Sometimes it can feel like life is just a constant rotation between large plastic bins of clothing — as soon as you're finally getting settled into your summer wardrobe, it seems like it's already time to break out your fall and winter clothing again. Just think how much easier it would be if you could have just one cohesive closet that worked all year round.
While we've both questioned and contemplated the notion of a seasonless wardrobe, we've come to the conclusion that it's just not realistic if you 1) Enjoy getting creative with your pieces and how you style them, and 2) Like keeping up with the latest trends. But that doesn't mean you can't get a little more wear out of your seasonal items. And luckily, the transition from summer to fall is one where you can make multiple styles work with minimal effort. All it takes is a little bit of layering and the courage to get a bit more quirky with how you wear your clothing.
Ahead, see how you can keep wearing things like your (beloved) off-the-shoulder tops and sandals at least a little while longer.
The Off-The-Shoulder Top
Don't pack up your off-the-shoulder tops just yet. Believe it or not, you can layer them over all your favorite fall turtlenecks for an unexpected outfit. Wear this pairing with a midi skirt, metallic platform shoes, and a bucket bag in a fall hue to seal the deal.
Cafuné Mini Basket Bucket, $410, available at Cafuné; Farrow Margot Top in Black, $ 69 $52.99, available at Need Supply Co; Cédric Charlier Striped Turtleneck Sweater, $705, available at Net-A-Porter; Zara Retro Denim Skirt, $69.90, available at Zara; Loeffler Randall Frances Platform Oxford, $395, available at Loeffler Randall.
The Shorts
While you can still sport bare legs on those less chilly fall days (they exist, we swear!), give your summer shorts a more transitional vibe by wearing them with a combat ankle bootie on your feet and a chunky turtleneck sweater up top. Then keep the edgy/girly theme going with hardware earrings (we love how these look like paper clips) and a beaded mini-bag.
J.W. Anderson Mockneck Pullover Sweater, $905, available at Moda Operandi; Wilfred Marne Short, $42, available at Aritzia; London Rebel Chunky Heeled Boots with Contrast Lace, $65, available at ASOS; Common Muse Greta Chain Earrings, $42, available at Common Muse; Shrimps Antonia Beaded Clutch Bag, $454, available at Shrimps.
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The Raw-Edge, Cropped Jean
Swap out the slinky tanks and welcome back sweater weather with an oversized knit. Wear it partially tucked in and with a belt to avoid an overly slouchy feel, and pair with fringed and fuzzy-lined accessories.
American Eagle Outfitters Denim x Straight Crop Jean, $49.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters; American Eagle Outfitters Tassel Mini Crossbody Bag, $24.95, available at American Eagle Outfitters; M.I.H Hughes Oversized Alpaca-and-Wool-blend Sweater, $325, available at Net-A-Porter; Mari Giudicelli Leblon Mules in Coral Suede, $580, available at Need Supply Co; Pixie Market Circle Ring Black Belt, $48, available at Pixie Market.
The Platform Sandal
Think open-toed-shoe season is coming to an end? Think again. This time, instead of pairing them with denim cutoffs or a summery floral dress, fall-ify your outfit by wearing your platform sandals with autumn-appropriate trousers. On top, play with layers such as a comfy turtleneck with a sparkly cami. And when it gets even chillier, don't be afraid to wear those same sandals with a sock, too.
Teva Women's Flatform Universal Crafted, $100, available at Teva; Topshop Mensy Trouser, $75, available at Topshop; Mango Sequined Top, $49.99, available at Mango; J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck, $34.50, available at J.Crew; Building Block Box Bag, $475, available at Opening Ceremony.
The Slip Dress
The slip dress is 100% fair game for fall (or for any season, really). In the colder months, though, think of it as more of a tunic than a standalone frock. Throw it on over a long-sleeved top and some jogger-like trousers, and finish the look with white sneakers and minimalist jewelry. Consider this a completely fresh take on athleisure.
Tibi Lou Lou Appliqué Bias Dress, $425, available at Tibi; Live The Process Micro-rib Crossback Knit, $375, available at ShopSuperStreet; H&M Joggers, $34.99, available at H&M; Kenneth Cole Kingvel Low-top Sneaker, $120, available at Kenneth Cole; Luiny Sol Earrings, $115, available at Local Eclectic.
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