Do you feel all cozy in your new fall sweaters in the morning but are then roasting by mid-afternoon? Want to know some easy hacks for how to transition your summer clothes to fall?
It’s the plight of what to wear at the end of summer. September and October has such contrasting weather within the span of one day, it can be tricky to know how to dress.
Especially because you’re dying to wear your cozy fall clothes without sweating all afternoon.
Today I’m sharing how to transition your summer clothes into fall vibes!
These combos are mostly what I’ve been wearing until it turns cool enough to actually wear a pullover sweater all day!
And yes, I have a couple of super cute new sweaters that I am dying to wear too. Colder weather will come… I’m trying to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!
How to Transition Summer Clothes to Fall: 8 Cute Outfit Ideas for 2026
Tip 1: Layer with Comfy Completer Pieces
In the morning, wear your outfit with a completer piece like a kimono, cardigan, or denim jacket. Then shed the layer in the afternoon when it warms up.
Tip 2: Pull Out That Simple Maxi Dress
This short-sleeve maxi dress* from Amazon is cool enough for that “indian summer” warmth but easy to layer with a denim jacket and customizable bar necklace + leather accessories* to feel like fall.
*This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchases you make using my recommendations at no cost to you!
Quick tip: Try a knot if your maxi dress is too long and you haven’t gotten around to hemming it.
Or any dress with fall colors for that matter:
The booties make this feel like fall, but I can shed the jacket and this short sleeve dress will keep me cool!
Tip 3: Wear Summer Clothes with Fall Vibes
Keep wearing those shorts + top combos but add some fall textures and patterns.
This gingham button-down has fall vibes. I pushed it in the fall direction by adding leather sandals–because leather feels like fall!
Style Pro Tip: This customizable bar necklace on Amazon is an inexpensive way to look on-trend and carry a favorite message by your heart. Mine says “i am his.”
Here I paired it with a fallish color cardigan and leather flats.
And here, the leather gladiator sandals and camo print give fall vibes, but you can shed the jacket and it’s a great outfit for hot weather!
Or here’s another gal wearing linen pants and a white tee with sandals… light and airy. But since the pants are rust-colored it gives you fall vibes!
Tip 4: Wear a Neutral Outfit with Animal Prints (Or Any Other Seasonal Print)
My belt and shoes turn this simple white tee + jeans outfit into a perfect look for fall. You can wear it with a cardigan when it’s chilly in the morning and then shed the cardigan in the afternoon.
Style Pro Tip: Wedge sneakers are a trendy AND mom-friendly way to add a few inches to your stature without twisting an ankle! Look in the shopping widget at the end of this post for a link.
Here’s another example: pair your summer shorts with a leopard print belt. It’s like wearing summer with a nod to fall.
You can also accomplish this with plaid, camo, or other animal prints in your earrings, shoes, or your bag.
Leopard is such a fall print! Since it’s a skirt, it’s still cool enough to wear in the hot fall weather. Shed the jacket if you need to!
Tip 5: Pull Out Your Fall-Winter Color Cardigan
You might not have brought all your fall and winter pieces into your closet, but take a moment to at least grab your “Fall-Winter Color Cardigan.” This is a piece in our What-to-Wear Outfit Calendar that will turn any simple outfit into a cozy look.
A cardigan is also an easy layer to shed when it gets warmer later in the day, and to put back on for that last minute date with hubby. (YASS, got one of those last week!)
Tip 6: Focus on Accessorizing with Fallish Pieces & Textures
If you’re still needing to wear tanks and shorts, you can look for jewelry, shoes, hair pieces, or bags that have fall vibes. These earrings from my friend’s jewelry shop, Grace Unfaded, have a beautiful gold leaf design that is perfect for fall.
Some fall prints to look for in your wardrobe are: camo, gingham, buffalo plaid, animal prints. Some fall textures are gold and leather.
8 Cute End of Summer Outfit Ideas
And there you have it!
Try these “hacks” to achieve a fall look while stay cool during the last days of summer.
Here are the outfits together. They are all based on outfit formulas in my What-to-Wear Outfit Calendar—our most popular product! Grab your copy here!
You’ll see I did some swapping of shoes and completer pieces to make it more “fallish.” Using the Outfit Guide is kind of like following a recipe book. At the end of summer you might have a bunch of tomatoes from your garden to use up so you adapt the recipe and throw those in. The outfit formulas are just a starting point!
Where to Find Essential Fall Pieces for Transitioning Summer Clothes to Fall
Here are links to some of the items I’m wearing as well as similar pieces. Having just a few season-specific pieces can really dress up your simple outfits and help stretch your existing wardrobe!
Overview of How to Transition Summer Clothes to Fall
- Layer with Comfy Completer Pieces
- Style a Simple Maxi Dress
- Wear Your Summer Clothes That Have Fall Vibes
- Wear a Neutral Outfit with Animal Prints (Or Any Other Seasonal Print)
- Layer Summery Outfits With Your Fall-Winter Color Cardigan
- Focus on Accessorizing with Fallish Pieces & Textures
Are you excited for fall or dreading it? Where you inspired by any of these tips? Please let me know in the comments below!
Related Reads:
- What to Wear in the Fall: 11 Casual Everyday Mom Outfits
- Fall & Winter Fashion Trends That Anyone Can Wear
