Summer-to-Fall Dress Transition
Are you as excited about fall fashion as I am? The bada*s boots, the snuggly sweaters, the chic coats and jackets…I love it all!! Here in Telluride, we’ve already had a light dusting of snow on the mountains, but fall temps can really be all over the map – 70 degrees and sunny one day, cold rain, even snow the next. In addition to weather being unpredictable this time of year, if you’re like me, you may be a little slow getting out all of your cooler weather clothes. It mentally feels a little too soon to bust out the knit dresses and tall boots. Well, one of the simplest ways to maximize your wardrobe is to grab your favorite summer dresses and transition them for the fall and winter seasons. All it takes are a few strategic style choices. Below I’m walking your through those 3 simple tips. You will use these tips for life! (And, they will maximize your wardrobe too.)
Huge thank you to Saks Fifth Avenue for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dress #1 – L’Agence Tank Dress
So, let’s take a summer dress that I love and use it as an example. In the pictures above, I’m wearing a stunning black dress by L’Agence. Trust me when I tell you it is GORGEOUS! It reminds me of a Balmain piece because of the amazing fit, and the quality of the fabric and buttons – a wow piece for sure. This is one of those dresses that’s also so versatile. I can see wearing it to weddings, dinners, and events. It would also be great for the holidays if you’re thinking that far ahead (And, brava to you for that!).
Because the cotton is so thick, almost twill-like, you can easily go braless if you are smaller busted (C and below). This dress has a side zip. Only the 2 bottom buttons are functioning, so you don’t need to worry about the buttons gaping in the bust area if that is sometimes a concern for you. Or perhaps more importantly, you don’t have to worry about buttoning 8,000 buttons every time you put it on. 😉 If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down. I’m wearing a size 2 and it fits like a glove.
Transition Your Dress Into Fall
Okay, so in the summer and on warm fall days, I would style the dress as I did on the left, pairing it with suede, heeled mules by L’Agence that have a pointed toe and sleek silhouette, a chunky mixed metal necklace and sunglasses.
On the right, I wanted to show you how to style the same dress for cooler weather. And, here is where your 3 style tips come in.
1) Add a Jacket
I topped the dress with my favorite Veronica Beard scuba blazer in black.
2) Wear Tights
Tights are a very simple way to create a long, lean line and also keep you warmer. When I lived in the Northeast, I wore tights on the daily to work.
3) Booties
Lastly, swap your open-toe sandals for a pair of closed-toe boots or booties. In the case above, I’m wearing suede black booties.
Notice the accessories are exactly the same. Simplicity is QUEEN when it comes to style. When in doubt, keep it simple.
3 Style Tips for Summer-to-Fall Transition
Here is the same dress again with a different jacket. This cropped jacket cropped jacket by Alice + Olivia creates a completely different look. Isn’t it amazing how the smallest swaps completely transform the outfit?? I thought the buttons on the jacket would be too busy with the buttons on the dress, but after trying it on, I feel like it looks like an intentional set- very chic and luxe! This is another super simple way to transition your summer dress into fall and winter using the same 3 style tips: 1. Adding a Jacket, 2. Wearing Tights and 3. Booties. By the way, this jacket is such a great fall staple. It’ll look great paired with jeans and a tee, or with a blouse and trousers for the office. The cropped length gives you amazing waist definition so …it’s flattering too!
In all 3 looks, I’m wearing a mixed metal necklace by Keneth Jay Lane. If you like the idea of mixing silver and gold but aren’t sure how to pull it off, this necklace is the perfect anchor piece. It’s very substantial and makes a statement. Again, versatile, wearable, yet impactful!
Dress #2 – Rails Midi Dress
Let’s try it again, shall we? The next summer dress I love by Rails above has such a classic and flattering silhouette that is SO versatile. You could dress it up or down by either wearing heels or sneakers. A black dress like this is one of those basics I’m always talking about…a key foundation piece in your wardrobe that you will wear ALL THE TIME.
The little black dress or LBD is made of 100% cotton so it’s lightweight and breathable. It’s a pull-on style (no zippers). I love the gathered waist, full skirt, V-neckline in the front and back, and the sexy rolled tank straps. The dress even has pockets! A holy grail of LBD’s, no question.
Simple Summer-to-Fall Transition
Okay, now let’s transform this summery dress with our 3-step magical style formula so we can wear it year round. On the left, I styled the dress with the same sandals, mixed metal statement necklace and I added a cool croc-embossed Tom Ford leather belt. I love how the belt exaggerates the look of the cinched waist. Plus, the belt gives such a glam touch that levels up the whole look.
Then on the right, presto chango… using our 3 simple style tips:
1. Add a Jacket
2. Wear Tights
3. Booties
The dress is now fall and winter ready!! I added the same Alice + Olivia cropped tweed jacket that I’m wearing in the look above. See what I mean about this jacket being a great fall staple?
Leather Jacket for Fall
Using our 3-step formula, I wanted to show you yet one more chic and stylish example. In the look above, I swapped the cropped tweed jacket for a faux leather jacket in an incredible shade of dark green. This Generation Love faux leather moto jacket is soft, flexible and beautiful. Think of this green as a stunning neutral that will pair beautifully with other neutral tones. It’s actually more versatile than you may think. I love the cropped length to highlight the waist, and the gold hardware gives it a glam and updated look. You really can’t go wrong wearing cropped jackets with your dresses. The shorter length adds waist definition and does not cover too much of the dress.
Which fall layer is your favorite…the blazer, tweed crop, or edgy leather? Leave us a note below and cast your vote!
Hey Erin
I’m struggling! I have several upcoming dressy events in October. It’s 62° I am not a bare leg girl. I’ll freeze, but I’m not ready for boots and the occasions are too dressy. What is one to put on your legs with a cocktail dress? Black tights don’t look classy, does no one wear hose anymore??
Hi Diana! We think black tights can look elegant with a cocktail dress, especially a black dress. Just to give you a visual, have a look at this post https://busbeestyle.com/summer-to-fall-transition-dresses/ and you’ll see what we mean. Also, you can dress for a cocktail occasion in an elevated pant suit vs. a dress which could help in the warmth department too. Hope that helps! Enjoy your week. ~Team Busbee
Tweed crop
LOVE the tweed crop! Such a perfect third layer. Thanks for sharing your favorite with us, Claudia! ~Team Busbee xo