3 Ways To Ease Into Fall
Fall is my favorite season, but I still have a hard time letting summer go! The transition from summer to fall just seems to be the most dramatic of all the seasons. Just when I get used to the noise and clutter of our kids being home for the summer, September arrives. Though I love the quieter house, and the structure that school brings to our lives, the change is jarring. So I try to find ways to ease into fall. Here’s how I do it…
Ease Into Fall By Warming Up
Here in New York, our mornings are already chilly, so I’ve switched from drinking cold water to various warm beverages.
Lemon Water, Coffee, And Tea
Lately, I’ve been focused on staying better hydrated. Before my first cup of coffee, I make myself some hot water mixed with the juice of half a lemon.
For the rest of the day, I sip various herbal teas, especially those that help me pack in extra nutrients. If you can handle the grassy taste, Organic Nettle Leaf contains vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. (There are potential side effects, so consult your doctor before deciding whether nettle leaf tea is right for you.) For more information about nettles, take a look at this post from mindbodygreen.
I like to end the day with Organic India’s Sweet Rose tea which is holy basil with rose tea flavor. You can also buy food-grade rose petals to steep into tea. Here’s another article from mindbodygreen that highlights seven herbal teas and their benefits.
Transition Your Closet
Though most of us think of September as a part of fall, it really is mostly summer. Fall starts on September 23rd, most of the U.S stays warm until October, and daylight saving ends on November 3rd. So before you pack away your summer clothing, here are some ways to wear them in early fall.
Sleeveless Top + Lightweight Pants + Cropped Cardigan
In September, I like to switch my shorts to lightweight pants. These are the Tribeca Utility Crop Pants which I wrote about in this post. I prefer a cardigan over a jacket at this time of year, as I can fold up a cardigan and store it in my handbag when the day warms up.
$ My cardigan is a silk-cotton blend that isn’t available right now. You can buy this Washable Merino Cardigan which is the same style, but slightly warmer.
$ For a more casual, textured cardigan take a look at J.Crew’s Balloon Sleeve Cable Knit Cardigan. The chunky knit is a nice contrast to the smooth fabric of my pants and top.
$$ This Kate Spade Scalloped Trim Cardigan is made from a blend of silk, cotton, and cashmere.
Mock-Neck Top + Skirt + Booties
In July and August, it was too hot to wear a mock-neck top. Now that it is a little cooler, I’m wearing this lace one regularly. My skirt and top are all from past seasons but here are some options you’ll find online now.
Banana Republic’s Eyelet Tie-Waist Top has a similar feel.
This Ruffle Mock-Neck Top from & Other Stories is a nice transition top.
If you like a mini length skirt, Rebecca Minkoff’s Cassia Pintuck Mini Skirt is cute.
Ann Taylor has a few pleated skirt options that range from knee-length to maxi length.
Reconnect With Friends, Or Yourself
Since many of us travel over the summer, we often don’t see our friends at this time of year. For me, this means most of my mom friends who spent the summer entertaining and driving their kids! Fall is a nice time to reconnect with them, before the chaos of the holiday season. I’m planning some coffee and lunch dates for the first few weeks of September.
On the other hand, if you have a cottage, a pool or a patio, you probably spent all summer entertaining. Take some time to reconnect with yourself. This could mean anything from setting goals, to meditating, to spending time alone doing what you like to do. Because of my kids’ activities, I missed my regular yoga classes. I’m looking forward to re-starting them this week.
Other Ways To Ease Into Fall
I mentioned a few home changes in my last post, but there’s one more way to ease into fall: fragrances. Whether you change your scented candle, switch your hand soap, or add cinnamon to your tea, there are some distinct flavors that will help you ease into fall.
Let me know what you do in September to get ready for fall.
This post is a part of a Linkup Party, hosted by Julie of This Main Line Life.
These are great tips! I have to admit I am never ready for the arrival of the fall season, but when it arrives, I don’t want it to move on 🙂
Hi Yashin, I with ya! I love fall but dread winter! xo Nipa
These are all great ways to transition into a season that I enter kicking and screaming. I’m never ready for it to head into cold weather and see everything brown up. Starting the day with a good hit of vitamin C is never a bad idea and I, too, start drinking decaf teas because I find I just can’t take in the amount of water that I do during the warmer months just by drinking water. I love both of those looks so much – you look just beautiful in them!
Ruth
Thank you so much, Ruth! I love fall, but like you start dreading the really cold weather! xo Nipa
I still have to transition my closet. Since it’s still so warm I think I’ll do it in 2 stages this year. One of the things I really love about the cooler weather is tea. I have a cup every morning. Have a great weekend.
Hi Julie, I used to do a big clean-up and closet transition at the end of every season… but now I’m finding it much easier to transition slowly. xo Nipa
These are great tips! It’s always so hard transitioning from Summer to Fall. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Grace, I’m glad they were helpful! xo Nipa
I’d live to dive into fall full force but I live in the desert where it is still o er 100 degrees. I need to ease it in. Lol. I really love all of these suggestions.
Hi Christa, I’ll have to write a “cooling down” post for you, sometime! xo Nipa
I love fall but always want to hold on to summer as long as possible! These are great tips! Loving your mock neck top and polka dot skirt!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you, Jill, they’re two of my favorite transition pieces! xo Nipa
Great suggestions! I love fall. I’m excited to switch my house over to fall décor.
Thanks, Cindy! Enjoy your decorating! xo Nipa
A fall closet refresh is totally on my list of to-dos this weekend. I can’t wait to bring out all the fall sweaters and lipstick colors!
Hi Chelsea, Lipstick is a fun way to update your look for the season! xo Nipa
These are great tips! I’ve been looking at my fall clothes and realizing it’s definitely not time to pull out my sweaters yet, even though I’m excited to wear them! I have been adding cardigans to outfits on cooler days though. I also love having candles that smell more like fall instead of the summery scents we’ve been burning the past few months.
Hi Taylor, Thanks for reading my post! I haven’t bought any scented candles this season, but I’ve started baking “fall” flavored goodies that make our kitchen smell good all day! xo Nipa
Having warm drinks more often is my FAVOURITE way to transition into the colder months! I’ve been a huge fan of tea all my life and, as cheesy as it sounds, to this day every time I have a cup, it literally feels like a warm hug ☺️ I’m also a sucker for some good hot chocolate, too!
Hi Indya! I agree it does feel like a warm hug. I’ve been known to drink tea instead of water as soon as they turn on the airconditioning in a restaurant!!! Hot chocolate is yummy too. Good suggestion! xo Nipa
I always have a hard time letting go of summer! It’s my favorite month! These are great recommendations to help with the transition! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie, Thanks for stopping by! I guess we wouldn’t appreciate summer quite as much if it weren’t for the other seasons, right? xo Nipa
Fall is my favourite season, too. These are great ideas, Nipa.
I pull out my cast iron pots and start doing slow cooking braises. Also, I stock up on candles to keep the house cosy for those shorter days & longer nights of autumn.
Hi Susan! That sounds lovely. We just ordered a cast-iron skillet that is supposed to be lighter than most. I’d forgotten about those cozy fall meals! xo Nipa