Writer / Stephanie Weber
Photographer / Holyn Booher
It’s still in the 90s most days, but fall is quickly approaching. August is the month that students go back to school, the football games dominate weekends and stores start to put out their fall styles if they haven’t already.
Sweaters are probably the farthest thing from your mind, but if you love fall fashion as much as I do, you’re ready to start transitioning. There are a few easy ways to do that even with the summer heat that looms for at least the next month.
- Utilize Denim
Now is the time to add denim to your wardrobe. Stock up on a couple of pairs of new skinnies or boyfriend fit jeans because you’ll be able to wear them through the next couple of seasons. Nordstrom, Madewell, Evereve, and Sweet Olive are my go-to stores to find new denim styles that are comfortable and also on trend for the year. - Flannels Are a Must
You simply can’t go wrong with flannels, especially for fall. Wear these now unbuttoned with a tank or graphic tee and your favorite denim shorts. Then when the temperatures drop, layer flannels with a vest paired with booties and your new high-rise skinny jeans. This is the ultimate piece for bonfires and, honestly, if you only add one item to your wardrobe for fall, it should be flannels. - Peep Toe Booties Are a Good Way to Go
Right now, it’s a little too warm for booties with socks, at least for me. I’d suggest peep toe booties that will go with almost every outfit. You can wear these with dresses, denim or even shorts. DSW almost always has a great selection and they are my go-to store for shoes. - Add Fall Colors
It seems this year that fall colors have been on trend since January. We’ve seen mustard and olive for most of the summer, but if you haven’t added them to your wardrobe yet, now is certainly the time. Along with those two hues, purple, navy and burgundy are also a few to add to your shopping list. Try a fall-colored button-up paired with denim shorts and a peep toe bootie. That’s the perfect August look. - Layer Up
As we move into fall, you probably notice that mornings are chilly followed by warm, sunny days and then back into breezy nights again. A light cardigan with a short sleeve floral top and your favorite denim is a good way to go. You can also use flannels as a layering piece. Leather jackets are common as we move into colder temps. But, be careful not to over-layer in a way that looks messy and confusing leaving you with no shape.
- Sandals Are Acceptable
Utilize those summer sandals as long as you can because your feet won’t see the light of day until at least March. I used to say that “jeans and flip-flop” weather is my favorite and that holds true today. Wear sandals with your favorite jumpsuits, denim or dresses until it’s just too cold. Black or cognac sandals are my suggestion for transitional colors. - Add Some Prints
Leopard is always popular for fall and so is plaid. Bold fall florals are another print to add. Pattern mixing is one of my favorite things to try for fall. I like to mix leopard flats with a plaid top and comfortable denim. Add statement earrings to the look and you’re good to go.
These tips are easy ways to make fall clothing work even though it’s still warm outside. It’s best to start transitioning now while the stores are coming out with those perfect pieces for your family photos at the apple orchard.
Those beautiful Indiana fall sunsets will be here before we know it, make sure your wardrobe is ready!
