The Real Chic Life

I’m not sure if it’s because we’ve been writing about fall so much lately here on The Real Chic Life, or because I’ve had such a low-key summer, but I feel unusually eager for fall—and fall fashion—this year.

I want the sweaters. The jackets. The loafers. The boots. The richer colors. The layers.

The only problem is it’s still summer.

My kids are currently interrupting my fall fantasy to beg for a pool day and another ice cream run. And while September—and the unofficial start of fall—is only a couple of weeks away, if you live somewhere with a warm early fall like I do, pulling out your entire fall wardrobe the minute September arrives isn’t necessarily practical.

So, for now, I’ll just have to be patient.

Because the key to a stylish transition into fall isn’t changing your wardrobe overnight. It’s gradually shifting the balance between your summer and fall pieces as the weather, and your mood, begin to change.

Instead of putting away everything that feels summery and pulling out everything that feels autumnal, think of the transition as a series of small wardrobe edits. Start introducing richer colors. Add lightweight layers. Change up your shoes. Bring in fall textures. And slowly bring out your heavier pieces as the weather allows.

The result is a wardrobe that feels fresh and seasonally appropriate without looking like you’re trying to force fall before it’s actually here.

Here’s exactly how I’d do it.

Your Fall Transition Timeline

If you want to make the process incredibly simple, here’s the timeline I’d follow, adjust based on the temps in your area:

Late August

Prep.

August is not the time for a complete seasonal wardrobe swap. Instead, this is when I like to take a good look at what I actually wore during the summer and begin prepping my closet for the next season. You don’t need to put away every sundress and linen piece. In fact, many of your summer clothes can work well into September and even October with the right styling.

Start by separating your wardrobe into three categories:

Keep wearing: Pieces that can easily transition into early fall.

Think cotton tees, button-down shirts, jeans, lightweight trousers, midi skirts, simple dresses, loafers, ballet flats and lightweight cardigans.

Also keep: Pieces that feel summery on their own but could work with fall layers.

A satin skirt, for example, can look completely different with a knit sweater and loafers than it does with a tank top and sandals.

Store: Pieces that are unmistakably summer (unless you still have beach/summer/vacation plans in late August or September) .

This might include very lightweight beachwear, crochet cover-ups, extremely bright tropical prints, and barely-there sandals.

I also like to take fall clothes out before I’m actually ready to wear most of them. For me, late August is a good time to pull out fall knits, jackets, boots and accessories and give everything a little inspection. That doesn’t mean wearing them all yet.

Instead:

• Check sweaters for pilling, stains or damage.
• Make sure buttons are secure.
• Try on jackets and coats.
• Clean and condition leather shoes.
• Check boots for scuffs.
• Make sure everything still fits the way you want it to.
• Pull out scarves and other cold-weather accessories.
• Decide what needs to go to the dry cleaner or tailor.

This is also when I like to put the most transitional pieces somewhere where I can easily see them. A lightweight cardigan or jacket should be much easier to reach than a heavy wool coat.

Make an Intentional Fall Shopping List

Only after you’ve gone through your closet should you decide what you need to buy for the upcoming season. Separate your list into three categories:

Need

Pieces that genuinely fill a gap.

Replace

Things you own but that are worn out or no longer fit properly.

Want

Pieces that would be fun but aren’t necessary.

I think the Need and Replace categories deserve priority, but evaluating your wardrobe in August gives you lots of time to fill in gaps before cold weather arrives.

And sometimes, after doing the wardrobe audit, you’ll discover that your “shopping list” is surprisingly short.

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Early September

Start wearing fall colors and lightweight jackets while continuing to wear summer pieces.

Think summer + fall combinations. For example, a silk skirt or satin pants that you wore with a tank top in July can become an early-fall outfit with a fitted tee, loafers and a lightweight jacket. A summer dress can work with a cardigan and ballet flats. White jeans can work beautifully with a camel sweater and loafers.

You can also gradually reduce the amount of very summery color you’re wearing. Start replacing your spring/summer shades with deeper, more autumnal versions.

Instead of:

Icy blue → navy or denim blue

Bright red → burgundy or oxblood

Pale pink → dusty rose

Bright green → olive or forest green

Lemon yellow → mustard or ochre

If you’re nervous about going too autumnal too soon, accessories are the easiest place to begin. A burgundy handbag, chocolate brown belt, cognac loafers or tortoiseshell sunglasses can make a simple summer outfit feel much more transitional.

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Mid-September

Introduce lightweight sweaters, cardigans, leather accessories and more substantial shoes.

Lightweight jackets

A lightweight jacket like a trench coat, barn jacket, or denim jacket is perfect for cool mornings and evenings.

Lightweight knits

Think cotton sweaters, fine-gauge cashmere, silk knits and lightweight cardigans. These give you the texture of fall without the bulk.

Closed-toe shoes

This is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit feel more autumnal.

Start moving from sandals toward:

• Loafers
• Ballet flats
• Sneakers
• Mules
• Lightweight ankle boots

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Late September

Move deeper into fall colors and textures.

Put away any remaining summery clothing if you’re no longer wearing it.

October

Make your fall wardrobe the main event.

You can begin relying more heavily on:

• Sweaters
• Jackets
• Loafers
• Boots
• Denim
• Trousers
• Deeper colors
• Leather accessories
• Heavier fabrics

But you can still keep a few transitional pieces available for those unexpectedly warm days.

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There is something very tempting about wanting your wardrobe to match the season before the weather actually does. But style is so much better when it feels natural. Next month when pumpkin spice is everywhere, you don’t necessarily need to reach for sweaters. You definitely don’t need to pack away your white jeans after Labor Day. And you don’t need to buy an entirely new wardrobe every time the season changes. Instead, let your wardrobe evolve gradually.

Xo, Courtney