There’s nothing like the first fall-like day of September to get you excited for the upcoming season. Here at Bucknell, we’ve already started experiencing this transformation from summer to autumn with the start of classes, the changing colors of the leaves, the advertisements for Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Dunkin’ and 7th St., and most importantly the transition from wearing our summer staples to our fall must-haves. Don’t want to stop wearing your favorite summer t-shirt, sundress, or shorts? No need to worry! Take my tips about how you can make your summer favorites fall-appropriate…and fall chic!
- WHITE JEANS
Many are skeptical of the “white jeans in the fall” look, myself being one of those people. But if you’re not ready to give up your white skinnies just yet, try pairing them with a neutral-colored sweater and leather flats or boots. Add a bold statement necklace to make the look really pop! White is a clean color that looks great year-round, so don’t fear it this fall…instead, embrace it.
- FLORAL SUNDRESS
I live in my floral sundresses all summer, so I always get emotional packing them away in my closet for the fall. Yet when paired with leather ankle or riding boots, a military jacket or open chambray shirt, and a neutral-colored infinity scarf, floral sundresses are totally wearable all autumn long!
- CHINO/DENIM SHORTS
Shorts are always difficult to part with (especially after they’ve exposed your gorgeously tanned legs all summer long…), but you can definitely make them work for fall. For a polished preppy-meets-urban look, try pairing a dark blazer and plain t-shirt with your favorite pair of denim shorts. Add flats or ankle boots and an armful of bracelets to complete the look! For colored chino shorts, try pairing them with a black or navy sweater, and add fun accessories like a belt or statement necklace to create a look that’s comfortable, cute, and classic.
- PRINTED TANKS
A cool printed tank really makes an outfit. New flash: printed tanks can still work in the fall! Try pairing one with a jean jacket and black skinny jeans, or with a long knit cardigan and dark jeans. Either way, your printed tank will still be the focal point of your outfit, and will fit right in for fall!
- MAXI DRESS
Maxi dresses are such an easy summer go-to piece that it’s super difficult to put them away for the fall. Fear not! Putting a jacket, blazer, or cardigan on over your maxi looks super put together and is great for these autumn months. Adding a leather belt or dark scarf to your maxi, along with fun earrings or bracelets, lets you get creative and embrace the feeling of fall without saying goodbye to summer just yet. And for the record, sandals with maxis are still totally acceptable!
- CHAMBRAY SHIRT
A classic chambray shirt does wonders for your wardrobe and is an amazing transition piece. Instead of pairing it with your white or chino shorts, try embracing the denim-on-denim look by pairing a lighter chambray shirt with dark skinny jeans, ankle boots, and a bright belt. Also, unbuttoning the shirt and wearing it over a maxi or sundress looks great and adds an extra layer during these cooler days!
- NEON/BRIGHTS
Oh, bright colors…how much fun you are to wear! Fall typically means wearing darker hues, earthy colors, and jewel tones, but neons and brights don’t have to completely be left out of your fall wardrobe. Pair a bright sweater or t-shirt with jeans, leather boots, and a printed scarf for a look that’s fun, carefree, and fall-inspired. Can’t part with that neon sundress just yet? Throw a neutral-colored sweater over it for a cute, easy fall fashion update!
- LIGHT SWEATERS
I couldn’t be more obsessed with my summer sweaters, and I always struggle with transitioning to my chunkier, heavier sweaters right away. The solution? LAYER! Try wearing a light-weight sweater over a chambray or white button-down and pairing it with a skirt, dark jeans, or black skinnies and flats or boots. You can still live in your favorite sweaters, but adding an extra layer under them makes for an easier transition from summer to fall weather!
With these tips, you can really have your cake and eat it, too. Why give up your favorite summer fashion pieces when they still work perfectly in the fall? Beats me. Some creativity and inspiration is all you need to still look fabulous during this seasonal transition…make it a fashionable one!