Summer longer here. Other two seasons tends to be more summer like.
Black and white are always classics. I wear my linen into fall, it stays hot in Bama until late November. I love a cardigan! One of my favorite layers.
I am so ready for fall and fall fashion to get here!!
I always have a hard time going from summer to fall. I don’t seem to have many in between clothes. Thank you for these fashion ideas.
Fall is my favorite season!! I love almost everything about it. Bring on the cozy, comfy, chic clothing and the pumpkin everything. I loved this post. All the clothes are stylish and the headbands and earrings are adorable.
What a great post full of ideas, and I will definitely use them, I live in a very warm climate. I recently discovered sleeveless sweaters, which will be a great look for fall. LOL, though the truth is I tend to wear Autumn colors all year round, since they look best on me. I just do not wear some of them during spring and summer (such as mustard, rust orange, or royal purple), but save those specific colors for fall and winter, so I can have some seasonal variety!
I love all of the transitional outfits you put together! I will definitely be following your skin care tips and suggestions as well. I am with you on trying to avoid drooping and crepey skin!!
The camel suede loafer mules are so cute – can you suggest something similar at a lower price point? Thanks!
Annie, you can find several options here: https://amzlink.to/az06eXGpCaCSG
Because my body does not tolerate heat well, I can’t wait for the cooler months. Our high yesterday was 98, so I can’t even think about wearing clothes that represent fall. I change over my closet when I think the temps are going to not revert back to the previous season. Unfortunately, my timing is not always right.
All the outfits look inspirational. I also love olive greens year round. Thank you for showing great clothes from Amazon!
Love the v neck poncho and the pink cardigan. Super cute
Great tips – always hard to dress this time of year
Great verse.
Great fall outfits. It has been extremely hot here, so fall will be a welcome change to get temperatures in the 70’s.
Really good post. Opened up some new outfit combos for me busing what I already own.
I love the plaid kitten heels! Your clothing selection is really great!
Come on Fall! It’s my favorite time of year!!! I love all the beautiful colors! Happy Friday ❤️❤️❤️
Good choices. I have many pieces in fall colors in cotton and linen. That’s how I transition. This summer I bought a chocolate brown linen dress and brown linen wide leg trousers. I’ll probably wear them into early November. I normally keep wearing sandals into October. I have sandals in various shades of brown. My toes like sandals better so I wear them until it stays chilly for a while. Right now in Texas it’s 100 degrees weather. We’re hoping for 90s this weekend.
Hi Tania, I love the V neck poncho and microfibre tank — and that’s a good color for me too! Enjoying it all in this perfect season.
Love this post featuring transitional items. The denim jacket and long cardigans are my favorites . Bring on the pumpkin-spiced lattes!🎃
Great Fall Outfits. Will be hot here until November.
Living in Texas, I needed this post- thanks!
I was thinking about my Texas, Florida, etc., gurls!
More for colors not so much real fall clothing. When I was living up north fall is more like winter. Spring is more light winter. Where I am living now Spring/Fall is closer to summer than winter. Winter most of the time is high 30F at night and mid to upper 50F in the day. Not too awful unless a strong cold front from up north arrives.
Great transition looks! I love fall. I love olive greens year round. So pairing Olive wide legs with different tops for the seasons is always fun.
Love these summer to fall looks! Thank you
Love the long cardigans.
I’m so looking forward to switching to fall clothes. I’ll start switching in September, at least, in colors. It stays hot pretty much until October so tshirts in fall colors, flats and tennis shoes, and layers for the occasional cool days. These are some great suggestions!
Tania, I love fall, too! But it is hard to transition when your temps are in the upper 90’s!! Love your suggestions! Have a nice weekend!
Blessings,
Hi there!
I read that you’re trying new face/skin products. Have you ever tried a fascia blaster by Ashley Black? The face blaster is the best!
I am by no means affiliated. I’ve had success using it.
Have a lovely day!
God bless!
Ps….I need a wardrobe stylist like you to whip my sad closet into shape! 🫥
I’ve never heard of that, but it looks extremely interesting. I’m going to look into it today.
Love the fall transition ideas!
I am one of those old Southern women that likes to put away the whites and pastels after Labor Day, but coastal SC is still sweltering. Great options.
Love the olive pants and longline cardigans…
Love the white sweater vest!
Love Fall colors! And ponchos!
My favorite time of the year is fall, for the weather, clothes, and colors. I like the olive and white outfit idea and have always loved layers. Can’t wait for cooler weather.
Love the berry & pink together
CUTE!!!