This post is written in collaboration with Lily Jade. I was provided with the bag featured in this post, but all opinions, text, and photos are my own.
It’s technically fall, but it feels like summer. Summer in the South runs from about early May until early October, at which point we have fall weather until January, a month of winter, and then spring.
So what’s a fall-fashion-loving girl to do in early October?
I have beloved fall clothes in my closet (chunky knits! dark wash jeans! leather boots!), but it’s still too warm to wear them.
I’m over flip flops and shorts, but I can’t wear tall boots when it’s 80 degrees outside.
The struggle is real.
Today I’m sharing a few of my best tips for dressing for fall even when it still feels like summer!
How to Dress for Fall When It Still Feels Like Summer
1. Choose the right colors
This is not the time for pastels or neons. Start bringing in warm shades like burnt orange, mustard yellow, maroon, or deep coral, as well as jewel tones like teal (my favorite!) and purple. The coral blouse I’m wearing warms up my outfit, but not me, since the blouse is lightweight!
2. Wear light layers
Whether it’s a blousey top or a loose-fitting swing dress, you can wear long or 3/4 length sleeves when it’s warm out if the fabrics are lightweight. I have a swing dress that is great for this as well. It’s flowy and is a beautiful teal color, but it’s still cool enough to wear now.
3. Add a leather bag
Cognac leather goes with just about anything, but a beautiful leather bag can really make a fall outfit POP. (I’m wearing Lily Jade Elizabeth in Camel.) I love this bag for many reasons, but the #1 reason is that it is a functional diaper bag on the inside and a stylish purse on the outside! It’s an investment piece for many years to come!
4. Ankle boots for the win
It’s still not cool enough for tall boots, so ankle boots are the way to go! These light colored ankle boots go with anything (jeans, dresses, or skirts), but don’t really feel too warm. (In the winter, however, I wear them with heavy socks.)
5. Accessorize wisely
On cooler mornings or evenings, toss on a lightweight vest to add some interest to your outfit. Or, add a beautiful statement necklace to really pull together your look!
Outfit details
blouse: Express via thredUP / vest / jeans / boots: Dolce Vita via TJMaxx / bag
What are your best tips for dressing for “fall” in the South?
This post contains affiliate links.
I’m not in the south, but I do like to wear a sleeveless top and add a fall scarf to “warm” it up a bit. I am also busting out the ankle boots. Great post, friend!
Ooh good idea to add the scarf!
Very cute! Living in Georgia, I totally agree about the weather down here. I am glad it is finally rolling down enough to incorporate some fall elements in my wardrobe!
Yes! I think it’s cooling down here soon too!