Summer 2020 is basically over and, if I’m being honest, I’m not too sad about it. With this summer being such a flop, you may not have even realized that fall is here like, now (uh news flash, we’re halfway through September). We’re now at that awkward in-between season where you feel like you shouldn’t be buying summer stuff when you can also be getting a pumpkin spice latte but, at the same time, we still have another few weeks of relatively warmer weather. So what are you supposed to do, not engage in retail therapy? Lol, no. In order to accommodate this weird transitional season, here are some summer pieces you can still buy now that will also translate for fall.
1. Trendy Tennis Skirt
Princess Polly Lona Mini Skirt, $46
If you follow any fashion bloggers on Instagram, then you already know the tennis skirt has been a huge summer trend. Of course, a short sporty tennis skirt may initially seem like an exclusively summer or spring piece, but it can also work great for fall. Pick one in a traditional print like this ’90s plaid which can be styled tons of ways. For example, pair it with an oversized sweater or fitted turtleneck and add tall boots or short booties and tights for a stylish fall outfit.
2. Versatile Button Down
Thirty20 Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt, $65
Button downs are a closet staple of mine because they can be worn so many different ways. You can wear it as we transition to fall, either buttoned and front-tucked, or even tied into a crop top with the sleeves rolled. This one in particular is perfect for transitioning from season to season with its neutral brown tie-dye print. You could wear it into fall layered over a graphic tee, a fitted long sleeve, or even just tied around your waist.
3. Simple Slip Dress
Local Heroes Grey Satin Slip On Mini Dress, $80
The slip dress seemed like one of those here today, gone tomorrow type of trends when it first surfaced a few years ago. But, it’s fully stuck around, which is great considering it can so easily transition from season to season. For example, you can obviously wear it now with strappy sandals or dad sneakers for an end-of-summer look. As it gets chillier, you can also wear it layered over a graphic tee or fitted long sleeve, or even layered with a cardigan or denim jacket.
4. Basic Bodysuit
Mistress Rocks ‘Deviate’ Black Silky Jersey Low Back Bodysuit, $51
You can’t go wrong with a basic bodysuit—whether you wear it casually with jeans or dressed up with a mini skirt, it’s obviously a versatile piece. And, being that it is so inherently versatile, it’s definitely a piece to buy now for transitioning from summer to fall. Bodysuits are perfect for wearing under jackets, flannels, and cardigans all throughout the fall season.
5. Midi Skirt
UO Kelly Tulip Wrap Midi Skirt, $59
A midi skirt can easily be worn all year long. Wear one now with a cute fitted crop top or into the fall with either an oversized off-the-shoulder sweater or T-shirt-and-jacket-combo. It looks great paired with chunky sneakers in the fall or even slouchy boots as we move into winter.
6. High-Quality Black Crop Top
When it comes to basic essential pieces, it’s worth spending the money on high-quality staples so that they’ll actually last you from season to season. Sure, it may seem expensive for a crop top, but unlike the $10 one from Forever21, this one won’t fall apart after one season.
7. Flowy Pants
Charley Madelyn Polished in Black Paperbag Pant, $22
There’s nothing better than a flowy pant in the summer, especially on those days you don’t feel like squeezing into denim shorts. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t put on bottoms with a fly in months. Fortunately, flowy pants are a chic boho alternative to shorts during the summer months, and they also transition perfectly for fall. Pair them now with a crop top or in the fall with either a cropped or oversized slouchy sweater.
8. Fitted Mini Dress
White Fox Play It Loud Drawstring Mini Dress Dusty Khaki, $49.99
A fitted mini dress is obviously a summer wardrobe must-have. It can be dressed up with a pair of heeled sandals or down with a cool pair of chunky sneakers. However, it can also be a fall wardrobe staple with some styled layering pieces. Wear your fitted mini dress into the fall by layering it with an oversized cardigan and boots for a versatile fall fit.
9. Loose Knit Cardigan
Free People Sweet Talker Cardi, $168
A good open knit cardigan is worth investing in. It’s obviously ideal during the transitional months of spring and fall as an easy layering piece for when the weather is, like Katy Perry, hot and cold. It’s ideal for an end-of-summer look to wear over a tank and shorts, or even as a stylish beach cover-up. Then, as we head into fall, it’s perfect for an extra layer of warmth that also adds an additional element of style.
10. Strapless Top
House of CB Juana White Shaped Top Boned Corset, $89
Strapless tops can easily be worn into the chillier months with a cool jacket or oversized cardigan. You can even get more creative with it by layering it over a fitted tee or turtleneck for a cool-girl layered look. Pick a structured corset one for a trendy and flattering season-to-season piece.
11. Sleeveless Jumpsuit
Etica Cami Jumpsuit Coffee, $165
This jumpsuit is an ideal example of something you can wear now with a sandal, and then into the fall over a mock neck long sleeve and ankle boots. The color has a hint of peach keeping it summery, while it’s also neutral enough to still be appropriate for fall. You can even just throw a jacket over your shoulders with it for the start of fall during those weeks when the weather is still so unpredictable.
12. T-Shirt Dress
Superdown Ciara Tee Dress, $58
T-shirt dresses are another summery item I wear every month, because they can be styled so many different ways. You can wear it now while it’s hot out for a simple and comfortable outfit that looks cute with sneakers. Then, as we move into fall, you can easily pair it with boots and a jacket, or layered over leather leggings for an edgier look.
If you haven’t caught on to my point by now, it’s that a lot of your summer pieces can transition to fall through different layering and styling techniques. So instead of buying just either swimsuits or sweaters, spend your money on these more versatile pieces that you can actually wear throughout the year.
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Images: @byfoul/ Unsplash; Princess Polly; Thirty20; Local Heroes; Mistress Rocks; Urban Outfitters; Nookie; Montce; White Fox; Free People; House of CB; Etica; Revolve