Living in Pittsburgh for the past four years I have come to recognize, and even appreciate, the awkward weather that starts about three weeks into classes. It’s not hot enough for shorts and tanks anymore, but not quite cold enough to be all bundled up. It’s the beginning of fall and if any of you are like me, this period of time starts the endless, “What do I wear in this weather?!” conversations. Here come the mornings with five outfit changes because 60 to 65 degrees can literally mean so many things. It’s torture–well, unless you know how to navigate it.
So for all of you summer lovers–don’t fret yet, because some of your favorite summer staples can help you transition into fall. I’m talking about that dress you can’t fathom putting away, your favorite pair of wedges, and even your coveted white jeans. Yes, I did just say white jeans. The rule banning us from wearing white after Labor Day can finally take a backseat. Now, I’m not saying go ahead and wear that white cotton dress from the Fourth of July, but following my tips and research will help your transition from summer into fall be easier on your head, and on your wallet.
1. Your favorite summer dress: What’s easier to throw on in the summer than a dress? Answer: other than a swimsuit, nothing. It’s light, breezy, and still allows you to appear as if you tried to look nice in the 90-degree heat. You probably went out and bought five of the same kind, and even thinking about putting it away for an extended period of time is making you cringe. How can you part with something that helped guide you through those miserably hot summer days? Solution: Pair it with a jean jacket, colored tights, and your favorite pair of boots. If the outfit is too simple for you, or if it’s a little colder outside, add a scarf. If you’re not adventurous enough for colored tights, stick with solid black; but ones like the cranberry pair pictured below add a hint of flair, yet aren’t so flashy that they are obnoxious. Believe me – I’m so not into being flashy.
2. Your coveted white jeans: How long have you been told that you can’t wear white jeans after Labor Day? Even my grandmother instilled it in my mom’s head that she passed onto my sister and me. We hear it again and again from fashion magazines and blogs for decades. Everyone, hold your breath. I’m telling you to unfold those jeans right away. You can still work them into your fall attire. Instead of sandals, opt for booties and a more fall-appropriate blouse. If it’s colder out, simply pair it with a leather jacket and a scarf. To make the white jeans acceptable, stick with darker colors to accessorize.
3. Jean cutoffs: These have been a summer staple for years. They can also be worn in those fall days that are slightly warmer. Pair it with a cozy sweater, and a button-down shirt underneath to go for a more collegiate look. Finish the outfit by pairing it with military boots, or booties if you are going for a sophisticated look. Either way, this look is perfect for a long day spent on campus. You know what I’m talking about–the days where you see your breath in the morning, but by the afternoon it ends up being seventy degrees.
4. Graphic tees: Like dresses, graphic tees are so easy to throw on in the summer with a pair of jean shorts. But they can easily lose their place in your fall wardrobe. For an edgier look, you may have paired it with a high-waisted skirt. This is super easy to transition into fall and can even be used for a night out! Throw on a leather jacket and a pair of oxfords or flats. To appear dressier for a night out, wear a pair of heels.
5. Wedges: Now, even I have to admit that I had no idea how to pull off wedges in the fall. But after doing some research, it’s really similar to reusing your summer dress. Throw on a cardigan, scarf, and colored tights. Because this look may be overwhelming and outside some of our comfort zones, I would stick to neutral colors and earth tones.
6. Use your denim: I personally am obsessed with it. Denim jackets, denim shirts, and different kinds of denim jeans. They fit perfectly into any outfit, especially for the fall when you don’t need to wear big, heavy jackets yet. Ever in a rush in the morning, especially when you’re unsure of the awkward inbetween weather? Put on a pair of jeans, a simple tee, a small jacket, a scarf, and for your feet some booties, flats, or even cute sneakers. Throw your hair up in a ballerina bun and there you go–an outfit decided in probably less than one minute.
Dressing for the fall doesn’t have to be so complicated. Plus it includes layers you can take off if it happens to get warmer later in the day. This is the time of year when you can really showcase your own personal style because everyone can see what you’re wearing–there’s nothing to hide under. Be creative and have fun with it! Remember that not all pieces of clothing only belong in one season.