The Real Chic Life

First, join me in wishing a very happy birthday to Tonya, the founder of The Real Chic Life! Thank you for inspiring us to embrace timeless style, intentional living, and the little luxuries that make everyday life feel special. We hope this year brings you as much joy as you’ve brought to this community. 

Now let’s dive into pre-fall…Recently I covered the summer items that are worth buying now that “end of summer” sales have started. And if you’ve walked into your favorite store lately, you may have noticed suede loafers, lightweight knits, and rich autumn colors starting to pop up already. But it’s still July. That’s exactly what makes pre-fall such an interesting shopping season. It’s less about dressing for crisp weather and more about making thoughtful purchases that will carry you from late summer into autumn.

If you’re looking forward to the season ahead (I have to admit it’s my favorite) or want to take advantage of sales to stock up on items that will carry you through the next few months, here are the things I’d consider adding to your closet for the summer to fall transition (click the photos to shop).

1. A Great Pair of Leather Loafers

If I could recommend just one pre-fall purchase now, it would be a pair of leather loafers. They’re polished enough for the office, comfortable enough for everyday wear, and pair beautifully with everything from linen trousers and cotton dresses to your favorite jeans. Classic black, chocolate brown, burgundy, or cognac will never go out of style.

2. A Lightweight Knit

Now isn’t the time to stock up on chunky sweaters. Instead, choose a lightweight cotton, cashmere or merino sweater that works for cool mornings, over-air-conditioned restaurants, or draped over your shoulders on summer evenings. In late September, it’ll become one of your favorite layering pieces.

3. Dark Wash Jeans

Dark denim is one of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe feel a little more seasonal without sacrificing comfort. A clean, straight-leg pair looks just as chic with a simple white tee in August as it will with a blazer or knit sweater in the fall.

4. A Transitional Dress

Right now we’re in peak dress season, and you don’t need to put them away anytime soon. When you’re shopping for pre-fall styles look for slightly richer colors, subtle prints, or fabrics with a bit more structure. Wear them now with sandals, switch to loafers or ballet flats as the weather cools, and add boots and a jacket later in the season. The best dresses work across multiple seasons with just a few styling changes.

5. A Structured Leather Bag

Trading a woven tote for a classic leather handbag is one of the simplest ways to signal a new season. Choose a timeless silhouette in black, navy, chocolate brown, burgundy, or cognac—something you’ll enjoy carrying well beyond this year.

6. A Signature Candle

Transitioning into a new season isn’t just about your wardrobe, you can slowly transition your home as well. Many candle brands have end of season/summer archive sales and they can be useful for stocking up on your favorite transitional scents. Starting in August or early September (or whenever you’re ready) I’d swap bright citrus scents for fragrances with notes of fig, cedarwood, sandalwood, black tea, or fresh herbs. They’re grounding, sophisticated, and capture that beautiful in-between feeling before true fall arrives.

7. A New Lip Color

One of the easiest seasonal updates happens at the makeup counter. For pre-fall, trade vibrant corals for rosy nudes, muted berries, soft mauves, or cinnamon-inspired shades. It’s a small change that will instantly make your everyday look feel a little more polished.

8. A Lightweight Jacket

Rather than buying a heavy coat you’ll have to store for another two months, invest in a layer you can wear immediately. A denim jacket, barn jacket, quilted jacket, or lightweight trench will become one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe throughout late summer and early fall.

What Can Wait Until Fall

Even if you’re the type of person who loves to plan ahead, you don’t need to shop for October while it’s still July.

You can comfortably wait on:

• Heavy coats
• Thick sweaters
• Leather boots
• Bulky scarves
• Trend pieces you’re unsure about

There will be plenty of time to add those once cooler weather actually arrives.

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Pre-fall is an opportunity to shop thoughtfully instead of impulsively. Instead of filling your closet with pieces you won’t be wearing for months, choose items that transition effortlessly from late summer into autumn and continue earning their place for years to come.

Xo, Courtney