Transitional dressing has been on my mind since I woke up and needed a sweatshirt on my morning walk about a week ago. Or maybe it’s because that’s all I’ve been seeing on Instagram and in my emails. :) My cynical self sometimes thinks all these “transitional wardrobe” drops are just a ploy to get us to buy more. And while I do think that’s true in some cases, I also think what can get lost in marketing overkill is rooted in two important things. The weather and our mood.
When you get dressed each morning, the weather is the primary consideration. Do I need a jacket? Is it raining? Will I sweat through this? Clothes, after all, have to be functional.
Once the weather questions are answered, we can shift toward our mood. Mood is more than just am I happy or sad today. It encompasses what we’re craving, what we’re delighting in, what we’re learning, and how to convey our selves to the world. And these moods evolve. They evolve with personal growth as much as they move with the seasons.
In most parts of the country the biggest seasonal shifts are from winter to spring and from summer to fall. After a long winter, spring evokes thoughts of spring break travel, warm weather, longer days, fresh strawberries, etc. And after a summer full of 90 degree days, travel, and kids at home, thoughts of routine, cozy sweaters, and football (just me?) start to emerge. So it’s no wonder you’ll crave different pieces in your wardrobe!
How to convey your “self” to the world is totally personal. I always start with my values, which are my cornerstone for pretty much everything from getting dressed to making business decisions. You can read more about finding your personal style here.
It’s never my philosophy to go out and buy a bunch of new things to wear each season, but it is my philosophy to take inventory of your wardrobe, see how you can reinvent the pieces you have, and thoughtfully choose a few new things to satisfy your current cravings.
Below I’m sharing some pieces I’m transitioning to fall with. Please let these serve as a jumping off point for you - whether you’re in the market for something new or shopping your closet. I’m in Chicago, so we’ll likely have weather in the 60s, 70s, and 80s through September. Most of these items I have in my closet already - it’s just about styling them differently or intentionally. The ones with * are the pieces I purchased in the past couple of weeks.
Right now I’m delighting in the ease of cotton, loose-fitting denim, and earth tones with a twist. This mood-board captures the essence of what I want to feel like as I slowly transition out of summer. It’s not the exact pieces I’m after - it’s what they exude with the styling. I’m always going for a chill, classic, intentional, minimal, and sensual vibe. Everyone is different, so you have to know what you’re looking to exude to feel like you. :)
10 pieces to transition to fall with:
Slip on sneakers * (I just ordered these. I’m excited to get them! I like that they are slip on and I think the checkerboard pattern is really fun.)
Croco Bag in black or espresso to add some rich texture to the mix.
A layering cardigan (I have this one in walnut and love it with my beige denim linked below. This one is also really good. This is a perfect lightweight cashmere for chilly mornings/evening.
Kick Flare Ribbed Pants - these are so perfect for transitional weather. They are just as easily paired with a sweater as a tank top and work with several types of shoes. (I have them in navy. I love these so much I am tempted to get them in a second color - maybe walnut or ivory.)
Birkenstock clogs (Going on three years with these!)
Beige denim - I love wearing mine with white for a more summery look or with brown for a more monochrome fall feel. (I have the horseshoe style. If you like more of a straight leg, you can’t go wrong with Levi’s.)
Loose-fitting light to medium wash denim. (I have had these for over three years and still love them. I also just ordered a pair of vintage Levis from the Jean Genie because I wanted something with a straight leg. I’ll let you know how they fit. I’m crossing my fingers! Also worth noting, my friend Natalie has these and they are so cute on her I’m tempted to try them!)
A really good t-shirt * to trade places with tank tops (I ordered this one in black.) Side note on t-shirts. I used to hold on to the same ones that were “ok” for years and years - until the armpits turned yellow (gross). I realized it’s worth investing in one or two really good ones a year. The cost per wear is so low when you have a piece that fits well.
A dress you can throw a sweater over (My most worn dress of the summer will definitely continue into September.)
Easy-breezy button downs (I wear this one and this one a ton. I got this one in the Mirth sale last week. * And I am wearing this short-sleeved one as I type this.)
And as an honorable mention, I saw these Khaite boots that are completely perfect. They are similar to a Freda Salvador pair I have (they aren’t on the site anymore….maybe they’ll bring them back for fall?), so I am not letting myself pull the trigger on them. But they are incredible.
And finally I’ll share my current favorite sunnies here! They’re the perfect cherry on top of an outfit!
I’ll be back next month for all the fall ideas! What are you looking forward to wearing this fall?
xo,
Abby
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