9 Ways to Transition From Summer to Fall Fashion (The Right Way!)

How to transition from summer to fall fashion is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart.

You see, it’s easy to get “season confused” when you live in the desert. After all, it’s technically “fall” in Arizona, but we’re still in the triple digits.

So what you’ll see is a pretty big mish-mash of styles. Some gals will still be in summer shorts while others will be in leggings already, regardless of the heat!

Listen, if it’s unreasonably hot, there’s no reason to pull out your over-the-knee boots. But hopefully these ideas on how to transition from summer to fall fashion will help you feel stylish, in the “season” yet comfortable, too.

9 Ways to Transition From Summer to Fall Fashion (The Right Way!)

Bust Out the White Booties

One of my favorite tricks for transitioning my summer clothes into fall is pairing my summer dresses with booties. This season in particular, it’s all about the white bootie which is SO easy to pair with both summer and fall dresses! You can also style them with your jeans, they’re crazy-versatile.

Incorporate Fall Accessories

Sometimes all you need for your outfit to feel transitional is a few fall pieces and accessories, like Caitlin from Southern Curls & Pearls. She layers on this cozy cardigan over a cute lace cami (I wear/love this one) for an instant fall look. Of course, the hat is the finishing touch!

She’s wearing these jeans that I also own, wear and love and they’re currently on sale!!! They’re my favorite pair at the moment.

Layer, Layer, Layer

The most-used item in my wardrobe is a great cardigan. Which is why I can never resist stocking up on several! They’re the easiest way to layer like a pro and look great with summer tops, camis and those little dresses.

Here, I layered a cardigan with black leggings and a black tank–such an easy outfit! I can wear it while working from home and throw on some heels to dress it up a bit.

Related: Cute Cardigan Outfits to Try

Try Fall Trends, Colors & Textures

Sometimes all you need to transition from summer to fall fashion is to incorporate fall colors and fall trends. One of the biggest fall trends is animal print everything, so these Leopard heels are a great way to step into fall!

Aside from accessories, colors and prints, playing with textures are another way to get a fall feel, even if it still feels like summer. This faux suede pencil skirt is a great example; it’s short so can be worn when it’s still warm but that soft, suede feel screams fall, as does this cozy Grey Sweater.

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Pair Your Dresses with Booties

This Dress from the RP Everyday Shop is the perfect way to transition from summer to fall fashion. The fabric looks breathable enough to wear if it’s still warm, but you can easily layer on a coat if needed. Pair it with some cute booties like Rachel did and you’ve got a cute transitional outfit.

Wear Your Summer Shorts with a Sweater

I adore Emily from Champagne and Chanel, she always has the cutest finds! This sweater + shorts + booties combo is a great transitional outfit that will keep you cozy yet still cool for a warm fall! This sweater, by the way, is 40% off at the moment! And here are some similar booties and hat.

Try a Military Jacket

An ordinary summer outfit of cropped jeans and a tee gets an instant fall upgrade with a military jacket. I love how Brighton from Brighton the Day styled it.

You could also try this look with a pair of moto leggings for an athleisure look. I currently am loving this pair from Spanx since they lift and tuck it all!! Trust me, they’re truly the best. I’d style them with a tee or tank and then layer the jacket on top. 

Try a Fall Dress + a Cardigan

Just about every summer dress I own I will transition into fall just by layering a cardigan on top and throwing on a pair of booties. It’s a great way to make your spring/summer outfits last a little longer and will still keep you “cool” until the temperature actually cools off a bit!

I found this cute cardigan from Mint Julep Boutique. But you can also find similar ones here and here.

Wear Plaid

Plaid screams fall, and a cute plaid button-down like this look from Alyson Hayley’s blog is an easy trend to try! I found this plaid shirt which is under $50! Wear it with a cute pair of booties and you’ve got a great transitional look.

I hope this post has given you some great ideas on how to transition from summer to fall fashion—even if it’s still hot out!

Which one is your favorite look? Do you have any favorite tips or secrets on transitioning to fall fashion? Share them below!