4 Ways To Wear Your Summer Clothes One Last Time

Last weekend, I started to put away my summer clothes so that I could make room for my fall ones. I realized then, how many of my summer clothes, I hadn’t worn this year. We had so many hot, muggy days followed by thunderstorms, that I didn’t need my long-sleeved shirts, white jeans, and summer jackets. So I gave myself a challenge: to find ways to wear these neglected pieces one last time before I washed and packed them away.

Summer Clothes To Put Away And Ones To Keep Out

I store my off-season clothing in garment bags and in drawers under my bed. That way, when I look into my closet I see only my current season clothing, making it easier to pull together an outfit. This year, I have put away two categories of clothing:

1. Vacation wear that I know I won’t need until next summer (swimsuits, flip-flops, straw hats.)
2. Summer clothes that I have worn over-and-over again (certain shorts, some of my summer dresses, and strappy sandals)

The rest (long-sleeved blouses, capri pants, t-shirts, and lightweight jackets) are helping me transition into fall.

1. Add A Silk Scarf

You can wear a silk scarf any time of year, but during late summer and early fall, you’ll love the mild warmth that silk adds. Silk fabric is a temperature regulator; it traps your body heat when it is cold outside, but allows your skin to “breathe” when it’s warm. I also love that silk is so lightweight. At this time of year, I don’t want to wear anything bulky or heavy. Whether you wear a lightweight sweater and skirt, or a t-shirt and jeans, a silk scarf will finish off your look.

My silk scarf isn’t available online, but you can achieve the same look with Nordstrom’s Silk Chiffon Oblong Scarf and your favorite white shirt and jeans.

$ If you’re looking for more animal prints to add to your closet, this Larioseta Zebra Print Diamond Silk Scard is currently on sale for under $50 (until September 22nd). This Echo Leopard Silk Diamond Scarf is similar.

$ I also really like the way this Echo Butterfly Leopard Print Silk Scarf and this Leppo Fleurir Square Silk Scarf combine animal prints with other motifs.

$$ This Burberry Monogram & Cow Print Silk Skinny Scarf has a surprise message on one side!

2. Wear It With A Fall Color

Designers have been blurring the lines between traditional seasonal palettes. You can now find pastel florals in the winter, and animal prints in the summer. Still, there are certain colors that we can’t help but associate with fall: deep yellow, rust, wine, brown and olive.

I’ve always loved but struggled with this navy and white tweed jacket. It’s not warm enough for our cold NY spring weather, and too warm for summer. So I’m wearing it now, with the wine t-shirt that I bought from Banana Republic last year. Their current wine pieces include this Ribbed Mock-Neck Tank and their Drapey Top.

If you’re looking for a tweed jacket, this Ann Taylor Tweed Jacket is similar and currently 40% off (please see the website for details.)

3. Switch Your Sandals For Boots

Want to wear that summer dress or skirt one more time? Instead of wearing them with sandals, wear them with ankle boots. If you’re buying new boots, these are some styles that were seen on the streets of New York Fashion Week, this year.

Lace-Up Boots

For an edgy look, try combat boots or hiking boots. If you prefer something more feminine and can handle the high heels, take a look at these Schutz Anaiya High Heel Ankle Booties.

Animal Print/Texture Boots

You can’t really walk into a shoe store without seeing leopard print and snakeskin booties. For something new and a little more subtle look for a croc-effect texture like these Godard Color Block Buckle Boot style.

Square Toe Boots

If you’ve loved the square toe sandals that were so popular this summer, replace them now with square toe boots. My square toe Frye Harness Boots are a bit heavy for this time of year, so I’m looking at some lighter options. Right now, most of the square toes boots that I’m finding are designer brands like Jimmy Choo but it ‘s just a matter of time before affordable brands catch onto the trend. Stay tuned!

4. Carry A Fall Handbag

If you’re still carrying your straw tote, switch it for one that feels like fall. I’ll write about Fall 2019 handbag trends in a future post, but here are some handbag characteristics seem to repeat every fall, year after year.

Fall Colors

Remember those traditional falls colors I mentioned earlier? A handbag in warm browns, reds, yellows, and greens can change your look, even when it’s still warm enough to wear summer clothes.

Mine is a previous season style from Rudsack. The heavier leather and bulkier style make this one of my favorite handbags for fall.

$ Mango’s Fringe Leather Bag comes in two warm shades and can be carried in two different ways.

$$ This red Staud Leather Moon Bag is already popping up on social media.

$$$ I love the color of this Tory Burch Mini Miller Leather Bucket Bag.

Warm Materials

Calf hair, heavy leather (vegan included), flannel and fleece are all fall-friendly materials for handbags.

$ If you loved your basketweave or straw summer bag and want a fall version, take a look at Madewell’s Transport Crossbody Bag in basket-weave leather.

$ Free People’s Petaluma Plaid Hobo Bag in cotton flannel is cozy, roomy and fall-friendly.

$$ Banana Republic’s croc-effect Leather Saddle Bag and Haircalf Leather Frame Bag are on my wishlist.

Which Summer Clothes Are You Holding Onto?

Do you have some summer favorites that you just can’t give up yet? Leave me a comment and let me know how you’re wearing it during this transition into fall. If you enjoyed this post, I would so appreciate it if you would click on the images to save them to your Pinterest board!

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

5 Simple Ways To Wear A Skinny Scarf

New Animal Prints.

5 Classic Boot Styles And How To Wear Them

3 Ways To Ease Into Fall